Tajani in the US sees Rubio. From Ukraine to tariffs, to the future of Unifil in Lebanon, the dossiers on the table

Tariffs, support for Ukraine, but also the emergency in Gaza, the stabilisation of Libya and the future of the Unifil mission in Lebanon, currently led by Italy. These are the dossiers at the centre of the trip of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, who met on Tuesday 15 July in Washington with US institutional authorities, members of the business community and representatives of the Italian-American community. The minister met the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio: 'The meeting with Rubio was very positive, there was an identity of views on the major international issues, we also support the American action to achieve peace in Ukraine, and President Trump's message to Putin that he must cease this attack especially against the civilian population was good. An agreement must be reached as soon as possible," Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said at the press point at the Italian embassy. "Also on the Middle East issue we agree on a ceasefire in Palestine and Gaza for the aid of the civilian population. There is also a common vision regarding the situation in the Indo-Pacific'.

The focus of the mission was on bilateral and transatlantic relations and the main international challenges, starting with support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. after the Conference on Ukraine in Rome proposed the allocation of EUR 10 billion in new funds and the signing of more than 200 agreements and understandings for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Discussions will also focus on the trade situation in light of the Trump administration's announcement to impose 30% tariffs on imports from EU countries as of 1 August, if no agreement is reached by then. The government aims to reach an agreement between the EU and the US that safeguards Italian companies.

The situation in Gaza will also be discussed, confirming the need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the restoration of full humanitarian assistance in the Strip, to which Italy is ready to contribute with the Food for Gaza initiative. The stability of the Middle East, explains a note from the Farnesina, "also depends on a peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, with respect to which Minister Tajani will reiterate the importance of pursuing dialogue and diplomacy, as well as Italy's willingness to foster confrontation between the United States and Iran".

On Libya Tajani will have a confrontation with the Secretary of State. The head of the Farnesina will emphasise the need for renewed political intervention to stabilise the country, to avoid a new drift that would lead to new military clashes and encourage further flows of irregular immigration, and to counter the strengthening of organisations dedicated to smuggling migrants.