President Joseph R. Biden met today with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy in Apulia, Italy to deepen the U.S.-Italy partnership across a range of vital security, economic, and regional issues.  President Biden commended Prime Minister Meloni for Italy’s steadfast support for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself from Russia’s brutal war of aggression, including Italy’s critical security assistance.  President Biden and Prime Minister Meloni welcomed the unanimous commitment by G7 leaders to provide $50 billion in additional financial support to Ukraine using the proceeds of immobilized Russian sovereign assets.  They also agreed to continue to pursue all available options to impose further costs on Russia and those who support Russia’s war machine.  They also discussed their respective efforts to enhance mutual economic security and respond to economic coercion. The two leaders discussed the importance of two-way trade and investment to enhance economic prosperity. President Biden and Prime Minister Meloni also highlighted the urgent need to secure a hostage deal and a ceasefire in Gaza, and emphasized the importance of Hamas taking a constructive approach to that process. 

###