Giorgia Meloni happily declares that the G20 which took place in Bali on November 15 and 16, has been an opportunity to restore Italy’s key role in the international arena.
“Italy was a lead player at the G20,” she said in a press conference after the summit.
In her view, now that Italy has elected the first woman leader, the country has become an inspiration for other global powers who have yet to do so. “Our country was lagging behind on the issue of equality, now we are at the forefront, and this is pleasing,” said Meloni.
This was the first international meeting for Italy’s PM and she has found the two days to have been profitable, as she joined the global community of leaders in discussing many pressing issues: the war in Ukraine, climate change and food security, among others. Equally, Meloni had been looking forward to having bilateral meetings with Joe Biden as well as with Xi Jinping. According to her, the interest in engaging with Italy more than usual comes from “the idea there is a solid, stable government projected towards the long term, which makes it easier to imagine Italy as being fundamental for relations.”
As the friendly encounter with USA was expected, the one with China came more as a surprise. Xi Jinping and Meloni discussed a wide array of topics and the conversation has reiterated the idea that EU and China should engage in stronger diplomatic relations. Italy must play a central role in this regard, as well as in opening a dialogue with China on human rights and on trade, which could increase imports in the Asian mainland.
