A News Agency

President von der Leyen expressed her pleasure at meeting Vice President Vance.

She thanked Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for hosting the meeting, saying: “It was necessary. And it was good. We truly found many common points — something very natural for strong partners like us.”

Von der Leyen said that both sides want a good trade deal that benefits people and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic: “Our teams are working day and night to find solutions. We are confident we will get there.”

“We also discussed Ukraine. We both want a ceasefire that will lead to a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. I appreciate the United States' efforts to end this war,” she added.