Saudi Arabia, Italy Agree to Establish Strategic Partnership Council

Saudi Crown Prince receives Italian Prime Minister in AlUla

Sun Jan 26 2025
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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia and Italy have signed an agreement to establish the Strategic Partnership Council aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni signed the agreement following a meeting between the two leaders in AlUla on Sunday.

During the meeting the two leaders discussed relations between their countries and ways to support and enhance them in various fields, Saudi Press Agency reported.

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—Photo by SPA

They also reviewed regional and international developments and issues of common interest during the meeting.

Earlier Italian Prime Minister arrived in AlUla today, accompanied by her delegation, as part of her official visit to Saudi Arabia.

Upon her arrival at AlUla International Airport, the Prime Minister of Italy was received by the Governor of Madinah Region Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz and several other officials.

Meloni arrived in Jeddah on Saturday where she met with Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

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—Photo by SPA

Her visit comes after Saudi Arabia and Italy signed an agreement earlier this month to enhance energy cooperation. The deal includes a possible supply to Europe of green hydrogen made in Saudi Arabia.

According to the Saudi Gazette, Saudi Arabia is Italy’s second-largest trading partner in the region, with bilateral trade in 2023 reaching approximately $10.796 billion. Saudi imports from Italy were valued at $5.875 billion, while exports to Italy accounted for $4.921 billion, including $737 million in non-oil exports.

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—Photo by SPA

Over 150 Italian companies are currently operating in Saudi Arabia, with the total Italian net foreign direct investment in the Kingdom surpassing $4.6 billion.

The two nations also collaborate in the renewable energy sector, with Saudi Arabia focusing on its transition toward carbon neutrality and Italy bringing extensive expertise across various renewable energy sources. Both countries aim to establish a long-term partnership in this critical area.

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