Italy’s Meloni, Macron Hold Key Talks on Trade, U.S. Relations
(MENAFN) Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni received French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, hosting bilateral discussions covering trade issues and relations with the United States, Italian media reported.
Macron was formally welcomed with a guard of honour at Palazzo Chigi, where both leaders exchanged handshakes and smiles before entering the government building.
The meetings aimed to reduce recent strains between Italy and France, Ansa news agency noted. Although traditionally allied, France and Italy—holding the EU’s second and third largest economies—have recently clashed on multiple fronts. The political divide remains significant: Meloni heads a right-wing, nationalist government, whereas Macron champions a centrist, pro-European agenda.
Ansa further highlighted contrasting approaches to the US: Meloni is eager to forge close ties with President Donald Trump and seeks a mediating role between Washington and the EU on tariffs, while Macron pushes for a more autonomous European position.
Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, both leaders reaffirmed firm backing for Kyiv. However, Meloni expressed doubts about the French-British proposal to deploy peacekeeping forces should a peace agreement materialize.
Following the talks, Meloni’s office did not issue any statements or hold a press briefing. Nonetheless, on Saturday, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described Macron’s visit as “an absolutely positive event between two countries that are allies and neighbours.”
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