Nicosia, May 28: Italy and other European Union nations are intensifying efforts to restore peace in war-torn Ukraine and the conflict-affected Middle East. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has expressed support for initiatives aimed at reopening the Hormuz Strait and ensuring freedom of navigation in this critical maritime route.
On Thursday, Tajani took to social media platform X to announce that these countries are working towards an agreement to swiftly reopen the Hormuz Strait, ensuring the freedom of vessels in this vital waterway.
In his post, Tajani stated, “The informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Limassol, Cyprus, aims to strengthen the path to peace in both Ukraine and the Middle East.”
He added, “We are working to facilitate an agreement for the immediate reopening of the Hormuz Strait to guarantee navigation and international trade freedom.”
According to Italy’s Adnkronos news agency, the post further mentioned that strategic partners like India’s Dr. S. Jaishankar and Saudi Arabia’s Faisal bin Farhan are joining these efforts.
Tajani concluded, “Together with them, through the IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor), we are boosting Italian exports, which promotes economic growth and job creation.”
A statement from the Italian Foreign Ministry indicated that Thursday’s meeting focused on the Middle East and Gulf, its global impact, military and economic ramifications, and facilitating dialogue to end the ongoing 12-week conflict between the U.S. and Iran, aiming for a complete restoration of navigation freedom through the Hormuz Strait.
The statement also noted that the so-called ‘Gymnich’ meeting would provide an opportunity to review the situation regarding Israel’s war against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon and the conditions in the occupied Palestinian territories (Gaza and West Bank).
Partners, including the EU and the U.S., signed an agreement for the IMEC project in 2023, aimed at connecting India to the Arabian Gulf and Europe via shipping and rail.
Announced during the 2023 G20 Summit in India, the ambitious IMEC project is seen as a counter to China’s Belt and Road Global Infrastructure Plan, though delays have arisen due to significant geopolitical and financial obstacles.
In discussions last week in Rome, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized advancing and accelerating the IMEC, part of efforts to enhance mutual cooperation and strengthen diplomatic and trade relations, transforming their relationship into a strategic partnership.
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