Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has directly challenged former US President Donald Trump's account of an interaction at the G7 summit, stating his claim that she "begged" him for a photograph was "completely made up."

The accusation from Meloni comes after Trump recounted the alleged incident to Italian state broadcaster Rai during a recent interview. Trump claimed that Meloni had approached him persistently to take a picture together during the G7 gathering held in France.

Meloni's swift and firm denial suggests a significant public disagreement between the two leaders over the narrative of their encounter. The Italian Prime Minister's office has not provided further comment beyond her initial refutation of Trump's statement.

This public dispute highlights the delicate diplomatic relations and public image management that can arise between international leaders, particularly during high-profile global summits. The differing accounts could influence perceptions of the relationship between Italy and the United States under different administrations.

Trump, a prominent figure in global politics, is known for his direct communication style and has often shared anecdotes from his time in office and public engagements. His retelling of events, especially to international media, can carry significant weight and generate widespread discussion.

Meloni, who leads a right-wing government in Italy, has been actively engaged on the international stage, participating in key summits like the G7. Her government's foreign policy priorities and relationships with global partners are closely watched.

The G7 summit, which brings together leaders from seven of the world's advanced economies, is a crucial forum for discussing global economic and political challenges. Interactions between leaders at such events are often subject to scrutiny and can be interpreted in various ways.

The discrepancy in the recounted events leaves an unresolved question about the precise nature of the interaction between Meloni and Trump, and raises questions about the reliability of public statements made by political figures during international events.