ITALY hosts on Monday a key meeting of G-7 foreign ministers in advance of the annual flagship summit of presidents and prime ministers in May. Next month's session, which will be US President Donald Trump's first scheduled visit to Europe, has potential to be a flashpoint between the United States and the Italian hosts who are promoting multiple agenda items at odds with Mr Trump, including "fighting all forms of protectionism" and tackling climate change.

This year's foreign ministers meeting is particularly important because Italy's preparation for next month's leadership summit has been hampered by the slow nature of the Trump administration's transition in Washington. For instance, key roles such as US Ambassador to Italy and the two Deputy US Secretary of State roles have not yet been filled, and the State Department's regional bureaus are being led by acting, rather than permanent, officials.

There is therefore much coordination work to do at the April meeting to prepare for next month's big event. Moreover, the Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni is also planning to fly to Washington to meet Mr Trump to discuss preparations.