In a notable shift toward closer geopolitical relations, Italy and Saudi Arabia are working to deepen their bilateral ties. The visit of Italy’s Prime Minister, Georgia Meloni, to Saudi Arabia has become a focal point in the growing relationship between these two countries. During her three-day visit, Meloni engaged in high-level talks with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, focusing on everything from strengthening economic cooperation to regional peace initiatives. This diplomatic visit underscores both countries’ ambitions to bolster their strategic partnership in various sectors.

A Historic Visit to Al-Ula: Symbolizing Saudi Culture and Heritage

On January 26, 2024, Prime Minister Meloni traveled to Al-Ula, where she met Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman in an environment steeped in Saudi tradition. The venue for their meeting, Bayt al-Shaar in Al-Ula, was not a typical lavish palace, but a simple winter camp that highlighted Saudi hospitality and cultural values. In a symbolic gesture, the leaders sat on a traditional carpet, further emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to showcasing its rich cultural heritage and setting a personal, accessible tone for international diplomacy.

The choice of Al-Ula was no coincidence. The area, home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hera Archaeological Site, plays a central role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to diversify the economy, promote tourism, and highlight the country’s historical significance. Crown Prince Salman’s strategic decision to host foreign dignitaries in Al-Ula reflects his vision of transforming the region into a global tourist hotspot while also strengthening diplomatic and business ties with visiting leaders.

Key Bilateral Discussions: Cooperation on Multiple Fronts

The Al-Ula meeting between Meloni and Crown Prince Salman focused on several areas of mutual interest, with the leaders seeking to solidify ties in both economic and political spheres. The discussions included:

• Rebuilding Syria: Both leaders stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to support Syria’s post-civil war recovery, seeking to promote peace and stability in the region.
• Ceasefire Efforts in Lebanon: Addressing the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, the leaders discussed measures to bring about a lasting ceasefire and alleviate tensions.
• Regional Security: Topics including the situation in Gaza and Yemen, and the broader stability of the Red Sea region, were key points of discussion.

By addressing these critical geopolitical issues, Saudi Arabia and Italy are positioning themselves as important players in the Middle East peace process and in fostering regional cooperation.

The Saudi-Italian Strategic Partnership Council

Following their discussions, the two leaders signed a historic agreement to establish the Saudi-Italian Strategic Partnership Council. This agreement represents a significant step forward in enhancing bilateral ties, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, and technological innovation. The signing of a $10 billion cooperation and industrial agreement further solidifies the economic relationship between the two nations, building on Italy’s robust presence in the Saudi market.

In 2023, Italy was Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trading partner in the Middle East, with trade exchanges valued at approximately $10.8 billion. Italy’s exports to Saudi Arabia included machinery, vehicles, and equipment, while Saudi exports to Italy largely focused on oil and petrochemical products. This agreement is expected to pave the way for expanded commercial cooperation and further Italian investments in key sectors like energy, infrastructure, and technology.

Al-Ula Vision: Transforming a Region into a Global Tourism Hub

One of the key elements driving Saudi Arabia’s efforts to boost international relations is the Al-Ula Vision, an ambitious project launched by Crown Prince Salman in 2023. The vision seeks to transform the region into a premier global tourist destination by capitalizing on its natural beauty, rich history, and cultural significance. This initiative aims to position Al-Ula not only as a top archaeological and cultural site but also as a luxury tourism hub with projects like the Saharan Resort, which aims to set new standards in global tourism.

The Saudi government has invested heavily in developing Al-Ula’s tourism infrastructure, with plans to attract foreign visitors seeking to explore the desert landscape, historic sites, and Saudi culture. With the backing of international partners like Italy, the region is poised to become a central point in the broader Middle Eastern tourism boom.

The Future of Saudi-Italian Relations

The recent visit by Prime Minister Meloni and the establishment of the Saudi-Italian Strategic Partnership Council set the stage for a deeper, more collaborative relationship between Saudi Arabia and Italy. Beyond trade and tourism, the two countries are also exploring opportunities in areas such as energy, defense, and technology, making their partnership increasingly significant in the broader context of regional and global geopolitics.

As Saudi Arabia continues to focus on its Vision 2030 and attempts to modernize its economy, partnerships with European countries like Italy will be crucial. Italy, with its strong industrial base and historical expertise in art, architecture, and engineering, is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s transformation.

A Strategic Partnership with Global Implications

The growing relationship between Italy and Saudi Arabia holds substantial geopolitical weight. As both countries look to leverage their strategic partnership to address regional and global challenges, it becomes clear that this collaboration will have ripple effects on broader Middle Eastern geopolitics. Italy’s support for Saudi-led initiatives in the region, combined with the economic opportunities emerging from their bilateral agreements, could help to further stabilize the region and encourage peace efforts across conflict zones such as Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen.

As the visit concludes, both Italy and Saudi Arabia are poised to continue building on the momentum established during these high-level talks, and the results will likely be felt both within the Middle East and across Europe.

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