Mattarella hears Macron, total collaboration is needed. Elisha: “Relations between us are important”

Telephone conversation between the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarellaand the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, during which they both affirmed the great importance of the relationship between the two countries and shared the need for conditions of full collaboration to be put in place in every sector both bilaterally and in the European Union. This is what we read in a joint note from the Quirinale and the Elysée.

A statement that intentionally does not go into detail at all, that does not explicitly talk about migrants or other dossiers. The presidents, especially Mattarella who is a guarantee figure, do not indicate what needs to be done or on what topics. It is a generic wish to resume collaboration, without going into the merits of the issues on the table.

The joint statement comes at the height of a crisis on the reception of migrants between the two countries, linked, as is known, by the Quirinale Treaty. Paris yesterday raised the tone, calling “Giorgia Meloni the big loser of this situation”. Berlin also took sides in support of humanitarian relief. “The commitment of the NGOs deserves our gratitude and our support”, tweeted the German ambassador to Italy Viktor Elbling. But Italy, by voice of Matteo Salviniseemed not to back down: “The government is ready to punch hard on landings”, re-launched the deputy prime minister, while the foreign minister Antonio Tajaniwhile reaffirming the reasons of Rome, he seemed to reach out to the French: “We are ready to talk to Paris and close a controversy that did not start with us”.

Today in the EU Foreign Affairs Council we should also talk about migrant relief and redistribution. “During the meeting, the migration issue will be raised. I will make a reminder of the” need “for EU unity, responsibility for human lives and solidarity among Europeans”. Thus the French Undersecretary for European Affairs, Laurence Boone, arriving at the EU Foreign Affairs Council. “I will take this opportunity to thank the countries that help France to welcome refugees,” she added.

On the other hand, a meeting between the premier is not expected at the G20 in Bali at the moment Giorgia Meloni and the French president Emmanuel Macron.