Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed on Thursday that her country continues to support Ukraine and stated that she intends to discuss the recovery of Ukraine with president Volodymyr Zelensky after having previously expressed a desire to visit the country in 2023. 

As quoted by Italian news agency Askanews, Meloni said, "As much as it seems like we are on the edge of a cliff, I would like to talk to Zelensky about the future, about rebuilding Ukraine, because we are obviously not giving up on playing a role in resolving the conflict,"

The head of the Italian Ministry for Business and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso and president of the General Confederation of Italian Industry (Confindustria), Carlo Bonomi, visited Kiev on Thursday to convene with Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Economy Yulia Svyrydenko.

Both sides agreed on technological, economic and industrial cooperation, and formed a working group to for industrial cooperation in sectors including logistics, high-tech industry, space, and agricultural engineering.  

Common fascist agenda

Urso notified Ukraine, according to a statement by the ministry, of a conference in the works to rebuild Ukraine due to be attended by both local and Italian companies. It was also revealed that Bonomi opened Confindustria's office in Kiev. 

However, Italian newspaper La Repubblica reported last Monday that Italy will not be taking a decision on the supply of new arms to Ukraine until next month in light of ongoing domestic political tensions, cost considerations, and military shortages

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On a separate yet related note, Meloni stated back in December that her country is determined to increase its influence in the Mediterranean. Italy can serve as an energy conduit between the Mediterranean and Europe because of its geographic location, infrastructure, cooperative spirit, and corporate backing, she explained.