Kirby highlighted the importance of “the strong ties between the United States and Italy”.
The topics expected to be addressed by the leaders will include the war in Ukraine, China, North Africa, the climate crisis, the future Italian presidency of the G7 and bilateral ties.
Answering a question on whether Biden would raise gay rights in the talks, Kirby said the pair may discuss LGBTQ+ issues.
“The United State are never shy when it comes to tackling issues linked to human and civil rights and the freedom of expression,” he said.
The Italian House on Wednesday passed a bill making surrogacy a universal crime.
When asked about the allegedly “far right” policies of the Italian government, Kirby said the United States respects the choices of the Italian people.
“The Italians choose whom to elect as their leaders and President Biden respects their choices,” Kirby said.
Referring to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), on which Meloni has said she may not renew a memorandum of understanding, Kirby said “it will be Italy’s decision whether and when to leave the Silk Road”.
“It is clear that more and more countries around the world have come to the conclusion that agreements with China are dangerous,” Kirby stressed.
Meloni recently said parliament should be involved on whether to renew Italy’s participation in the deal.
The government has yet to come to a decision on whether to renew the 2019 memorandum by year’s end acceding to the vast program.
Meloni, when she was in opposition, did not agree with the then Conte government’s decision to join the scheme.
“... as I stated and I reiterate, one can have excellent relations with China without being part of a strategic plan,” she said on June 28.
The prime minister said the issue must be handled “with delicacy, care and respect”.
ANSA
