Italy’s Prime Minister Mario Draghi speaks during a press conference at the Italian Embassy, Wednesday, May 11, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)
OAN NEWSROOM
UPDATED 1:55 PM PT – Wednesday, May 11, 2022
President Joe Biden met with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi to discuss security and economic problems in Europe. During the meeting, the President referred to Italy as one of the closest US allies in the region.
Biden welcomed incredible cooperation with Draghi as the two discussed the Ukraine crisis and rising cost of fuel in Italy due to Russian sanctions. Draghi raised energy security concerns as Italy imported 40 percent of it’s natural gas supply from Russia.
“I think that we have to think deeply on how to address this,” Draghi stated. “We will continue, you and I, to work on energy security, food security, especially which is now another issue there. We’ll talk later about that.”
Draghi also praised Biden for his commitment to deepening political and economic ties with the EU. The prime minister went on to further push for ceasefire and possible negotiations.
“Well, but I have to tell you that in Italy and in Europe now, people want to put an end to this massacres, to the massacres, to this violence, this butchering that’s happening,” continued Draghi. “And people think about what we do to bring peace? We certainly have to use any direct, indirect channel of communication.”
President Biden’s approval rating has plummeted in regards to his handling of the Russia-Ukraine crisis.