WASHINGTON, March 2, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - President Joe Biden hailed Italian

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's "unwavering" support for Ukraine Friday, as
they held talks overshadowed by worries about the future of US aid for Kyiv.

Despite their political differences, the far-right Italian leader and the
veteran Democrat have had warm relations, particularly because of Meloni's
strong stance on Ukraine as it battles Russia's invasion.

"I want to thank you for Italy's unwavering support for Ukraine," Biden, 81,
said as he sat with Meloni, 47, in front of a crackling fire in the Oval
Office of the White House.

"We have each other's backs -- we also have Ukraine's back," added Biden, who
sported socks decorated with Stars and Stripes flags.

Biden sought to reassure Meloni that he was urging Republicans in Congress to
stop blocking $60 billion of vital US military assistance for Ukraine.

The impasse has left Kyiv desperately short of weapons as it tries to fight
off recent Russian advances, and alarmed Washington's European allies who
fear Moscow has further ambitions.

It was Meloni's second visit to the White House, after she came in July last
year.

Meloni, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the Group of Seven
(G7) nations, said Ukraine would be top of the agenda at a leaders' summit in
Italy in June.

"We intend first and foremost to reaffirm the rules-based international order
defending freedom and giving peace for Ukraine," Meloni said alongside Biden.

Meloni also "emphasized the significance of sustained US support for
Ukraine," the White House said in a statement after the meeting.

Biden quipped that he played the song "Georgia on My Mind" by soul great Ray
Charles for Giorgia Meloni as she arrived for the meeting.

- 'Humanitarian crisis' -

The two leaders also agreed on the importance of aid for Gaza as Israel's
offensive continues, with Biden announcing that the US would start
airdropping relief.

"The humanitarian crisis is our number one priority," Meloni said, calling
for a long-term solution that provides for a separate Palestinian state.

Italy called for an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza on Thursday after Israeli
troops opened fire at an aid convoy, while the United States said the
incident underscored the need for a "temporary" truce.

Meloni and Biden also discussed North Africa -- the source of migrant flows
to Italy -- and cooperation on China, the White House said.

Italy has emerged as a staunch European and NATO ally for Washington in
backing Kyiv, despite the presence in Meloni's government of figures like
deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini, once an outspoken admirer of Russian
President Vladimir Putin.

But like other US allies it has reacted with alarm to the political chaos in
Washington that has stalled aid for Ukraine.

Republicans have said they will not pass aid until Biden takes action to curb
migrant crossings over the US-Mexico border, but have refused to pass bills
doing just that. The president has accused them of playing politics.

The leaders of a number of key US allies have visited or will visit the White
House in the early months of 2024 -- an election year for Biden -- as they
seek to shore up Ukraine's increasingly desperate position.

"The world is watching, and that's what House Republican leaders need to
understand," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.