Foreign Minister Gentiloni (right) during the press point at the Italian Embassy.
Before departing for Washington, where he will attend an anti Daesh summit, Minister Gentiloni met with representatives of France, Germany, Great Britain and the United States, together with the High Representative of Common Foreign and Security Policy for the European Union, in London to discuss the Syrian crisis.
During the press conference, which took place at the Italian Embassy, the Minister of Foreign Affairs recalled the 6 Italian victims of the tragic attack in Nice, and called for an approach of unity and solidarity in the battle against terrorism. He also stated that putting an end to the “successful narrative” by Islamic extremists is an essential component of the complex strategy aimed at reducing the terrorist threat.
At today’s “Quint” format meeting on Syria hosted by the Foreign Office, Minister Gentiloni underlined his support and appreciation for the United States’ courageous efforts to establish a more effective agreement with Russia, following Obama’s phone call and the recent meeting in Moscow between Kerry and Putin. An agreement, according to the Head of the Farnesina, that confirms the validity of the Italian position which envisages “the possibility of reaching a diplomatic solution to the Syrian crisis through negotiation, an approach that Italy has been following for a long time now”, said Gentiloni, “and facts have proven us right”.
Finally, concerning Brexit, the Minister highlighted that the excellent relationship between Italy and the United Kingdom has not changed and that cooperation will continue on many fronts. He added that it is in the interest of all that the exit of the United Kingdom from the EU happen following a well-defined timing and modality. Concerning Italian citizens in the United Kingdom, the Minister stated that “acquired rights are acquired by definition and in regards to the future status of Italian citizens, we will follow negotiations with great attention”. He concluded that there is reciprocal interest in conducting negotiations in a timely manner and without division.
