Saudi Arabia, Italy stress maritime security in Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab

A joint statement was issued today following a bilateral meeting in Rome between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani. The statement reads as follows:

On the sidelines of the co-chairs' meeting of the New York Conference working groups and members of the Global Coalition for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, held in Rome on July 28 and 29, 2026, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani held a bilateral meeting to review regional developments and reaffirm the strength of the strategic partnership between their countries.

The ministers welcomed the outcomes of the Global Coalition meetings, reiterated their support for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza, and highlighted the role of interfaith dialogue in achieving a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.

They reiterated the need to maintain the ceasefire in Gaza, disarm the territory, ensure unimpeded humanitarian aid to civilians, and initiate early recovery activities. The ministers also expressed support for Palestinian Authority reform efforts, condemned the rise in settler violence in the West Bank, stressed the urgent need to protect Palestinian civilians, and reaffirmed their opposition to any form of annexation—partial, total, or de facto—of the West Bank, as well as to the forced displacement of Palestinians.

The ministers further emphasized the importance of respecting international law, including international humanitarian law, and underscored the need to protect freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Gulf of Aden, and international sea lanes, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. They acknowledged the contribution of the European maritime operation "EUNAVFOR Aspides," and Italy in particular, in safeguarding commercial shipping.

Regarding Yemen, the ministers encouraged all parties to engage constructively in a political process aimed at reaching a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the conflict. They condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including those targeting civilian infrastructure and vital facilities, as well as the threats posed to maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait. The ministers reaffirmed the importance of humanitarian and development aid for Yemen and support for the Yemeni people.

The ministers stressed the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, opposed any unilateral measures that would restrict maritime passage, and reiterated their commitment to the Rome Alliance for fertilizer and food security in the Strait of Hormuz to strengthen supply chains and food security, particularly for the most vulnerable countries in Africa and the Mediterranean.

They welcomed the ongoing development of bilateral relations and affirmed their determination to enhance cooperation across all key sectors, based on the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The ministers discussed upcoming joint activities related to the next edition of the "Salone del Mobile Milano" exhibition in Riyadh, as an example of productive bilateral cooperation in the design sector, with a focus on industrial excellence, young talent, innovation, and creativity.

They agreed to maintain communication and continue coordinating efforts to support regional stability, peace, and security, as well as to strengthen the work of the Global Coalition for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.