Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stressed the shared values binding Europe and the United States during talks in Milan on Friday with US Vice President JD Vance. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at the San Siro stadium.
Speaking at the start of the meeting, Meloni recalled their previous encounter in Rome for the inauguration of Pope Leo’s papacy, saying the two occasions symbolised the common principles underpinning transatlantic relations.
“These are two events that tell the story of a system of values that hold Europe and the United States together, that hold the West together,” Meloni said. She added that these shared values form the basis of cooperation and friendship between the two sides, as well as “the future we want to build together”.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also attended the meeting. Meloni said the Olympic ceremony provided an opportunity not only to celebrate sport but also to discuss bilateral relations and broader international issues.
“Italy and the United States have always had very significant relations,” she said. “We are working on many bilateral issues, obviously the strengthening of our cooperation, but also on the other international dossiers that are open.”
Vance praises Italy’s Winter Olympics
Vance praised Italy’s organisation of the Winter Olympics, describing Milano Cortina 2026 as a success even before the Games formally began.
“You have done an outstanding job with the Olympic Games,” he said. “The city is beautiful. We have great relationships, connections and economic partnerships, and I think you have done an outstanding job.”
He added that attending the Olympics had been a priority since taking office. “My wife and I were excited and wanted to come to the Olympics practically since I became vice president, and I’m glad everything went well,” he said.
“Common approach to global challenges”
According to a statement from Palazzo Chigi, the talks confirmed the strength of the strategic partnership between Italy and the United States, rooted in long-standing political, economic and cultural ties. The statement said the two sides share a common approach to major global challenges, including energy security and the creation of secure and reliable supply chains for critical minerals.
Meloni and Vance also discussed key international political developments, with particular reference to the latest situations in Iran and Venezuela. The meeting was attended by Tajani in his role as deputy prime minister and foreign minister, and by Rubio for the United States.
The visit was briefly overshadowed by a minor diplomatic embarrassment involving Vance’s entourage. A list of attendees released in connection with the meeting incorrectly referred to the “spouse” of Meloni, who is not married, and misspelled the prime minister’s surname as “Melons”, an apparent clerical or automated error.
Meloni, Italy’s first woman prime minister, separated three years ago from television presenter Andrea Giambruno, the father of her daughter, following the broadcast of off-air remarks widely criticised as sexist. The incident was not commented on officially and did not affect the substance of the bilateral talks.
