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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived in Qatar on a two-day diplomatic visit as part of her wider Middle Eastern tour. Her trip began with a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Friday, marking the first high-level visit from an Italian official since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict.
During her time in the Middle East, Meloni will engage in a series of high-level talks aimed at solidifying economic cooperation, as well as regional peace and security, between Italy and the Gulf states. Her agenda will likely focus on bolstering Rome’s ties with the region to help mitigate the devastating impact of global energy price hikes, and the ripple effects of the war on the Italian economy.
Italian analysts have observed that Rome is shifting its focus to the Middle East as it seeks to strengthen regional partnerships in the wake of rising tensions in its traditional European and transatlantic alliance. Italy and the Gulf states are reportedly working closely to address issues related to sustainable development, and environmental protection.
Prime Minister Meloni’s visit to Doha, as well as her discussions with Saudi leaders, highlight Italy’s efforts to promote economic development through the region. Qatar and the UAE have been significant trading partners for Italy, particularly in the areas of energy, infrastructure development, and trade.
In response to mounting pressure from global events, Italy is working closely with its allies and partners, as well as with emerging regional players, to ensure regional security. With her visit to Qatar and Saudi Arabia, Giorgia Meloni will emphasize the importance of Italy’s strategic relationship with the Gulf region.
Meloni will engage in high-level discussions with senior Saudi officials on Friday evening, ahead of her trip to Qatar, where she will hold talks with Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and other senior Qatari officials on Saturday. While exact details of her talks are not yet clear, her Middle Eastern tour appears set to strengthen economic ties, foster new partnerships, and promote regional stability.
The visit by Meloni comes as part of Rome’s efforts to promote a more diverse and strategic approach to global diplomacy, particularly as the country navigates an increasingly complex and volatile international landscape.