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Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Chancellor Olaf Scholz: Not united, but close
Photo: CHRISTIAN MANG / REUTERS
The federal government also wants to continue the close cooperation with the new Italian leadership under the right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Both countries have close ties - politically, economically and culturally, said Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday after Meloni's first visit to the Chancellery.
Italy is a "land of longing" for many Germans.
Both governments are determined to continue working closely together.
The SPD politician highlighted the unity in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.
"It will stay that way," emphasized the Chancellor.
During a visit to Rome in December 2021, Scholz agreed with Meloni's predecessor Mario Draghi to develop an action plan intended to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Scholz said that the plan was being worked on intensively in order to complete it quickly.
With a view to migration to Europe, Scholz emphasized that anyone who has a right to stay in Europe must also be able to stay.
There must also be legal ways to immigrate.
Europe needs immigration, said Scholz with a view to the shortage of skilled workers.
Scholz described the plan for the transformation of the economy presented by the EU Commission as a basis for the discussions at the upcoming euro summit.
Europe must permanently take a leading position in the green transformation, he emphasized.
At the same time, the chancellor warned against a global subsidy race, referring to a US subsidy program worth billions for companies manufacturing there.
muk/dpa