Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada, emphasizing the importance of dialogue to address the growing trade tensions between the United States and Europe.
“Avoiding a trade war is crucial, there are solutions we can find together,” Tajani stated, describing the meeting as “very positive.”
The one-hour conversation allowed Tajani to reiterate that a trade standoff over tariffs benefits no one. “Europe and the United States are two sides of the same coin,” he asserted, highlighting Italy’s readiness to play its part in fostering a shared solution.
While acknowledging the role of the European Commission in trade matters, Tajani emphasized the significance of bilateral cooperation in addressing more immediate issues.
Rubio praised the partnership between the United States and Italy, calling it “strong and enduring.” The two leaders also discussed broader global concerns, including European security, the situation in the Middle East, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Tajani reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to reaching the NATO target of spending 2% of GDP on defense, a goal that was well-received by the United States.
The meeting between Tajani and Rubio represents a significant step toward reducing trade tensions and strengthening transatlantic cooperation. As global challenges continue to mount, dialogue remains key to ensuring stability and prosperity.