ROME, April 3 – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni departed for Saudi Arabia on Friday as part of an unexpected diplomatic journey that will take her to three Gulf nations, according to government officials.
The unscheduled tour will also bring Meloni to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, with officials indicating the mission serves dual purposes: demonstrating Italy’s solidarity with these countries as they face Iranian aggression on their soil, while simultaneously strengthening Italy’s energy independence through enhanced partnerships with Gulf oil and gas producers.
This marks the first diplomatic mission to the Gulf region by any European Union leader since hostilities began at the conclusion of February, initiated by the United States and Israel.
