"We will discuss relations with Russia and consequently the Syrian issue, the dramatic situation in the Middle East and a positive role that the European Union can play," Renzi told the country’s parliament.
Renzi added that Rome would insist on taking a tough stance toward the EU countries that were provided with significant financial support to cope with the refugee crisis but failed to fulfill their obligations.
Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with opposition factions and Islamist terrorist groups such as Daesh and the al-Qaeda-linked Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, formerly known as al-Nusra Front, fighting the Syrian army. Both organizations are banned in many countries worldwide, including Russia.
Russia has been conducting an anti-terror campaign in the Arab country since September 2015 at Syrian President Bashar Assad's request.
