BRUSSELS

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized Thursday Italy's commitment to international law and diplomacy amid rising tensions in Latin America.

"In the delicate context of tensions affecting the Latin American region, Italy reaffirms the primacy of international law and the preeminence of diplomacy in resolving disputes. We stress the importance of cooperation among states to combat drug trafficking and safeguard human lives," Tajani said on US social media platform X.

Tajani's remarks come amid heightened regional tensions following Washington's military buildup in the Caribbean, justified as an effort to combat drug trafficking.

US attacks on vessels alleged to belong to drug trafficking groups, coupled with President Donald Trump's threats to invade Venezuela, have significantly escalated the situation.

In response, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro warned he could mobilize a militia force of 4.5 million people, putting Latin America at the center of global political and security debates over the past five months.

The foreign minister reiterated that Italy continues to advocate for multilateral solutions and dialogue to address these challenges effectively.