Keir Starmer and Giorgia Meloni have shared a warm embrace as the two leaders have revealed they share a "very similar mindset" on Ukraine.
The Italian PM arrived at Downing Street for talks with the British Prime Minister ahead of the London Summit.
The two leaders exchanged a warm handshake and kiss on the doorstep of Number 10.
They smiled for photographers before entering the building for their scheduled meeting.
The two leaders exchanged a warm handshake and kiss on the doorstep of Number 10
PA
Starmer told Meloni during their Downing Street talks that they approach the Ukraine conflict with a "very similar mindset".
The Italian Prime Minister emphasised the importance of coordination between allies during this "precious moment".
She said: "It is very important to talk to each other, to co-ordinate."
Their discussion focused on maintaining a united Western position on Ukraine.
Meloni added: “We are all very committed about a goal that we all want to achieve, which is a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
“I think it is very, very important that we avoid the risk that the West divides. I think on this the UK and Italy can play an important role in bridge-building."
Following the meeting, aDowning Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Downing Street this morning, their third meeting since July.
"The meeting came ahead of the Prime Minister convening international leaders in London today to discuss how partners can work with the USA to move forward to a lasting peace for a sovereign Ukraine.
"They agreed on the importance of the transatlantic alliance in confronting shared challenges.
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They smiled for photographers before entering the building for their scheduled meeting
PA
“They had a warm and constructive discussion, agreeing the strength of the UK-Italy relationship is as vital now as it has ever been.
"They reaffirmed their support for Ukraine, agreeing that the UK and Italy will stand with them for as long as it takes.
“The two leaders acknowledged positive progress made since their last meeting in joint working to tackle irregular migration.
"They agreed secure borders are a bedrock of a secure economy.
"They noted the significance of recent successful joint operations to disrupt smuggling gangs and agreed there is greater opportunity to disrupt gangs upstream at source when countries work together.
"They will strengthen cooperation to share intelligence and data, such as through Europol.
"The Prime Ministers committed to continue to work closely together in these areas.
“The two Prime Minister’s committed to staying in close contact to take today’s discussion forward at pace.”
This comes ahead of the London Summit, which will include leaders from France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Canada, Finland, Sweden, Czechia and Romania.
Their discussion focused on maintaining a united Western position on Ukraine
PA
The Turkish Foreign Minister, Nato Secretary General and the Presidents of the European Commission and European Council will also attend.
However, the three Baltic states - Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia - have been excluded, something which has left them feeling "very unhappy".
A source told SKy News that: "Russia and our publics will clearly assess this that we are sold out by the US, but also by [the] UK and France.
"We are truly very unhappy with a refusal to invite the Baltic leaders."
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister spoke to President Alar Karis of Estonia, Prime Minister Evika Siliņa of Latvia and President Gitanas Nausėda of Lithuania this morning.
“The Prime Minister reiterated that Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are key partners of the UK, including through the Joint Expeditionary Force, and welcomed their leading contributions in support of Ukraine since Russia’s illegal invasion began.
“The Prime Minister updated them on his discussions with the leaders of Ukraine, France and the United States in recent days and underlined his focus on securing a lasting peace in Ukraine that ensures their future sovereignty, backed up by strong security guarantees.
“They all agreed that Europe must unite and drive forward urgent action that will secure the best outcome, which will be vital for Europe’s future security.
“The Prime Minister updated on his plans to convene leaders in London later today for further discussions and they agreed to stay in close contact in the coming weeks.”
