Italian PM Opens G7 Summit To Discuss Global Issues, Ukraine To The Middle East

G7 leader was greeted by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni/PHOTO via Instagram @ giorgiameloni

JAKARTA - The Italian prime minister opened a summit of the top group of seven major countries (G7) in Italy to discuss a number of global issues, including conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Giorgia Meloni welcomed the leaders of the G7 countries and the European Union when they arrived in Borgo Egnazia City, along Italy's southeast coast.

Several other world leaders invited by Italy are also expected to attend, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In his opening speech in the first session, Meloni emphasized the importance of dialogue with countries in the Southern World.

"The Italian chairman also decided to pay special attention to other continents - which are very important in the future - namely Africa, with its various opportunities," Meloni said as quoted by ANTARA from Anadolu, Thursday, June 13.

"And this requires a different approach than what we have shown in the past," he said, adding.

He said the issue of migration would also be discussed in this context.

The G7 consists of the United States, Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Canada and Japan.

With the presence of EU Council Chair Charles Michel and EU Commission Chair Ursula von der Leyen, the meeting will also discuss issues related to the Indo-Pacific region, climate change, energy, and artificial intelligence.

Erdogan will attend the summit on Friday (14/6).