Italy wants to use its G7 presidency to put relations with the African continent on a new footing. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Monday at the start of an Africa summit in Rome that the fates of Europe and Africa in particular are closely linked. With a view to colonial history, she added that what was needed today was „cooperation on an equal footing“. The current President of the African Union, Azali Assoumani, expressed his hope for extensive investment. Meloni assured that Africa would be given a „place of honor“ at the G7 summit of heads of state and government in mid-June.