In recent days, “I wanted to go to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. I believe it is important for Italy, in this difficult period, to be present where a fundamental part of our security and economic future is decided,” stated Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. In a video published on X, the Prime Minister declared: “This mission is the first by a European leader in the Gulf since the beginning of this new phase of conflict, but it is clearly not just a symbolic visit. Of course, we also wanted to express our solidarity towards partner nations and friends who continue to face unjustified attacks from Iran. But our goal was not, and still is not, to settle for less: it was and remains to contribute to solving problems and, consequently, to better defend Italy’s national interests. Because when instability grows in the Gulf, it’s not just the international balance that’s affected. Energy prices, costs for businesses, employment, and ultimately, household purchasing power are impacted, as the Gulf is a key player in the global energy market.”
Meloni continued: “If production or transit decreases, or even stops, prices rise for everyone. If the situation worsens, we could face an energy shortage, even in Italy. Consider that Qatar, where we are, alone covers 10% of Italy’s gas needs, and the Gulf region as a whole provides about 15% of our total oil needs. That’s why I’m here, to talk to leaders with whom Italy has always had crucial strategic, economic, and energy relations. I spoke to them, and still speak to them, about strengthening cooperation, helping to prevent escalation, and quickly restoring freedom of navigation on routes vital for energy, trade, and stability, starting of course with the Strait of Hormuz, through which a sizable part of global energy passes. Because, clearly, in these times of global crisis, protecting national interests also involves, perhaps primarily, building strong relationships with reliable partners in strategic regions. They have a real impact on our security, our economy, and that’s exactly what I have done and continue to do today, because for me, foreign policy is not a distant issue; it is sometimes the most concrete way to defend Italy, defend Italian jobs, and safeguard the future of our nation.”
Meloni met Bin Zayed in the United Arab Emirates, expressing her strong closeness to a friendly nation.
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