Europe, the Mediterranean and Africa are crucial "chessboards" where the United States can "play a key role" and whoever wins the neck-and-neck race for the White House should not disengage from these regions, Italy's foreign minister Antonio Tajani said on Tuesday.
'We look with great attention to the world's largest democracy choosing a new president," Tajani told reporters on the sidelines of the cultural diplomacy States General in Matera, southern Italy.
"We are friends of the US regardless of who wins (Tuesday's election in which Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is pitted against Republican contender Donald Trump)" Tajani said.
"I only hope that the future president does not turn away from Europe, the Mediterranean and Africa. They are key chessboards where the US together with Europe can play a key role.''
Referencing threats by Trump to hike tariffs, Tajani said he hoped "there are no choices that penalise our country's exports".
"Exports make up 40 percent of GDP, so I hope that there can be openness for Italian products, which we need to export to the American market as well.''
