Is the 'Trump Card' of Europe the Italian Prime Minister?...a surprise meeting in the U.S.

[Anchor]
These days, Italian Prime Minister Jorja Meloni is emerging as an influential figure in Europe.

Prime Minister Meloni, who is close to Elon Musk, the second Trump administration's heavyweight, is drawing attention by meeting with Trump in person this time.

Correspondent Jo Su-hyun of London reports.

[Reporter]
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Jorja Meloni stand side by side and give a thumbs up to the camera.

Prime Minister Meloni visited Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida without notice.

The two sides discussed Iran's detention of an Italian journalist, as well as peace, security and economic cooperation.

Trump praised Meloni for sweeping Europe.

This is the second meeting between the two, following a dinner to commemorate the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on the 7th of last month.

Even at the time, Trump said she was a great leader, which Mr. Meloni revealed by posting on social media.

[Donald Trump / President-elect of the United States (last month, 12th): She is wonderful. He is a great leader and person.]

Mr. Meloni and Mr. Trump are said to be in good harmony, with their tough stance on illegal immigration, a serious issue in the United States and Europe.

[Jorza Meloni / Prime Minister of Italy (last month 22nd): Illegal immigration is a matter of security. As a result of our (EU) failure to respond well, we have not been able to protect our external borders.]

Interest in and out of Europe for Prime Minister Meloni is increasing significantly just 15 days before Trump's inauguration.

This is because it is highlighted that Prime Minister Meloni is also close to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who is a close aide to Trump and has been named a second administration figure.

Prior to the meeting with Trump, Meloni also publicly praised Musk, and based on this friendship, there is a prospect that it could serve as a bridge between the Trump administration and Europe.

European media are paying attention to whether Meloni will be Europe's "Trump card," saying she is one of those seeking to become a key figure in U.S.-Europe relations.

In particular, with the political situation of Germany and France, the center of the European Union, in a chaotic situation, Prime Minister Meloni's role could grow.

I'm Jo Suhyun of YTN in London.


Video editing: Jung Kook-yoon