Rome: Osama Abdullah Al Absi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Italian Republic and current Chairman of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ambassadors in Rome, requested a meeting with Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister of Italy and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, to discuss Iranian attacks on GCC countries and recent developments in the Middle East. Antonio Tajani held an expanded meeting with the GCC ambassadors, as well as the ambassadors of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Trkiye, during which the latest security and regional developments in the area were reviewed.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Ambassador Al Absi expressed the GCC countries' strong condemnation of the Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks targeting their territories and affecting other countries in the region. He affirmed that these attacks constitute a clear violation of the sovereignty, security, and stability of states, a direct threat to the safety of civilians and residents, and a blatant disregard for international law and principles of good neighbourliness.
He highlighted the statement of the GCC-EU meeting regarding the right to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and emphasised the importance of resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomatic means.
On his part, the Italian Deputy Prime Minister affirmed Italy's support for its partners in the Gulf, noting his country's intention to provide assistance in air defence to GCC states. He also stressed the importance of achieving peace in the Middle East, underlining that diplomatic dialogue is the proper means to address crises and reaffirming the GCC countries' right to defend themselves against Iranian attacks.