Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni speaks at the G20 Summit on September 10. (Source: Agenzia Nova)

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized that in his speech at the press conference at the end of the G20 Summit in New Delhi (India) today, September 10.

Saying that the Italian government is “evaluating” its participation in the BRI, Giorgia Meloni insisted that any withdrawal from the BRI “would not harm bilateral relations.” Rome’s relationship with Beijing is about more than the BRI, the leader added.

Earlier, Italian media also reported that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni outlined Rome's plan to withdraw from the BRI during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the sidelines of the G20 Summit on September 9. Ms. Meloni described the meeting as "polite and constructive".

Italy is the only G7 country to sign up to the BRI - a global trade and infrastructure scheme modeled on the old Silk Road linking China and the West.

The boot-shaped country will hold the G7 presidency next year.