Italy and Saudi Arabia shaping a bold, shared future

Over the past year, the bond between Italy and Saudi Arabia has not just strengthened — it has blossomed into a vibrant, forward-looking alliance full of energy, vision and promise. What began as a solid friendship has deepened into a partnership that embraces politics, energy, infrastructure, innovation, culture, defense and the breathtaking transformation underway in the Kingdom.

Today, our two nations stand side by side with a shared ambition: to shape a future grounded in stability, sustainable prosperity and technological excellence, while staying true to the cultural identities that define us. This common vision naturally extends to the international stage. From the Mediterranean to the broader Middle East, Italy and Saudi Arabia are working together to support a more secure and prosperous regional order — driven by trust, mutual respect and a deep sense of responsibility.

Our collaboration on the crisis in Gaza exemplifies this commitment. Italy and Saudi Arabia share the conviction that only a credible path toward a two-state solution can bring lasting peace. Italy commends and proudly supports the Saudi-led Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.

Italy has also strengthened its humanitarian engagement through the Food for Gaza initiative and lifesaving medical evacuations. We are the leading Western country in welcoming Palestinians from Gaza — 1,300 people, including more than 200 children in need of vital medical care, while expressing deep gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its decisive leadership in rallying regional and international support for Gaza’s reconstruction.

Beyond immediate challenges, we recognize that economic growth and regional stability go hand in hand. Ensuring the security of maritime routes and the broader Middle East is a shared priority — a prerequisite for the prosperity of our peoples.

Against this dynamic backdrop, our bilateral cooperation takes on unprecedented significance. Vision 2030 is propelling the Kingdom toward a transformation of historic scale and Italy sees Saudi Arabia as a key strategic beacon in its export plan for high-opportunity non-EU markets.

The data speaks for itself: Saudi Arabia is now the second-largest market for Italian exports in the Middle East-North Africa region. In the past five years, bilateral trade has surged by 67 percent and, since 2022, Italian exports have grown by nearly 20 percent each year.

Cultural cooperation offers endless opportunities for Italy and Saudi Arabia to create something extraordinary together.

Antonio Tajani

Italian companies are increasingly present across flagship Vision 2030 projects, bringing world-class expertise in sustainable infrastructure, mobility, urban design and advanced technologies. Collaboration in clean energy, digital innovation, food security, sports and the creative economy continues to expand, reflecting a remarkable synergy between our economies.

It is with this spirit of ambition and optimism that we are co-organizing the Italy-Saudi Arabia Business Forum in Riyadh. On Tuesday, I will travel to the Kingdom with a delegation of about 500 Italian companies and institutions. The forum — building on the AlUla roundtable held during Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s January visit and her meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — will explore five key sectors: infrastructure and sustainable mobility; health and life sciences; high-technology and digital solutions; agritech and water treatment; and the rapidly expanding industries of culture and sports. Our goal is to connect our business communities, spark new partnerships and pave the way for long-term joint ventures and investments within Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects.

Energy and technological innovation form another vibrant pillar of our cooperation. Italian companies are actively contributing to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious programs in renewables, hydrogen, smart grids and green fuels. This is why we are also preparing the first edition of the Italy-Saudi Arabia Energy Days for 2026 — a milestone that will further deepen our collaboration in the energy of the future.

Defense and security have likewise become vital elements of our strategic partnership, with Italian and Saudi companies forging innovative collaborations that strengthen both nations.

Cultural cooperation — a cornerstone of Vision 2030 — offers endless opportunities for Italy and Saudi Arabia to create something extraordinary together. Italy stands ready to support the Kingdom with its unmatched expertise in heritage preservation, museum development, creative industries and cultural innovation. At this moment of extraordinary transformation, we know that the future must be built with deep respect for the past and that cultural identity is the foundation of real progress.

At this historic moment, I am convinced that our partnership has reached a level of maturity, trust and shared ambition that allows us to look ahead with confidence and excitement. Together, Italy and Saudi Arabia can set a global example of cooperation, innovation and prosperity — for our nations, our region and the world. I arrive in Riyadh with this conviction and with the determination to elevate our exceptional friendship to even greater heights.

•  Antonio Tajani is Vice President of Italy’s Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. X: @Antonio_Tajani