Tengrinews.kz – The planned visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Kazakhstan, as well as the first "Central Asia – Italy" summit, have been postponed, according to presidential advisor and press secretary Ruslan Zheldibay.
He stated that new dates for the Italian Prime Minister’s visit are currently being coordinated by both sides.
"At the request of the Italian side, the planned visit of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Kazakhstan and the first 'Central Asia – Italy' summit are being postponed due to her participation in mourning events following the death of Pope Francis. The new dates will be announced later," said Zheldibai.
Earlier, Akorda had announced that Meloni would visit Kazakhstan on April 26–27 at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The two sides were expected to discuss prospects for developing a Kazakh-Italian strategic partnership.
The first "Central Asia – Italy" summit was originally scheduled for April 27.
Giorgia Meloni has been the first woman in Italian history to serve as President of the Council of Ministers since October 22, 2022. She is a former Minister of Youth in Silvio Berlusconi's fourth government, leader of the Brothers of Italy party (since 2014), and the European Conservatives and Reformists Party (since 2020).
Earlier, in January, Tokayev met with Meloni on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. At that time, the Head of State congratulated the Italian Prime Minister on her birthday.
In January 2024, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid an official visit to Italy. His meeting with Giorgia Meloni took place at the historic Palazzo Chigi in Rome, which has a history spanning three centuries.
Later, Meloni shared a photo with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on her Instagram profile.