The Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni stated that he will continue to work with her Ursula von der Leyen despite the fact that her party, the Brothers of Italyvoted against the German woman’s second term as head of the European Commission.

Members of the European Parliament backed von der Leyen’s bid to lead the European Commission for a new five-year term yesterday, Thursday.

“We’ve worked together so far and will continue to do so in the future,” Meloni said of her relationship with von der Leyen.

“We are people who have responsibilities and understand their importance,” Meloni said in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera published today.

Meloni, who leads a right-wing government in Italy from 2022, said she supported von der Leyen’s remarks in her speech to the European Parliament about the need to control immigration, but the Italian leader added that overall Europe needed fewer rules and must find ways to enhance its economic competitiveness.

He also highlighted the importance of Italy as the third largest economy in the EU and a founding member of the Union, adding that it has the most stable government of all major EU countries.

“Everyone recognizes Italy’s weight and role,” he said.

The Italian prime minister also said she would be able to work with whoever is elected US president in November.

“For me what counts is the strength of the alliance with the United States,” he said.

“To think that an alliance between two G7 countries will change with a change of government is silly and childish.”