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Why Italy’s PM will get warm White House welcome

The US hopes Italy will withdraw from China’s Belt and Road Initiative

    • When Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visits US President Joe Biden this week, both countries are expected to discuss Italy's ties with China.
    • When Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visits US President Joe Biden this week, both countries are expected to discuss Italy's ties with China. PHOTO: REUTERS
    Published Thu, Jul 27, 2023 · 05:00 AM

    GIORGIA Meloni on Thursday (Jul 27) makes her first visit to the White House as Italian prime minister. Yet even with the Ukraine war ongoing, it is China that will top her agenda with President Joe Biden.

    Rome is not always seen as being among the top-tier global powers, but the Meloni-Biden relationship could have significant implications because of Italy’s continued systemic importance in Europe and the wider West.

    Not only is it a key G7 country, it will also chair this club of Western powers next year, when the conflict in Ukraine could still be underway.

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