Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and U.S. President Donald Trump held talks to ease tensions between them during the G7 Leaders' Summit in Evian-les-Bains, France.
According to sources from the Prime Minister's office who spoke to the Italian press, the two leaders met over dinner last night, describing the interaction as a "useful exchange of ideas" and a "clarification."
Sources indicated that there will be further opportunities for Meloni and Trump to meet throughout the summit. This contact is seen as an effort to dissipate the recent chill between the two leaders.
Emphasis on Unity at the Summit
The report noted that Meloni reiterated the view that Western unity is absolutely necessary during a major international crisis. It was also noted that both sides agreed on this approach.
Prior to the summit, footage showed Trump saying "I was abandoned," to which Meloni responded, "That is not true. We are always friends."
Relations Strained by the War
It was recalled that Meloni and Trump's relations were closer before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. Meloni was the only European leader invited to Trump's inauguration last year.
Relations grew more distant after the war, becoming more visible when it emerged on March 31 that Italy had denied the U.S. permission to use the Sigonella base in Sicily for some aircraft sent to the Middle East.
It was also recalled that in response to Pope Leo XIII's calls to end the war, Trump described the Pope on April 12 as "weak and terrible in foreign policy," and Meloni declared on April 13 that these remarks were "unacceptable."
On April 14, Trump gave an interview to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, where he harshly criticized Meloni and claimed Italy did not provide enough support during the war. Trump also accused Meloni of changing her stance.
