Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has stated that the focus of developed nations should be on treating Africa as a strategic partner in their relations.
The Prime Minister stated that Africa and the dangers posed by artificial intelligence would be the major topic at the G7 meeting.
Italy became the rotating president of the Group of Seven (G7), which includes the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, Britain and Italy, at the beginning of January.
It will host many ministerial meetings throughout the year, including a leaders’ summit in June.
Ms Meloni revealed that she wanted to hold a special session before June focused on AI.
While talking at a news conference to mark the end of the year, she said: “I am hugely concerned about the impact of AI on the labour market. Today, we are faced with a revolution where (human) intellect is in danger of being replaced.”
She added that supporting African development would also be a central theme of her G7.
The Prime Minister stated further that boosting local economies and living standards was important to discourage would-be migrants from heading to Europe.
She said: “What I think needs to be done in Africa is not charity. What needs to be done in Africa is to build cooperation and serious strategic relationships as equals, not predators.
“What needs to be done in Africa is to defend the right not to have to emigrate, and this is done with investments and a strategy.”
Other issues that are likely to dominate Italy’s presidency are the ongoing war in Ukraine and the war in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian militant group, Hamas.
