“It is a new beginning in relations between the two countries”, Meloni told Sunak before the bilateral meeting.
“I am very happy to be here,” she added.
“I am convinced that we can do good work together.”
“Thank you, Giorgia, welcome to London,” Sunak said in Italian, later also thanking her in English, in front of cameras and photographers.
“The fight against traffickers and illegal immigration is something the two governments are doing very well – I am following your work I absolutely agree with your work,” Prime Minister Meloni said.
“The values of the United Kingdom and Italy are aligned,” said Sunak.
He added that the two countries cooperate on the same challenges, such as the illegal invasion of Ukraine and countering illegal immigration, recalling the close “friendship” between London and Rome, who are also NATO allies.
He cited military collaboration under the Global Combat Air Program and said there is “much to discuss today” to strengthen ties further.
Meloni and Sunak then left Downing Street at the end of the meeting that lasted two hours, headed to Westminster.
The prime minister got into the car with Sunak without responding to Italian reporters who asked her if she planned to anticipate returning to Rome given that the House failed to approve her Government’s budget.
ANSA
