WASHINGTON (NEWSnet/AP) — President Joe Biden is set for talks with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni on Thursday, welcoming the far-right leader who has won praise from the U.S. administration for her strong backing of the U.S.-led effort to assist Ukraine as it tries to fend off Russia's invasion.

The warm reception comes after initial fears in the Biden administration about Meloni, who rose to power last year as the head of Italy’s first far-right-led government since the end of World War II.

White House officials said that in addition to discussing Ukraine and China, the two leaders were expected to discuss migration from North Africa to Europe's southern shores.

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