Alfano thus responded to a reporter's question about Italy's stance on the 29 June arbitration ruling on the border between Slovenia and Croatia, which Croatia continues to ignore.

"Italy has always encouraged both sides to engage in dialogue and will continue to do so in the future," Alfao said at yesterday's news conference before the summit, which is dedicated to the Western Balkans.

Alfano also said that the summit should send Western Balkan citizens a message that their place was in Europe.

The summit will bring together presidents and prime ministers from thirteen countries from the EU and Western Balkans, including Italian PM Paolo Gentiloni, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron. Slovenia's PM Miro Cerar will also be among the participants.

The summit will look to boost regional cooperation and consequently ensure progress of the region on its way to the EU.

It is expected to result in signing a contract on the emerging Western Balkans transport community, adopting an action plan for the establishment of a regional economic area and inaugurating a permanent chamber of commerce of the Western Balkans.

Foreign, economy and transport ministers as well as representatives of European Commission and other institutions will also take part.

Slovenian Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.