Meloni Went to the White House with a White Flag

Meloni went to the White House with a white flag

Meloni went to the White House with a white flag. According to Iran Gate, U.S. President Joe Biden hosted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the White House on Thursday, July 27. The Ukraine war and Italy’s relations with China were among the main topics discussed during this meeting.

In addition to meeting with Joe Biden, Prime Minister Meloni met with Kevin McCarthy and several senators at the Capitol. This is Meloni’s first visit to the U.S. as Prime Minister.

Meloni told Biden, ‘In times of hardship and troublesome periods, we will understand who our friends are, and I think Italy and the United States have shown that they can rely on each other more than expected.’ She continued, ‘The relations between the two countries are historically strong and will persist independently of the current governments’ political inclinations on both sides.’

Overall, the leader of Fratelli d’Italia noted that dialogue between Europe and the United States is essential for establishing a new relationship and a common strategy. Meloni further mentioned Africa and migration, a topic Italy increasingly wants to place at the forefront of discussions with its partner across the Mediterranean. They talked about how to strengthen economic ties, which last year led to $100 billion in trade between the two countries. Both sides confirmed that there are no barriers to increasing the level of trade exchanges between the two countries.

The U.S. President jokingly told Meloni that his hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania, has a large Italian-American community. Joe Biden, who is of Irish descent, said, ‘In our neighborhood, I was the only one with this last name.’ He also took the opportunity to remind Prime Minister Meloni of First Lady Jill’s Italian heritage. In total, the meeting lasted one hour and forty minutes.

The Italian Prime Minister emphasized the importance of trade with America and said, ‘The West must collaborate to support our industrial system and promote the convergence of our nations’ interests, ensuring that dialogue between the United States, Italy, and the European Union can overcome existing tensions for everyone’s benefit.’ She added, ‘Italy and the United States have mutual interests in strengthening global trade, which should not only be free but also fair. Competition from countries that do not respect labor standards, environmental protection, and safety undermines the security of our companies and workforce.’

Meloni continued by addressing Africa, saying, ‘We need to be fair with countries that feel their resources have been exploited. President Biden knows that I care deeply about Africa and the role we can play there. We are creating a new relationship and finding a new approach to tackle the issue of illegal migration.’

We will discuss this at the G7 summit in 2024, which will be chaired by Italy. President Biden also referred to the economic connections and cooperation between Italy and the United States, emphasizing that there are no barriers to increasing the level of cooperation and volume of trade exchanges between the parties.

The Ukraine War

Those who believe in peace must support Kyiv. In this meeting, one of the central topics addressed was the Ukraine war. Meloni emphasized, ‘We have decided to defend international laws, and I am proud that Italy has fulfilled its duties from the start. We did this because supporting Ukraine means defending the existence of peace and peaceful living worldwide. Contrary to what some might think, Ukraine’s resistance has not only not triggered another world war, but it has postponed it. Those who believe in peace must support Ukraine.’

Before arriving at the White House, Meloni met with Kevin McCarthy, the Speaker of the House. At the end of this meeting, she said, ‘Many things around us are changing, but what some did not expect was that the West remains united and wants to defend the world based on rules. Without a world based on international laws, we will live in a chaotic world where the militarily stronger can attack their neighbors, and that’s not the world we want to live in. We want a world where national sovereignty and freedom are respected.’

Quote from Fallaci in Capitol Hill

Prime Minister Meloni referred to a quote by Oriana Fallaci, a great Italian writer and journalist, in the Capitol building and said, ‘Fallaci once summed up in a few words why Italians love America. Let me share this quote: America is a special land, a country envied not for wealth, power, or military superiority, but for issues unrelated to them. This land was born from the need of the soul, the need for a homeland, and the most sublime idea that has ever crossed a human mind: the idea of freedom, and even better, freedom mixed with equality.’

She continued, ‘This is why I believe America is very powerful. This country has a strong identity rooted in its ideals of freedom and democracy. Its constitution guarantees the pursuit of happiness for all its citizens. This is what has made America a leader in the world, and the U.S. Congress is the main custodian of these principles.’

Then she outlined Italy’s project on Africa to the American senators. Italian sources explained that the meeting with the senators at the Capitol, which lasted about 45 minutes, took place in a very positive atmosphere. Senator Bob Menendez, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, discussed with Prime Minister Meloni about the Global South—a term broadly encompassing countries in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia excluding Israel, Japan, and South Korea, and Oceania excluding Australia and New Zealand—and Bob Menendez stated that he was very impressed by the projects.

As expected, this meeting was a suitable opportunity for the new Italian Prime Minister to renew ties with Washington, following the tradition of her predecessors in previous governments. The fundamental characteristic of Meloni’s foreign policy has certainly been registered in Washington: alignment with the United States. It seems that the Italian government, in facing the sensitive challenge of the G7 presidency, has adopted America’s approach to China, and in this context, it seems

that the White House has no doubt that Italy will exit the Belt and Road Initiative. Italy is also striving to play a dynamic role in the Mediterranean and Africa with the aim of controlling migration. Stabilizing this part of the world, considered Italy’s backyard, is one of the significant interests of the United States. There are many other topics on which Washington and Rome pursue common interests and goals, including the climate crisis and strengthening bilateral technical and industrial cooperation.

Now, we must wait and see what practical achievements Prime Minister Meloni will bring to Italy beyond the praises for her stances on Ukraine and the renewed assurances regarding the global strategic partnership between the United States and Italy, and the emphasis on the value of the alliance between the two countries.

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