Italy and China engage in diplomatic talks regarding Yemen and Afghan security

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani held a telephone conversation with Yemeni Foreign Minister Afrah Al-Zouba to discuss regional escalation and the necessity of ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. Tajani expressed Italy’s support for the internationally recognized government of Yemen and its commitment to the peace process and humanitarian assistance. He highlighted Italy’s role in the EU’s Aspides naval operation and the “Rome Coalition” aimed at food security.

Separately, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Xing met with Afghan officials, including Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani. The discussions centered on regional security, specifically Beijing’s concerns regarding the presence of Uyghur militants near the Xinjiang border. China fears that groups such as the Turkestan Islamic Party may use Afghan territory, particularly the Badakhshan region, as a base for activities against China. While the Taliban have pledged not to allow Afghan soil to threaten other nations, Kabul faces the challenge of addressing security demands from China, Russia, Iran, and Central Asian states.