This year’s G7-related meetings have concluded with this G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. How do you evalutate the year that Italy held the presidency? In the United States, Mr. Trump, who is said to be negative about the G7, won the presidential election. Do you think the G7 will be able to maintain unity next year and beyond?
This year was characterized by highly complex and rapidly changing geopolitical scenarios. In these difficult circumstances, the Group has always stood united, demonstrating cohesiveness and common purpose. We have also promoted dialogue with other partners, regional groups and stakeholders: when facing global challenges, we need global cooperation. On your second question, let me underline that transatlantic relations are a top priority for Italy, regardless of what political party is in power. We will work with the Trump administration to further strengthening the extremely solid transatlantic bond. I am confident that together with our allies, including the US, we will continue to preserve the unity and central role of the G7.
Mr. Trump is said to be reluctant to support Ukraine. What do the G7 and Italy think about future support for Ukraine? Also, do you think Ukraine should make some kind of compromise to achieve peace?
Since the very beginning of the Italian presidency of the G7 we have defined our support to the Ukrainian people as a key priority. We will continue to support Kyiv until a just peace will be achieved under full Ukrainian ownership.
In the Ukrainian conflict, North Korea’s dispatch of troops is also seen as a problem, and there are concerns that the conflict will escalate. What kind of response do you think the G7 and Italy need to make?
Together with our Allies, we have expressed our deep concern regarding the deployment of DPRK troops to Russia. The DPRK’s direct support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, besides showing Russia’s desperate efforts to compensate its losses, would mark a dangerous expansion of the conflict.
Conflicts in the Middle East are also continuing to escalate. Recently, attacks by the Israeli military on UNFIL have also become a problem. What do you think is needed to achieve a ceasefire in the entire Middle East?
Only through dialogue will it be possible to achieve our goals: ceasefire, the liberation of hostages and the stabilization of the region. Let me recall that Italy is among the main contributors to the UNIFIL mission, which continues to play a fundamental role for the stabilization of the area. There have been unacceptable episodes of violence against UNIFIL, that must never happen again. We are conveying a strong message to everyone: our soldiers are there to promote peace, they cannot become the target of hostile attacks.
There are also concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, and it is said that more than 40,000 civilians have been killed. Meanwhile, within the G7, the United States and Germany continue to provide weapons support to Israel. What do you think about arms support for Israel?
Italy has stopped sending weapons to Israel since the beginning of the crisis in the Middle East. Israel’s security cannot be achieved by its leaders by military means alone. We will build peace through dialogue, not through weapons.
Italy withdrew from China’s Belt and Road Initiative last year. On the other hand, this year Prime Minister Meloni and President Mattarella visited China to strengthen relations. How do you evaluate economic relations with China? Do you think “fair competition” is possible?
In 2024 we relaunched our dialogue with China on the basis of the Strategic Partnership which was established already 20 years ago and therefore provided a longstanding, steady and comprehensive framework to develop the bilateral relations in all sectors of common interest. As for our goals in the economic sphere, we are striving precisely to rebalance the bilateral trade, secure a level playing field for the economic competition and encourage qualified Chinese investments in Italy. This year’s visits of President Mattarella and Prime Minister Meloni to China confirmed at the highest level this new trajectory of our engagement with the PRC.
China is indirectly supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine through its defense industry. What role do you think China should play in resolving the conflict?
As President Mattarella recalled during his visit to Beijing, we rely on China’s role and decisive influence to achieve a fair and negotiated solution in Ukraine. Beijing’s influence can also be significant in dissuading North Korea from destabilizing initiatives that threaten regional and global security, including the presence of North Korean troops in Russia to support aggression against Ukraine.
How do you evaluate China’s coercive actions against Taiwan and its maritime expansion into the East and South China Seas?
As G7 Presidency, we repeatedly reaffirmed our serious concern about the situation in the East and South China Seas and reiterated their strong opposition to any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion. There is no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea. We call upon China to refrain from militarization and coercive and intimidation activities in the South China Sea.
Relations with Japan have deepened through the joint development of next-generation fighter jets and the dispatch of the aircraft carrier Cavour this year. How do you evaluate the relationship between the two countries? In what areas do you think cooperation can be deepened?
For us, Japan is strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region. We share values and interests and we are ready to keep working on the deepening of our bilateral cooperation in all sectors. Our economic partnership is growing significantly, with bilateral trade exceeding 13 billion euros, and we look forward to cooperating for the success of Expo Osaka 2025. I am very happy to welcome in Fiuggi and Anagni Minister Takeshi Iwaya and I am sure that the meeting will give us the opportunity to further strengthen our ties on key bilateral and multilateral dossiers.
