Italian PM Georgia Meloni talks BRI exit with Chinese Premier at G20 Summit
In a crucial move that could reshape Italy-China relations, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni indicated her country’s potential exit from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as the Silk Road. The revelation came during her meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, according to Italian media reports from Corriere della Sera. Meloni assured that such a move would not jeopardize Italy’s relationship with China.
PM Meloni: “Leaving Silk Road Doesn’t Compromise Relations”
During the press briefing at the G20 Summit, PM Meloni elaborated on her dialogue with Premier Li Qiang. “A cordial and constructive dialogue on how we can deepen our bilateral partnership… I intend to keep my commitment to visit China,” she stated. Meloni emphasized that leaving the Silk Road does not compromise Italy’s relations with China, although the decision still awaits final confirmation.
Italian Government Yet to Confirm Exit from BRI
“Italy was invited to the Belt and Road Forum, but we didn’t discuss it with the Chinese Prime Minister,” Meloni further added during the press briefing at the G20 Summit. As per Italian media reports, however, Meloni conveyed her intent to exit the strategic BRI project during her meeting with the Chinese Premier. Li Qiang reportedly made a last-ditch effort to prompt the Italian authorities to reconsider their plans.
Italy: The Only G7 Country in BRI
It’s important to note that Italy is the only G7 country to have participated in China’s BRI, a global trade and infrastructure initiative modelled on the ancient Silk Road. A withdrawal from the project would mark a significant shift in Italy-China relations and could have broader geopolitical implications.
PM Meloni Discusses Africa’s Importance at G20 and Future G7 Summit
In addition to her remarks on the Belt and Road Initiative, PM Meloni also highlighted Africa’s significance during the G20 conference. “We also consider this to be our success. Africa will also be one of the central issues that we will bring to the G7 (under the Italian presidency) next year,” she stated, according to Italian media.
The potential exit from the Belt and Road Initiative by Italy and the subsequent dialogue between PM Meloni and Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the G20 Summit become pivotal events in the Italy-China relationship, with ripple effects likely to be felt on a global scale.