UAE President, Italian PM discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations in Rome
- Last updated: February 24, 2025 | 17:38
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, on Monday discussed cooperation between the UAE and Italy as part of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
The discussions took place during a meeting between the UAE President and the Italian Prime Minister at Chigi Palace in Rome as part of Sheikh Mohamed's state visit to Italy.
Meloni welcomed Sheikh Mohamed and the accompanying delegation, expressing her hope that the visit would provide a strong impetus in advancing bilateral cooperation.
The two sides reviewed the ongoing development of their relations, particularly in the fields of economy, investment, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and sustainability, in addition to cultural exchange.
They reaffirmed that their strategic partnership serves as a key framework to advance ties and fulfil the aspirations of their people for further growth and prosperity.
Sheikh Mohamed noted that UAE-Italy relations date back to the first year of the UAE’s founding as a nation and have grown over the years into a strategic partnership.
He affirmed the UAE’s commitment to achieving the aims of this partnership and elevating it to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership to serve the interests of both nations and their peoples.
Sheikh Mohamed stated that non-oil trade volume between the two countries reached $14.1 billion in 2024, marking a 21.2% increase compared to 2023.
He emphasised that through enhanced cooperation, trade exchange between the two nations is expected to continue growing.
Sheikh Mohamed also highlighted the shared interests of the UAE and Italy in sustainability and renewable energy, in addition to artificial intelligence and innovation.
Additionally,Sheikh Mohamed underscored the cultural dimension of UAE-Italy relations and the two countries’ commitment to strengthening cultural exchange and collaboration while deepening people-to-people ties.
He expressed hope that the UAE’s announced $40 billion investment in Italy would contribute to the development and prosperity of both countries and their peoples.
For her part, Meloni emphasised her country’s keenness to continue strengthening cooperation with the UAE to serve shared interests.
Attending the meeting were Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President; several members of the delegation accompanying the UAE President; ministers, and senior officials from the Italian side.
WAM