�[EXTERNAL] VP pool report #5 4/18: Quotes from bilateral

Apologies for phone autocorrect’s work on my last subject line, which should have said “war.”

Meloni spoke in Italian, and then repeated remarks in English. Vance joked that “she could have called me a jerk, and I wouldn't know, but it would be the most beautiful language imaginable, so I wouldn't even get offended.”

He said they would discuss the Russia/Ukraine war negotiations, as well as ongoing trade talks between the US and EU. Transcript of the English portion below. They did not respond to a few shouted questions.

Meloni

“I'm proud that you decided to pass the Easter here in Rome, and we really hope you enjoy this time, and are honored to welcome you here in the in Palazzo Chigi, after the wonderful meeting we had yesterday in Washington and which we've been discussing many topics, many others we’ll discuss today.

“We think Italy can be a reliable and and serious partner in Europe, in the Mediterranean, in the Mediterranean area, and so we are proud to have this special relation with with us and with this administration.”

Vance

“I appreciate our friendship, both between our nations, but also between us personally. And certainly, the president sends his best regards to you, but to the people of Italy, I couldn't help as I drove around these streets —We arrived this morning with my wife and our three young children rolling forward to spending Easter here.

But this is a place that was built by people that love humans and love God and the streets, the buildings, the beautiful landscape and cityscape. I think it really lifts up the human spirit. So we're going to have some good conversations. But I also take some inspiration from being in this beautiful city filled with wonderful people, and so we're grateful to you, and of course, to the people of Rome, people of Italy, for their friendship and also for their warm welcome.�

We have a couple of important issues to discuss today. I want to update the prime minister on some of the negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and also some of the things that have happened even in the past 24 hours. I think we have some interesting things to report on, of course, in private, some negotiations. I won't prejudge them, but we do feel optimistic that we can hopefully bring this war, this very brutal war, to a close.

I also, of course, want to talk to the Prime Minister about some of the economic relationships, very important between Italy and the United States, but of course, we're having some big trade negotiations between not just Italy and the United States but the whole European Union. We talked great deal about that yesterday with the President, and we'll follow up with all those conversations today. But most of all, just thrilled to be in the presence of a dear friend in a beautiful place with great people. So thank you for having me.”

—

Natalie Allison

White House Reporter

The Washington Post

White House Reporter

The Washington Post

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