“There is a lot of work to be done, but I am certain that over these two days we will be able to carry out discussions capable of delivering concrete, measurable results,” Meloni said.
“The G7 is not a fortress that is closed in on itself, that has to defend itself from someone.
“It is an offering of values that we open up to the world, in order to have shared development as a goal.”
The leaders also announced an agreement on the use of the profits from Russian assets frozen in the West following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
As a result of the agreement, they will set up a fund of around 50 or 60 billion euros for Kyiv.
Washington has been pushing hard for this, but European nations have been more prudent due to technical issues regarding the legal implications of such a move.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the decision on X after the agreement between the seven.
“Clear support for Ukraine, international law and a just peace,” he said posting a photo with the leaders at Borgo Egnazia in Puglia.
“Every day we strengthen our positions and our defence of life.
“Every meeting serves the purpose of giving Ukraine new opportunities for victory.
“I am grateful to all of our partners.”
The crisis in the Middle East will be a key area of focus too.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden skipped the G7 leaders’ dinner offered on Thursday evening by Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Castello Svevo in Brindisi, security sources told ANSA.
The American president was said to be tired after the commitments he has had to face over the last few days.
Biden is on his second European trip in a little less than a week after last weekend’s commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings.
ANSA
