*** Rubio meets Italian PM after Trump criticism | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Rubio meets Italian PM after Trump criticism

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Rome: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday to repair relations following harsh criticism from President Trump.

Despite their alliance, Trump lambasted Meloni for failing to assist in the war with Iran and threatened to withdraw the 12,662 US troops stationed in Italy. Meloni defended Italy’s NATO record, noting past sacrifices in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized the mutual necessity of the transatlantic alliance while discussing the Strait of Hormuz blockade and conflicts in Lebanon and Ukraine. 

Amidst these tensions, Rubio received documents tracing his Italian ancestry. The Cuban-American diplomat expressed deep honor, promising to deliver his next speech "in Italiano".

Photo Credits; AFP