Italy and Saudi Arabia deepen strategic partnership on Middle East

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy and Saudi Arabia share a common objective of building a stable, peaceful and prosperous Middle East via the Italian-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council launched in January 2025.

• Main announcement/action: The Italian-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council (signed January 2025 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni) has strengthened political dialogue and regular consultations to support peace and stability; Tajani committed that Italy is ready to contribute to any possible UN mission led by Arab states and to the reconstruction of Gaza. The interview cites concrete humanitarian actions: “Food for Gaza” delivered over 200 tonnes of food and medicines, evacuated more than 180 children with their families, and about 1,000 Palestinians are currently in Italy. Economic cooperation details include agreements near $10 billion from the AlUla roundtable and ongoing preparations for an economic forum in Riyadh.

• Background and other details: Italy and Saudi Arabia are expanding cooperation on energy, smart sustainable cities, healthcare modernization, advanced digital networks, agricultural innovation and water management; major Italian firms (Snam, Edison, Prysmian, GE Vernova, Ansaldo Energia, De Nora) have signed agreements with Acwa Power. Notable events:

  • Rome: Ukraine Recovery Conference, July 2025 — hosted in Rome, attended by over 110 delegations, produced commitments exceeding €10 billion and €5 billion in private-sector agreements; Saudi participation was highlighted.
  • AlUla: High-level roundtable during President Meloni’s visit (early 2025) produced agreements for nearly $10 billion and prompted preparations for a follow-up Riyadh economic forum (date TBD).