JEDDAH, 5 June 2006 — Saudi Arabia and Italy are linked by a century old tradition of friendship. It is against this background that the Italian diplomatic mission is strongly engaged in supporting and promoting new initiatives for bilateral cooperation. Italian Consul General Adriano M. Santacesaria gave this message to the community at the celebration of his country’s national day at the Italian Cultural Center on Saturday night.
Abdulghani A. Shwaila, Jeddah-based director of protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Makkah Region, was among top officials, diplomats, businessmen and expatriates, who attended the reception.
Santacesaria welcomed the students and teachers of Italian School and also of the ‘Hope for Exceptional Needs Center’ for the disabled who prepared and distributed bouquets and flower ornaments.
A ‘Pasta corner’ headed by Chef Celestino, Middle East area manager of Bice restaurant, was among the attractions. On display were Ferrari and Maserati, two Italian cars.
According to the consulate, both countries continue to improve their excellent commercial relations, with the two-way trade increasing by 26 percent to about $7.5 billion in 2005.
The Kingdom ranks first as Italy’s trade partner among all GCC countries. Italian exports to the Kingdom rose by 22 percent totaling over $2.2 billion last year.
Aside from fashion brands, Italy has also become one of the world’s most important suppliers of technologies and mechanical systems for industrial use.
The country is also involved in supporting scientific research in aeronautics, space and defense. Specific initiatives in these sectors have been implemented, mainly in the form of integrated pools.
It recently opened an aerospace technology district in Lazio, a multifunctional space center for high technology in Piemonte and a so-called Silicon Valley in Catania (Sicily).
