ROME: Saudi Arabia and Italy have called for safeguarding the freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden in accordance with international law.
The views were expressed during a meeting between Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Frahan and his counterpart from Italy, Antonio Tajani, on the margins of the meeting of the co-chairs of the working groups of the New York conference and members of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, held in Rome, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Wednesday.
The sides reviewed regional developments and reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral strategic partnership.
The two ministers welcomed the outcomes of the Global Alliance meetings and reaffirmed their support for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. They underscored the importance of interfaith dialogue in achieving a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution.
Saudi Arabia, Italy Issue Declaration Stressing Need to Protect Freedom of Navigation and Maritime Security in Straits of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab.https://t.co/QbSc1Ti00g#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/sUdIq8vshq
— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) July 29, 2026
Saudi Arabia, Italy condemn Houthi attacks
On Yemen, the ministers urged all parties to engage constructively in a political process aimed at achieving a comprehensive and lasting settlement.
They condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including those targeting civilian infrastructure and critical facilities, as well as threats to maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. They reaffirmed their commitment to humanitarian and development assistance for Yemen and expressed continued support for the Yemeni people.
Preserving Gaza ceasefire
They also stressed the need to preserve the Gaza ceasefire, facilitate the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, support early recovery efforts and back reform initiatives by the Palestinian Authority. Condemning the surge in settler violence across the occupied West Bank, the ministers called for the protection of Palestinian civilians and reiterated their opposition to any form of annexation of the territory, as well as the forcible displacement of Palestinians.
Joint Declaration by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Italian Republic.
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— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) July 29, 2026
Reaffirming their commitment to international law, including international humanitarian law, the ministers emphasised the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Middle East waterways in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
They also acknowledged the role of the European Union’s EUNAVFOR Aspides mission, particularly Italy’s contribution, in protecting commercial shipping.
Strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz
They highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, opposing any unilateral measures that could restrict maritime transit, and 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.
Also Read: Gulf Foreign Ministers Discuss Strait of Hormuz Security, Regional Stability
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, carrying about 20 per cent of global oil consumption and serving as the principal export route for oil producers in the Gulf region.
The ministers welcomed the continued development of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their determination to further strengthen cooperation in all key sectors, building on the strategic partnership between the two countries.
The ministers also reviewed preparations for joint initiatives linked to the next edition of the Salone del Mobile.Milano in Riyadh, describing the event as a successful example of bilateral cooperation in the design sector. They highlighted its focus on industrial excellence, innovation, creativity and the promotion of emerging talent.
They also agreed to maintain close coordination and continue working together to support regional peace, security and stability, while advancing the objectives of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.
