Italy revamps ties with Saudi Arabia, eyeing investments and defense trade
On her first visit to Saudi Arabia, Meloni is seeking to rebrand Italy's political engagement in the Middle East and bring about a new era for Italian industry in the region.
DUBAI — Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, is recalibrating Rome's strategy in the Middle East following her visit to Riyadh, where she managed to secure $10 billion worth of deals between both sides.
Giorgia Meloni, Italy's first-ever female leader, arrived in Saudi Arabia on Jan. 25 and was hosted by its de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, at the culturally significant Al-Ula camp on Jan 27.
Their discussions, which resulted in the signing of $10 billion worth of deals between both countries across sectors, were indicative of Italy's growing influence in the Gulf and of Saudi ambitions to play a larger role in the Mediterranean.
Meloni, who leads a right-wing populist and conservative political party in Italy, is an unlikely candidate to maintain close ties with Riyadh.
