Meloni interviewed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, focusing on Ukraine, the Strait of Hormuz, and Italy-UK cooperation.

The Prime Minister had a telephone conversation with the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The discussions focused on de-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, support for Ukraine, the GCAP program, and revitalizing Euro-British relations.

ROMA – The Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had a telephone conversation with the new one today Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham, during which the main international issues and the prospects for strengthening collaboration between Italy and the United Kingdom were addressed.

During the meeting, Meloni extended her congratulations and best wishes to the new British Prime Minister for the start of his mandate, reiterating Italy's desire to further consolidate the excellent bilateral relations that bind Rome and London.

De-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz and support for Ukraine

Among the topics discussed by the two leaders, the international situation received ample space, with particular attention to the tensions in the Strait of Hormuz , considered one of the main strategic hubs for world trade and energy traffic.

Don't miss the latest news from La Milano: Add us to your favorite sources on Google in just one click.

Meloni and Burnham shared the need to promote every diplomatic effort aimed at de-escalation , underlining the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the area.

The two Heads of Government also reaffirmed their common determination to continue supporting Ukraine , confirming their commitment to work towards achieving a just and lasting peace.

GCAP, satisfaction with the program's progress

During the phone call, the topic of industrial and technological cooperation in the defense sector was also addressed.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the developments of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) , the international project that sees Italy, the United Kingdom and Japan committed to the development of the new-generation fighter.

The recent meeting of the Defence Ministers of Italy, the United Kingdom and Japan , in which Canada participated for the first time with observer status, was also highlighted, an element considered a further sign of the growing strategic importance of the programme on the international level.

Towards the EU-UK Summit

During the meeting, Meloni and Burnham agreed to maintain constant coordination in view of the upcoming Summit between the European Union and the United Kingdom , considered a fundamental event to strengthen political dialogue and relaunch cooperation between Brussels and London in the years following Brexit.

The shared hope is that the summit will represent an important opportunity to give new impetus to Euro-British relations in the areas of security, defence, the economy and international relations.

Invitation to Rome

At the end of the telephone conversation, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni invited British Prime Minister Andy Burnham to come to Rome for a working meeting in the near future, with the aim of continuing the dialogue on key bilateral and international issues.