Italy reaches out to the US as it begins leading the G-7. On Tuesday, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani spoke over the phone with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, his first initiative since Rome took over the Group of Seven’s rotating presidentship from Tokyo. The two spoke for forty minutes, delving into a plethora of issues and exploring avenues for coordination during what’s looking like a challenge-ridden year.

“I thanked my friend Antony for supporting our agenda, which is clear proof of how strong the transatlantic bond is,” remarked FM Tajani, noting that the “deep friendship that binds Rome and Washington will allow us to converge with the other G-7 partners on concrete actions that will benefit everyone.”