Meloni Addresses Trump Relations, Wars, Coalition at G7 Press Conference

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the latest G7 summit, highlighting what she described as unexpected levels of cooperation among world leaders on critical issues including Ukraine, artificial intelligence, and migration.

Speaking at the closing press conference, Meloni praised the convergence achieved during the meetings, according to Il Giornale, stating that leaders worked well together on matters that were far from guaranteed consensus. She thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for his hospitality and for steering the summit through what she acknowledged as a complex international landscape.

The Italian premier used the platform to emphasize that several key discussion points originated from Italy’s own presidency priorities, particularly artificial intelligence, international partnerships with Africa, and the fight against human trafficking. Her comments came on the same day that the European Parliament approved new EU regulations on migrant repatriation, a policy area where Italy has taken a leading role.

Unchanged Relationship With Trump

Addressing speculation about tension in her relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, Meloni firmly dismissed reports of any cooling between the two leaders. She described their rapport as unchanged, explaining that both are strong-willed leaders who defend their national interests with determination and do not need formal reconciliation when they disagree.

According to Il Giornale, Meloni said the two leaders focused on substantive issues during the summit rather than past disagreements, covering topics from Iran to Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific region. She noted significant convergence with Washington on economic resilience and the need for greater autonomy from excessive dependencies, particularly regarding cooperation with Africa and Latin America.

The Italian leader rejected what she characterized as paternalistic or charitable approaches to international cooperation, instead advocating for partnerships built on equal footing with strategically vital neighbors.

Unity on Ukraine Remains Priority

On the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, now in its fourth year, Meloni reported that G7 leaders unanimously agreed on the necessity of continuing support for Kiev while maintaining pressure on Moscow. She expressed satisfaction with what she described as full convergence on this approach, arguing that Western unity and firmness remain the most effective tools for creating conditions necessary for genuine negotiations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky participated in portions of the summit discussions, during which leaders reviewed the battlefield situation. Meloni noted a stark contrast between Ukrainian and Russian postures toward peace, pointing out that while Zelensky has demonstrated sincere commitment to resolving the conflict, including through a public letter sent directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Moscow has offered no serious signals in return.

When discussing potential mediation figures for Ukraine peace talks, the Italian premier suggested that selecting someone from a major European nation would complicate efforts to reach agreement. She indicated preference for representatives from medium-sized EU member states as more likely to gain acceptance from all parties.

Iran Agreement and Regional Stability

Meloni also addressed the situation with Iran, noting expectations that the United States would finalize an agreement in the coming days aimed at resolving ongoing tensions. She credited the positive working atmosphere at the G7 to progress on multiple fronts, including the anticipated Iran deal.

The summit’s focus on international partnerships, particularly with Africa, reflects Italy’s strategic emphasis on addressing migration at its source through economic development and stability initiatives rather than solely through enforcement measures.

With information from Il Giornale