Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani speaks at a meeting of the G7 Foreign Ministers during NATO's 75th anniversary summit in Washington, DC, on July 11, 2024. (AFP Photo)
By Newsroom
Dec 10, 2024 9:31 AM
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described Türkiye as an “important interlocutor” in addressing the situation in Syria, emphasizing its pivotal role in stabilizing the region.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani’s statement about the situation in Syria.
Speaking on a televised program, Tajani shared updates on international developments and detailed his discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, which included concerns about the protection of Christian minorities in Syria.
Optimism tempered by caution on Syrian developments
Reflecting on recent advancements in Syria, Tajani expressed cautious optimism. “I am optimistic about the situation in Syria. I believe the situation can progress in the right direction, but we have to be prudent,” he said, highlighting Italy’s measured approach to the issue.
The Italian foreign minister noted that stability in Syria is vital for broader regional stability, calling it “essential for the stability of the Middle East.”
I am following the evolution of the situation with concerned attention in Syria constant contact with our embassy in Damascus and with Palazzo Chigi.
At 10:30 I have called an emergency meeting at the Farnesina.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani
TEL RIFAAT, SYRIA – DECEMBER 01: Soldiers of Syrian National Army (SNA) is continuing its advance in the Tel Rifaat district as part of its Operation Dawn of Freedom, aimed at blocking the PKK/YPG’s (PKK listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the U.S. and the EU and YPG which Turkiye consider as the extension of PKK in Syria) terrorist corridor between Tel Rifaat and Manbij in the evening on December 01, 2024 in Tel Rifaat, Syria. SNA forces, which continued fighting terrorists positioned in Tel Rifaat on the northwestern, northeastern, eastern and southern front lines of the district, entered from Deir Jamal in the west of Tel Rifaat and cleared the district center of terrorists. ( Bekir Kasım – Anadolu Agency )HOMS, SYRIA – DECEMBER 6: Anti-regime armed groups, opposing the Bashar al-Assad regime, advance inner parts of Homs, Syria on December 6, 2024. ( İzettin Kasım – Anadolu Agency )Anti-government fighters parade in the streets of Hama after forces captured the central Syrian city, on Dec.6, 2024. (AFP Photo) A Syrian anti government fighter fires his rifle into the air in the streets of the west-central city of Hama on December 5, 2024. – Islamist-led rebels captured the central Syrian city of Hama on December 5, days after seizing the country’s commercial hub Aleppo in a lightning offensive against President Bashar al-Assad’s forces. (Photo by Abdulaziz KETAZ / AFP)
Italy monitors developments in Syria closely
Italy is maintaining close surveillance of the situation “minute by minute,” according to Tajani. He also discussed recent interactions with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, which included dialogue on protecting Christian minorities in Syria.
The Syrian conflict saw a surprising shift recently, with opposition forces launching a swift offensive that resulted in the capture of Damascus on Dec. 8.
This development marked the collapse of the Assad regime after 13 years of civil war. Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family have reportedly sought asylum in Moscow.
This photograph taken in Belgrade on December 9, 2024 shows front pages of some Serbian newspapers, dominated by stories about the fall of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad. (Photo by OLIVER BUNIC / AFP)This photograph taken in Moscow on December 9, 2024, shows front pages of some of Russia’s national newspapers, dominated by stories about the fall of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad. – The Kremlin declined on December 9, 2024 to confirm reports that toppled Syrian president Bashar al-Assad had fled to Moscow, adding that it was “surprised” by the rebel takeover. (Photo by Alexander NEMENOV / AFP)A picture shows the front pages of some of Spain’s national newspapers, dominated by stories about the fall of Syria’s President, in Madrid on December 9, 2024. – Syrians flocked to the main square of the capital city Damascus today to mark what many regard as a long-awaited new dawn after the fall of president Bashar al-Assad, AFP journalists saw. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP)A picture shows the front pages of some of Britain’s national newspapers, dominated by stories about the fall of Syria’s President, in London on December 9, 2024. – Syrians flocked to the main square of the capital city Damascus on Monday to mark what many regard as a long-awaited new dawn after the fall of president Bashar al-Assad, AFP journalists saw. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP)
Stability in region remains priority
Tajani reaffirmed Italy’s vigilance, describing the situation as a critical moment for the region’s stability.
He stated that ensuring a stable Syria is vital for the Middle East’s overall security and highlighted Türkiye’s indispensable role in achieving this goal.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani speaks at a meeting of the G7 Foreign Ministers during NATO's 75th anniversary summit in Washington, DC, on July 11, 2024. (AFP Photo)
