Italy and Saudi Arabia met in Rome

Tajani and bin Farhan Saud

Rome [ENA] On 28th August 2025 the Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs Tajani met with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal Bin Farhan al Saud. The agenda included the strong partnership between the two countries (most recently, Prime Minister Meloni's visit in January and Minister Tajani's upcoming visit to Riyadh) and the lively economic and trade exchanges, with trade worth over €10 billion.

Alternative energy, including hydrogen, is a promising sector. Saudi Arabia is included in the Italian Export Plan. The defense sector is also important, with Leonardo and Fincantieri having significant interests in the country. Collaboration is also on the horizon within the framework of the so called “Cotton Road Initiative”. Regarding the Middle East, Italy participated in the New York Conference on the Two-State Solution promoted by Saudi Arabia and France, declaring its willingness to work on a plan for the governance and security of Gaza, centered on the Palestinian Authority. Italy is also committed to humanitarian efforts (Food for Gaza) and reconstruction.

Italy is ready to contribute to an Arab-led UN protection mission. Regarding prospects for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, it is worth mentioning Saudi mediation, which facilitated meetings between the United States and Russia and between the United States and Ukraine during 2025.