President Trump expressed optimism on Thursday that the United States and the European Union can Come to a commercial agreement While welcoming the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to the White House.
Meloni, 48, is the first European leader to meet with Trump, 78, since he announced last week that his set of reciprocal rates of “Liberation Day” It would be a pause for 90 days.
“I am sure we can make a deal, and I am here to help with that,” Meloni said, dressed as white, Trump before lunch in the cabinet room.
“I can’t block this agreement on behalf of the European Union,” he added. “My goal would be to invite President Trump to make an official visit to Italy and understand if there is the possibility that he also organizes such a meeting with Europe.”
“There will be a commercial agreement, 100%,” Trump replied, “but it will be a fair treatment.”
The White House sees Meloni, a close ally of the Administration, as the best way for the president to enter the conversations with the 27 members block in a so -called “spoken” commercial agreement.
“President Trump will simply focus on the Italy market can be opened, but also how they can help us with the rest of Europe““An administration official said Thursday morning.
“We certainly see it as a valuable interlocutor.”
Trump with Meloni apart from the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris last December, but Thursday’s meeting will be the first time they discuss politics in Washington.
In addition to trade, Trump and Meloni are expected to discuss the defense, reconstruction of Ukraine and possible cooperation in space and with critical technologies such as AI.
Trump is also likely to raise the issue of European countries that increase their defense expense to comply with the threat of Russia.
“Europe, as you know, undertakes more, is working on tools to allow and help [NATO] Member States by increasing defense expense. And we are convinced that everyone has to do more, “said Meloni Thorsday in response to a reporter’s question.
The president will also present that Italy amount more American energy, administration officials said.
“President Trump aims to unleash American energy exports to the rest of the world,” he told reporters. “Therefore, you must expect a discussion focused on Italy’s interest to feed this effort.”
