Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said during parliamentary control in the Senate that she is a patriot and that Italy, together with the European Union, must increase its defense spending. She stressed that Rome will reach the target of 2% of GDP for military spending this year, in accordance with NATO commitments, ANSA reported, quoted by BTA.
Meloni noted the need for the alliance to pay greater attention to its southern flank. She stressed that Italy now has a clear foreign policy and refuted predictions of isolation under her center-right government.
On the international scene, the prime minister said that the EU and the US must remain united, especially in the context of global uncertainty. She pledged to keep parliament informed about tensions between India and Pakistan.
Meloni reaffirmed Italy's support for Ukraine and insisted that security is not only a commitment to allies but also a vital interest for Italy itself. "This is not a service to the US, it is a service to us," she stressed.
On the conflict in the Middle East, Meloni said that Italy supports the Arab plan for peace and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip, including achieving a two-state solution. She stressed the important role of Arab countries as a "cornerstone" of a sustainable settlement of the conflict.
Regarding trade relations with the United States, Meloni expressed a desire to avoid a trade war. She clarified that purchases of liquefied natural gas from the United States are not linked to a specific administration, as they began during President Biden's term.
The Prime Minister added that her government has reconsidered relations with China and that she is planning a visit to the Indo-Pacific region soon.