Italy has declared a bilateral support agreement with Ukraine in anticipation of the Group of Seven (G7) leaders' meeting under Italy's presidency.
Both announcements occurred on Saturday, coinciding with the second anniversary of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The security pact, spanning a 10-year duration, between Rome and Kiev encompasses collaboration in defense, economy, infrastructure, energy, and humanitarian aid, among other domains, according to reports from Italian media outlets cited by Xinhua news agency.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized that security and assistance for Ukraine would be among the principal priorities during Italy's G7 presidency. Meloni was part of a select group of global leaders who journeyed to Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, to mark the conflict's second anniversary.
"We underscore the vital importance of Ukraine to Italy's G7 agenda and our comprehensive support to Kiev, including reconstruction efforts and security initiatives," stated Meloni from Antonov Airport near the Ukrainian capital, as reported by Italian media.
Alongside Meloni, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended the unprecedented G7 gathering held outside the host country's territory in person, while leaders from other G7 nations—the UK, France, Germany, Japan, and the US—participated via video link.
Additional dignitaries present in Kiev on Saturday included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, whose nation holds the rotating presidency of the European Union (EU) Council. The EU is recognized as a "non-enumerated member" of the G7.
The upcoming event on Italy's G7 presidency agenda is the ministerial-level meeting focusing on industry and digital technology, scheduled to take place in the northern Italian cities of Verona and Trento from March 13-15.
The apex of Italy's G7 presidency will be the summit gathering heads of state and government, set to occur in the southern Italian region of Apulia in June.
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