(VOVWORLD) -Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday visited Rome and met Italy’s leaders who promised complete military and financial backing and reiterated their support for the country's EU membership bid.
 Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (Photo: AP) |
At a joint press conference after the more than hour long meeting, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated her country’s support for Ukraine joining the EU, noting that Ukraine is making necessary reforms despite the conflict. Meloni said Italy’s support for Ukraine will be “in every moment of need and beyond.”
Earlier, Zelensky held talks with his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella, at the Quirinale Palace. After the meeting, Mattarella assured Zelensky that Rome would continue to support Kyiv militarily and financially, provide reconstruction and humanitarian aid, both in the short and long term.
On Saturday, the Vatican announced that President Volodymyr Zelensky had a 40-minute private meeting with Pope Francis where they discussed humanitarian and political situation in Ukraine.
On Sunday, President Zelensky arrived in Berlin beginning his first state visit to Germany since the conflict with Russia broke out. The visit is part of his tour of European allies who are seeking to increase support for Kyiv.