Meloni Lands in Canada for G7 Summit with Daughter, Focuses on Middle East with Merz and Starmer

June 16, 2025 – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, late Sunday night with her daughter Ginevra for the 51st G7 Summit, set to begin Monday, June 16. The summit, hosted by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, has been overshadowed by the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, which will dominate discussions. Meloni is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday to address the Middle East crisis, emphasizing de-escalation and mediation, according to Italian news outlet Agenzia_Italia.

The Israel-Iran conflict, intensified by Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Iran’s retaliatory missile attacks, has raised fears of a wider regional war. Meloni, who chaired a virtual G7 meeting in December 2024 condemning Russia’s actions and discussing Middle East tensions, is pushing for renewed nuclear talks with Iran, as noted by RAI’s Tg2. Her agenda also includes Italy’s priority of combating human trafficking, expected to feature in the summit’s action-oriented statements, per Radio1Rai.

Meloni’s decision to bring her 8-year-old daughter, a rare move for such summits, has drawn attention on X, with users noting her balancing act as a leader and mother. Her meetings with Merz, attending his first G7, and Starmer, who discussed the crisis with Carney in Ottawa, aim to align G7 strategies. Starmer’s push for diplomacy and Merz’s focus on Western unity will shape talks, amid tensions over U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and Ukraine support.