Antony Blinken was heading on Thursday to Rome for talks with European counterparts on bringing stability to Syria in the face of flare-ups with Turkey.

Italy’s foreign minister said Thursday that coordination between partners is a “strategic” element to achieve peace and stability in Syria. Antonio Tajani made the remarks after holding a meeting of the Quint group in Italy ahead of his trip to the Syrian capital Damascus.

Foreign ministers from Italy, France, Germany, Britain and the United States will meet this week over the situation in Syria, Italy said Tuesday.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan highlighted the importance of taking immediate action for the reconstruction of Syria, including lifting sanctions in

In phone call with Italian premier, Recep Tayyip Erdogan says lifting sanctions on Syria with Italy taking lead would benefit this process - Anadolu Ajansı

Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Wednesday he would travel to Syria Friday where he plans to announce an initial development aid package for the country ravaged by years of war.

Italy said it is prepared to make proposals on private investments in health care for Syrians, and is seeking to coordinate several post-Assad initiatives.

Syria's economy has been decimated by more than a decade of civil war and sanctions that have severed it from the global financial system.

ROME (Reuters) - NATO needs a stronger focus on the south and Africa, Italy's prime minister told a news conference on Thursday, saying Russia might boost its presence in eastern Libya after the collapse of its allied regime in Syria.