Scholz stresses Germany's aspirations to collaborate closely with Meloni's Italy

BERLIN, 3 Feb. (DPA/EP) -

The chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, has influenced this Friday the will of his Government to collaborate closely and build good relations with the new Italian Executive, led by the far-right Giorgia Meloni.

In the words of Scholz, Berlin and Rome maintain close political, economic and cultural ties, with which both governments are committed to giving continuity to these relations and policies.

With regard to Ukraine, the German chancellor stressed the firm commitment of both Germany and Italy, which go hand in hand with the rest of the Western powers. "This will continue to be the case," Scholz told the media after meeting with Meloni in Berlin.

However, Scholz and Meloni have differed on migration, as the German has extolled the need to promote legal channels for migration, while the Italian has remained firm in its position of imposing restrictions on migration.

"I agree that an element of cooperation with the countries of departure of these migrants can be the willingness to help us stop illegal migration in exchange for a legal migration fee," Meloni said.