Washington, April 18 -- - Former US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni struck a hopeful tone Thursday on resolving trade tensions during her White House visit, even as Trump said there's "no rush" to end tariffs on the European Union.

Meloni, the first EU leader to meet Trump since he imposed a 20% tariff on EU exports, said she's confident in reaching a deal, positioning herself as a key bridge between Europe and the Republican leader.

"There will be a trade deal, 100 percent," Trump said. Meloni echoed the sentiment, saying she was "sure" they could find common ground.

The two leaders, who share strong conservative views on immigration and culture wars, praised each other during a working lunch and Oval ...