Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has set the stage for stronger ties with Gulf states after a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain secured deals worth approximately $10 billion.
The agreements span defense, advanced technology, and energy, involving over 20 Italian companies, including major players like Leonardo, Fincantieri, and Snam.
Meloni’s visit, which wrapped up on Monday, sparked criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Democratic Party. Opposition leader Elly Schlein highlighted Meloni’s past critiques of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, sharing a 2019 video where Meloni denounced the kingdom’s civil rights practices. Critics also questioned her bilateral meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Responding to the backlash, Meloni rejected claims of inconsistency, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s strategic role in the Middle East. “There’s no contradiction,” she stated during a press briefing, calling the kingdom “a key player in the entire Middle East.” At a business roundtable in Al-‘Ula, Meloni highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to stabilize Lebanon and its potential to normalize ties with Israel, which could pave the way for progress on a two-state solution.
Meloni also addressed US trade sanctions, advocating for dialogue and equitable solutions. “Conflict benefits no one. I’ll work to propose shared solutions to the American administration,” she promised.
Defense cooperation was another focal point, with Meloni expressing openness to Saudi Arabia joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a sixth-generation fighter jet initiative led by Italy, the UK, and Japan. “It’s not immediate, as we must finalize trilateral work first, but Saudi involvement is a possibility,” she noted.
Notable deals announced in Al-‘Ula include Leonardo’s memorandum to advance aerospace technology and Snam’s partnership with Acwa Power to develop a green hydrogen supply chain between Saudi Arabia and Europe. Fincantieri also expanded its regional presence through agreements on shipbuilding and cybersecurity.
Meloni concluded her mission in Bahrain, meeting King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Her visit marked the first by an Italian prime minister to the Gulf kingdom, underscoring a deepening relationship with the region.
