His comments came after US Vice President J.D. Vance said he “hated bailing Europe out” by striking Houthi rebels in Yemen who have been targeting Western ships in the Red Sea.

“Given that I don’t like the word ‘hate’, it’s not my language, I want to remind everyone that we protect our merchant ships ourselves,” said Tajani, who is also deputy prime minister.

“Our Navy has shot down several drones launched by the Houthis against us.

“Maybe Vance has just arrived, maybe he doesn’t know the background, but we are integrated into a series of operations, including with the US and the UK.

“The Italian Navy is there, we protect our merchant ships ourselves, others don’t protect them, and we protect others as others protect us.

“This is to dot the i’s, with great respect and without hating anyone.”

ANSA