Italian PM urges closer Europe–Gulf cooperation amid Hormuz closure and Bab el-Mandeb instability

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told the Europe–Gulf forum in New York that Europe and the Gulf must cooperate more closely than ever.

• Meloni said the continued Hormuz closure and new instability at Bab el-Mandeb show Europe and the Gulf share more common ground than previously thought.
• She stated shared prosperity depends on lasting peace, free trade, secure ties, and freedom of navigation without arbitrary fees or restrictions.
• Meloni stressed the need for closer cooperation than ever and said her government has pursued this goal since taking office.
• She expressed hope the meeting reaffirms Europe's and the Gulf's readiness to take greater responsibility for our peoples' security, development, and welfare.