Today, Italy has a task to reduce its dependence on Russian gas concerning the crisis in Ukraine which will result in the expansion of the Azerbaijan-Italy strategic partnership, said Daniel Pommier Vincelli, an Italian political scientist and researcher at the University of Roma La Sapienza in his exclusive interview with AzVision.

Italy needs to maintain business relations with a strong, stable and reliable Caucasian state such as Azerbaijan. Daniel Pommier Vincelli stated that currently, the Azerbaijani-Italian relations are increasingly developing:

- It is necessary to highlight the joint declaration on strengthening the multifaceted strategic partnership, which covers all areas of activities among the priority documents. Italian companies are increasingly operating in Azerbaijan. Thousands of young Azerbaijanis prefer to study at Italian universities, which attract attention with the quality and affordable education.

- What are Italy's plans regarding Azerbaijani gas, given that European countries are gradually reducing their dependence on Russian gas?
- This is a long and difficult process. It will take 2-3 years to reduce dependence on Russian gas. Azerbaijan is not the only supplier - Italy's strategy is aimed at Algeria, Angola and other countries. However, Azerbaijan is one of the most stable and reliable suppliers of energy resources to world markets. We are talking not only about the two governments but also about TAP. Although it is partly owned by state-owned companies such as SOCAR or SNAM, it is a private entity. States are not the only actors in energy policy and foreign policy, which have a broader meaning, so individual interests must be taken into account. If all TAP shareholders agree, Italy and Azerbaijan can try to double gas supplies from the Caspian Sea.

- Italian Ecological Transition Minister Roberto Cingolani stated that the country can remove their dependence on Russian gas within a year and a half. What concrete steps is Italy taking in this direction?

- Italy is implementing a multidimensional strategy for the diversification of energy sources: increasing gas purchases from various suppliers, developing renewable energy sources, increasing local production, constructing gasifiers, etc. Among the many successful governments in recent years, I think Prime Minister Draghi's cabinet with high technical experience is the one that best responds to this challenge.

- Earlier, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio highlighted that Italy would not provide military assistance to Ukraine, but later it became clear that the Draghi government is preparing a new, strong military aid package for Ukraine. The full list is kept secret, but it is known that the package includes FH70 howitzers, mortars, “Stinger”s, machine guns, “Lince” armoured vehicles, as well as ammunition. Why did the Italian government change its mind?

- Of course, discussions are underway in Italy on the possibility of providing arms and defence systems to Ukraine. Even government forces, such as the Matteo Salvini League and the Five Star Movement (the largest parliamentary faction), oppose the supply of new weapons and support NATO enlargement. However, I do not remember the exact statement of Foreign Minister Di Maio that Italy will not provide military assistance to Ukraine.

I must admit that I do not fully understand the issue of military assistance and I support a diplomatic solution to the conflict. But the Italian government insists on military aid, and the Italian parliament has approved two bills to support Ukraine against Russian occupation.

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