Giorgia Meloni – Italy’s prime minister, usually considered one of Donald Trump’s main allies in Europe – says she „does not agree” with the American president’s criticisms of European states and their position on the war with Iran.
„I continue to believe that, geopolitically, Europe has little to gain from a divergence with the United States, but our duty is, first and foremost, to defend our national interests, and when we disagree, we must say so,” she told the Italian broadcaster RAI.
"And this time, we do not agree," added Meloni, as quoted by CNN.
Currently in Saudi Arabia to ensure Italy's energy supply, Meloni stated that the Italian economy is feeling the impact of the war and that her government is determined to protect Italian families and companies.
Her comments come just days after Italy denied access to an American plane that was supposed to reach the Middle East through a military base in Sicily.
Donald Trump harshly criticized European allies for not supporting the war with Iran. Earlier this week, he wrote on social media that other countries should play a larger role regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial strategic point for oil transport controlled by Tehran. As many European states rely more on this route for oil supply, Trump argued that they should also contribute to its reopening.
Meloni flew to Saudi Arabia on Friday for an unannounced visit, which will also include meetings in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, according to a government official cited by Reuters.
The two-day visit aims to show support for partners in the Gulf facing Iranian attacks and to protect Italy's own energy reserves, the official said.
It is the first visit of an EU leader to Saudi Arabia since the war started and comes at a time of growing concern in Rome regarding the security of oil and gas flows.
Prior to the war, about 10% of Italy's total gas consumption was covered by liquefied natural gas from Qatar, while Middle Eastern oil accounted for 12% of Italy's total oil imports last year.
Last week, Italy was informed that its Gulf supplier extended a pause in LNG deliveries due to the near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz and will not ship 10 cargoes between April and mid-June.
To compensate for the shortfall, Italy will start receiving liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Golden Pass LNG facility in the United States starting in June, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday.