United States: The United States President Mr. Joe Biden and Italian Prime Minister Ms. Giorgia Meloni have met at the White House, pledging to deepen economic ties and enhance cooperation on challenges posed by China, immigration, abortion, and LGBTQ rights.
Mr. Biden praised the Italian Prime Minister for her support of Ukraine as the White House downplayed differences over her hard-right government’s stances on China.
According to Mr. Biden, the US and Italy were “standing strong” with Ukraine, and Ms. Meloni’s government had offered “very strong support” opposing Russian atrocities.
“And I thank the Italian people. I want to thank them for supporting you and supporting Ukraine. It makes a big difference,” the US President told Ms. Meloni at the start of their talks at the Oval Office. Ms. Meloni, whose government has been criticised as Italy’s first far-right administration since World War II, said she was “proud” of Italy’s support for Ukraine.
“We know who our friends are in times that are tough, and I think that Western nations have shown that they can rely on each other much more than some have believed,” the Italian PM shared. According to Ms. Meloni, the two leaders discussed Italy’s participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The Italian PM, whose Brothers of Italy party has historical links to Benito Mussolini’s fascist movement, has criticised mass immigration, limited same-sex parental rights, and praised far-right political parties in Poland and Spain.
Ms. Meloni further told reporters that she aligned more closely with Republicans, but that should be no obstacle to having a “great relationship” with Mr. Biden.
In a joint statement after their meeting, the two leaders pledged to continue their support for Ukraine and strengthen dialogue on the “opportunities and challenges posed by the People’s Republic of China.”
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