Riyadh: On the margins of the New York conference's co-chairs meeting in Rome, Saudi Arabia and Italy issued a declaration emphasizing the necessity to protect freedom of navigation and maritime security in vital waterways such as the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab. The conference, held on July 28 and 29, 2026, brought together the Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic, Antonio Tajani, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, who reviewed regional developments and reaffirmed their bilateral strategic partnership.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the two ministers welcomed the outcomes of the Global Alliance meetings, reiterating their support for the implementation of UNSC Resolution 2803 and the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. They highlighted the role of interfaith dialogue in achieving a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution and emphasized the need to maintain the ceasefire in Gaza, demilitarize the strip, and ensure the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians.
The ministers condemned escalating settler violence across the West Bank and reiterated their opposition to any form of annexation of the West Bank or forcible displacement of Palestinians. They stressed the importance of respecting international law, including humanitarian law, and safeguarding freedom of navigation and maritime security in key maritime regions in accordance with UNCLOS. They acknowledged the EU naval operation EUNAVFOR Aspides, particularly Italy's contribution to protecting merchant shipping.
On the situation in Yemen, the ministers encouraged constructive engagement in a political process to reach a lasting solution to the conflict. They condemned the Houthis' attacks against Saudi Arabia and the threats posed to maritime security in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The ministers emphasized the significance of humanitarian and development assistance to Yemen.
The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz was underlined, with opposition to any unilateral measures restricting maritime transit. They reaffirmed their commitment to the Rome Coalition on Fertilizer Access and Food Security in Hormuz to strengthen supply chains and food security, particularly for vulnerable countries in Africa and the Mediterranean.
Further strengthening of bilateral relations was welcomed, with a focus on cooperation in key sectors. Upcoming joint activities related to the Salone del Mobile.Milano in Riyadh were discussed as a testament to fruitful cooperation in the design sector, focusing on industrial excellence, young talents, innovation, and creativity.
The ministers agreed to maintain close contact and coordinate their efforts in support of regional stability, peace, and security, as well as advancing the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.