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,” said the Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. In a video published on X, the Prime Minister stated: “This mission is the first of 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 and friendly nations that continue to suffer unjustified attacks from Iran. But our objective was not, and still is not, to settle for being mere bystanders: it was and remains to contribute to solving problems and, consequently, better defend Italy’s national interests. Because when instability increases in the Gulf, it not only affects the international balance. 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 and more.”
Meloni continued: “If production or transit decreases or stops, prices increase 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 guarantees approximately 15% of Italy’s total oil needs. That’s why I’m here, to discuss with leaders with whom Italy has always maintained strategic, economic, and crucial energy relations. I have spoken to them, and I continue to speak to them, about strengthening cooperation, contributing to de-escalation, and quickly restoring freedom of navigation on the routes vital for energy, trade, and stability, starting with the Strait of Hormuz, through which a considerable amount of global energy transits. Clearly, in these times of global crisis, safeguarding national interests also involves, and perhaps especially, building strong relationships with reliable partners in strategic areas. 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 subject; it is sometimes the most concrete way to defend Italy, defend the jobs of Italians, defend the future of our nation.”
Meloni met with Bin Zayed in the United Arab Emirates, expressing her close bond with a friendly nation.
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