ROME 

Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Monday that Rome aims to play a larger role in the Arctic region and could work with Canada on related initiatives.

Tajani held talks with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in Rome.

Following the meeting, the two ministers held a joint press conference.

Tajani said the discussions covered key issues, including Italy-Canada relations, climate change, security, energy, scientific research, and the Arctic region.

He added: "Italy wants to play a larger role in that part of the world. Canada is already active, and we can work together."

Tajani also invited Canada to a summit that Italy will host on the Arctic in March, expressing confidence in the potential for joint initiatives.

For her part, Anand said Canada and Italy share common priorities regarding Arctic security, defense, and security in the NATO context, support for Ukraine, as well as Middle East and Gaza issues.

Anand noted that 70% of Canada’s coastline and 40% of its territory are connected to the Arctic.

She said ongoing efforts focus on increasing defense spending, collaborating with NATO and the North American Aerospace Defense Command, and establishing additional northern facilities to address threats from sea, air, and land.

"This remains one of our priorities," she said.

* Writing by Melike Pala.