Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has made an unofficial and unexpected visit to the residence of US President-elect Donald Trump in Florida.
In several photos released by the prime minister's office, Meloni and Trump are seen taking pictures at the entrance to the residence, and later chatting.
She was accompanied by the Ambassador to the US, Mariangela Zappia.
Along with them are the future national security advisor, Mike Waltz, and the future US ambassador to Italy, Tilman Fertitta.
"It's very exciting, I'm here with a wonderful woman, the prime minister of Italy," Trump is quoted as saying.
Her office did not provide further details about the visit.
Photos of the two conservative leaders standing next to each other were published on the front pages of all Italian newspapers. Several journalists reported on the meeting at Platform X.
“She has really taken over Europe,” Trump said of Meloni, a Bloomberg reporter reported. The leader of the right-wing Brothers of Italy party has the best relations with the Trump camp.
Incoming Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Meloni as a "great ally, a strong leader."
During the meeting, according to the press, Donald Trump – along with Giorgia Meloni, Marco Rubio and others – attended the premiere of a documentary focused on the appeals in the 2020 elections, when he denounced massive fraud.
Meloni also maintains a friendly relationship with American billionaire Elon Musk, who advises the Republican and is currently often seen at his side.
Meloni is one of a number of world leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who have visited Trump ahead of his inauguration at the White House on January 20.