France summons Italian envoy over Di Maio's accusing Paris of making Africa poor

France's foreign ministry on Monday summoned Italy's ambassador following comments by Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio accusing Paris of making Africa poorer and suggesting the European Union should slap sanctions on France.

"Following the latest comments by Italian authorities, the ambassador was summoned," said a French diplomatic source. "It's not the first time the Italian authorities have made unacceptable and aggressive comments." Ambassador Teresa Castaldo was summoned earlier on Monday afternoon by the chief of staff of the European Affairs Minister Nathalie Loiseau, the source added.

(With inputs from agencies.)