Di Maio: We will pull out of Afghanistan by May. About relations with undemocratic regimes? Dialogue is possible with everyone but without backing away from human rights (Corriere della Sera)
2021-04-16
Maeci
Minister Di Maio: from the openings towards China and Putin’s Russia by the Conte led government to the new strong Atlantic policy voiced by Draghi’s new cabinet. Governments come and go but you’re still in charge of foreign policy. How do you explain this renewed pro-US stance?
«Well, Italy has never changed its geopolitical fundamentals. Our governments have always been loyal to the Atlantic Alliance. Furthermore, Joe Biden's administration has changed its approach compared to Trump. Rome and Washington have never been so close. The new US administration has scrapped isolationism and we are perfectly aligned when it comes to the fundamental issues, such as the defence of human rights or the environment. I have just been to Washington, mine being the first visit by a foreign minister since Biden's inauguration, to emphasise Italy’s credentials as a solid and reliable interlocutor. At the same time, in the first few months of this year, we have seen trade with China grow by more than two billion euros compared to 2020 and we are committed to strongly supporting our businesses. However, I have never ceased to express to the Chinese leaders our concerns about the crackdown on the Uighur Muslim minority and the Hong Kong riots. I also agree with the Biden administration in condemning the repression in Belarus or the persecution of Aleksej Navalny by the Putin regime».