United States President Joe Biden hosts Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the White House Friday, for discussions dominated by worries about the future of US military support for Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza.
Georgia and Biden have had warm relations, particularly because of Meloni’s strong support for Kyiv as it battles Russia’s invasion.
But Meloni’s visit comes as US aid for Ukraine is blocked by disagreement in Washington, with Biden trying to persuade Republicans in Congress to pass a $60 billion package of military assistance.
Biden also hosted Meloni last July while the White House said her latest visit would maintain the strong relationship between the United States and Italy.
“They will discuss shared approaches to address global challenges, including their commitment to continue supporting Ukraine as it confronts Russia’s aggression,” Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.
They would also discuss how to prevent the Israel-Hamas conflict from escalating regionally and delivering humanitarian aid to people in devastated Gaza, she said.
Italy called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza on Thursday after Israeli troops opened fire at an aid convoy, while the United States said the incident underscored the need for a “temporary” truce.
Meanwhile Biden and Meloni would also discuss North Africa, the source of migrant flows to Italy, and “close transatlantic coordination regarding the People’s Republic of China,” the White House said.
Italy currently holds the rotating presidency of the Group of Seven (G7) nations and will host a leaders’ summit in June that is also set to be dominated by Ukraine and Gaza.
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