Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni accused U.S. President Donald Trump of making up a story after he claimed she had “begged” him for a photo together during the G7 summit in France.

Axar.az reports, citing Reuters, Meloni said she was “astonished” by Trump’s remarks, describing them as “completely made up” and criticizing his approach toward long-standing allies.

“Donald Trump’s statements are completely made up. I am frankly astonished,” Meloni said. “I don’t know why the president of the United States behaves like this towards his allies.”

She added that Trump should show the same firmness toward adversaries of the West as he does toward allies.

“There is one thing he should remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg,” Meloni said.

Trump had told Italian broadcaster La7 that Meloni had wanted a photo with him and suggested he only agreed out of sympathy.

“She begged me to take a picture with her. She wanted a picture with me so badly,” Trump was quoted as saying.

The dispute has intensified tensions between Rome and Washington, with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelling a planned U.S. visit, calling Trump’s comments “serious and offensive.”