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Italian PM Meloni and US President Trump in Egypt. The picture is of October 13, 2025.
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni will not attend the high level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this year. He has cited busy schedule as the reason for this.
For the first time after almost 15 years, the Prime Minister of Italy will not attend the annual high level meeting of UNGA. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani will represent Italy at the UNGA in place of Meloni.
Due to Meloni not going to New York, he will not even have a face-to-face meeting with US President Trump.
The dispute between the two escalated at the G7 summit in June this year. Trump had said that Meloni was desperate for a photo with him. To this Meloni replied, ‘I don’t need to beg for this.’
Meloni had expressed his displeasure at Trump’s statement by posting on X after the G7 summit in June.
Meloni did not support Trump in Iran war
There was a difference in the stance of Trump and Meloni on the issue of Iran also. Maloney did not openly support US military action against Iran. After this, Trump publicly criticized his stance.
However, security cooperation between Italy and the US continues. Italy is a member of NATO and about 13 thousand American soldiers are deployed there. America also has important military bases in Aviano, Naples, Vicenza and Sicily.
Trump and Meloni were last seen together at G7
There were signs of improvement in relations between Trump and Meloni in the G7 summit held on 15-17 June 2026. During this meeting held in France, both were seen together many times. On one occasion, both were seen sitting on the sofa and talking for a long time. His pictures also remained in discussion.
At that time it was believed that despite the differences, relations between the two leaders were returning to normal. However, after Trump’s statement the tension between the two increased once again.
Trump and Meloni met during the G7 in France.
Trump accused of spoiling Europe-America relations
Giovanbattista Fazzolari, a close aide of Meloni and undersecretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, expressed displeasure over Trump’s statement after the G7. He had said that Trump was intentionally or unknowingly damaging the old relations between America and Europe.
According to Fazzolari, such statements by Trump have tarnished America’s image throughout Europe. Ultimately America will have to bear its loss.
Meloni has been a supporter of Trump
According to BBC, the relationship between Trump and Meloni was earlier considered very close. She was the only European leader to attend Trump’s swearing-in ceremony in 2025. He was also seen as a bridge between the European Union and America.
However, relations between the two leaders turned sour during the Iran war in April. Trump had reacted sharply to Pope Leo XIV’s peace appeal, which Meloni had opposed. After this Trump said that he thought Meloni had courage, but he was wrong.
Meloni had come to attend Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025.
Modi, Putin and Jinping also did not reach UNGA
This year, Meloni is not the only big leader who is away from the UN General Assembly. Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Putin, Chinese President Jinping, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also did not reach New York.
This time, heads of state and government of about 130 countries are attending the high level meeting of UNGA.
PM Modi has decided not to attend UNGA this year. On behalf of Russia, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will address the General Assembly.
The Vice President is representing China. However, Jinping is scheduled to meet Trump separately in Washington this week.
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