Keir Starmer and Giorgia Meloni have shared a warm embrace as the two leaders have revealed they share a “very similar mindset” on Ukraine.
The Italian PM arrived at Downing Street for talks with the British Prime Minister ahead of the London Summit.
The two leaders exchanged a warm handshake and kiss on the doorstep of Number 10.
They smiled for photographers before entering the building for their scheduled meeting.
The two leaders exchanged a warm handshake and kiss on the doorstep of Number 10
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Starmer told Meloni during their Downing Street talks that they approach the Ukraine conflict with a “very similar mindset”.
The Italian Prime Minister emphasised the importance of coordination between allies during this “precious moment”.
She said: “It is very important to talk to each other, to co-ordinate.”
Their discussion focused on maintaining a united Western position on Ukraine.
Meloni added: “We are all very committed about a goal that we all want to achieve, which is a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
“I think it is very, very important that we avoid the risk that the West divides. I think on this the UK and Italy can play an important role in bridge-building.”
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They smiled for photographers before entering the building for their scheduled meeting
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This comes ahead of the London Summit, which will include leaders from France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Canada, Finland, Sweden, Czechia and Romania.
The Turkish Foreign Minister, Nato Secretary General and the Presidents of the European Commission and European Council will also attend.
However, the three Baltic states – Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia – have been excluded, something which has left them feeling “very unhappy”.
A source told SKy News that: “Russia and our publics will clearly assess this that we are sold out by the US, but also by [the] UK and France.
“We are truly very unhappy with a refusal to invite the Baltic leaders.”
Their discussion focused on maintaining a united Western position on Ukraine
PA
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister spoke to President Alar Karis of Estonia, Prime Minister Evika Siliņa of Latvia and President Gitanas Nausėda of Lithuania this morning.
“The Prime Minister reiterated that Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are key partners of the UK, including through the Joint Expeditionary Force, and welcomed their leading contributions in support of Ukraine since Russia’s illegal invasion began.
“The Prime Minister updated them on his discussions with the leaders of Ukraine, France and the United States in recent days and underlined his focus on securing a lasting peace in Ukraine that ensures their future sovereignty, backed up by strong security guarantees.
“They all agreed that Europe must unite and drive forward urgent action that will secure the best outcome, which will be vital for Europe’s future security.
“The Prime Minister updated on his plans to convene leaders in London later today for further discussions and they agreed to stay in close contact in the coming weeks.”