AdSense Advertisement

Meloni says Trump remarks 'taken aback' but Italy's foreign policy unchanged

By The South Asia Times

Rome – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has said she was "sincerely taken aback" by US President Donald Trump's disputed comments following last week's G7 summit in France, but insisted the incident would not alter Italy's foreign policy, according to Anadolu Agency.

Meloni addressed Trump's claim that she had "begged" for a photo with him during the summit—a claim she has strongly denied . "I was sincerely taken aback" by Trump, Meloni said, adding that she had followed reports and viral videos about the episode.

Despite the controversy, Meloni stressed that Italian foreign policy would remain unchanged. "Italian foreign policy will remain the same as it has been for the last 80 years: maintaining a solid relationship between the US and the EU is what the West's strength is based on," she stated.

The diplomatic row escalated over the weekend when Trump criticized Meloni for refusing his requests related to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. The leaders have traded barbs in recent days, with Meloni previously accusing Trump of "senseless" and "constant, unprovoked attacks" . She concluded: "I have already said and reiterated that I do not intend to continue fueling this debate" .