Italian president voices full support for Ukraine ahead of reconstruction conference

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) - Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Wednesday reiterated his country’s unwavering support for the Ukrainian people and expressed Italy’s backing for Ukraine’s accession to the EU, ANSA news agency reported.

Mattarella made the remarks at a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Quirinale Palace in Rome, held ahead of the Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine, which will begin Wednesday in the Italian capital.

“As expressed in the NATO Summit communique, Ukraine’s security is inseparable from Europe’s security," he added.

"This holds true against those who want to return to a notion of dominance in international relations. There are those who seek to take us nearly a century backwards.”

Describing the relationship between Italy and Ukraine as one of “sincere and steadfast friendship,” Mattarella said: “Italy is determined in its support for the Ukrainian people. Russia’s intensifying brutal bombings on civilians and civilian infrastructure only strengthen our resolve to stand by Ukraine. At the same time, we are exploring every possible avenue to end this tragic situation.”

Mattarella also voiced support for Ukraine’s path toward EU membership, saying: “We hope accession negotiations will begin soon.”

Zelenskyy, who arrived in Rome earlier in the day, thanked Italy for hosting the conference and for its continued support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also met Pope Leo in Castel Gandolfo near Rome.

Meanwhile, Italian media reported that Keith Kellogg, US special envoy for Ukraine, may join Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Zelenskyy, and other leaders at a special “Volunteers” meeting on the sidelines of conference.