Kindness exchange between Meloni and Biden, but not a word about China in the statement

Giorgia Meloni was Thursday, July 27 at the White House. The Italian Prime Minister spoke with Joe Biden. The opportunity to show their agreement, despite the reluctance shown in the past by the American president vis-à-vis the political positions of Giorgia Meloni.

US President Joe Biden and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, at the White House, Wednesday, July 27, 2023. AP - Evan Vucci

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With our correspondent in the United States, Giorgia Meloni

In front of the cameras, Joe Biden and Giorgia Meloni appeared all smiles. Receiving the President of the Italian Council at the White House, the US President welcomed "the solid partnership" between their two countries. He also thanked Ms Meloni for Rome's support to Ukraine.

For her part, the Italian leader spoke of the historic relations that bind the United States and Italy, through the millions of Italians who have come to settle on this side of the Atlantic for centuries.

During this meeting, Joe Biden and Giorgia Meloni, among other things, discussed economic cooperation between Rome and Washington, cooperation in the fields of space and new technologies, support for Ukraine of course, but also the issue of African immigration to Europe.

According to the final communiqué, the issue of China has not been raised. Italy is part of China's "New Silk Road" infrastructure program. But the prime minister recently hinted that she might pull out of the deal. This would not displease Washington.

See alsoVisit of Giorgia Meloni in Washington: will the Chinese file be on the agenda?

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• United States
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