U.S. Rep. Mike Rulli, R-Salem, welcomed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to President Donald Trump’s inauguration Monday. As the newly appointed co-chair of the bipartisan Italian-American Congressional Delegation, Rulli said he has a strong focus on deepening the bond between the nations.

Meloni, Italy’s first female prime minister, has been a prominent advocate for fostering international cooperation. She was one of a select few heads of state to attend Trump’s inauguration in the U.S. Capitol. Rulli and Meloni discussed the importance of strengthening relations between the countries and emphasized their shared commitment to advancing diplomatic, cultural and economic collaboration.