President Donald Trump's position concerning a more fair distribution of defense outlays between NATO countries and on Russia's possible return to the G7 is absolutely reasonable,” Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said during a joint news conference with Trump at the White House.
“Personally, I share this position. Frankly speaking, [President Trump] outlined the need to restore balance in [NATO] defense spending which has traditionally been very disproportionate, and this is an absolutely reasonable position,” Conte said.
He added that he would support this agenda and will try to get it across to other NATO members.
Conte also underscored his government's desire for a dialogue with Russia.
“Italy also believes that a dialogue between the US and Russia has a fundamental significance for efforts to ensure global stability and security,” Conte stated, stressing the need to make sure that sanctions imposed on Russia have no impact on civil society and the performance of small and medium-sized businesses in Russia.
He also mentioned the “intensive economic relations Italy has traditionally had with Russia.”
While the Italian prime minister believes that the anti-Russian sanctions of the past few years should not be allowed to last forever, he feels they can't be lifted overnight.
Just like Donald…
