Emir of Qatar, Italian PM stress diplomacy to end current crisis

Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, and Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, Giorgia Meloni, discussed regional and international developments during a meeting on Saturday at Lusail Palace.

Both sides stressed the need to de-escalate tensions and prioritize political dialogue and diplomatic solutions as the most effective way to contain the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and its impact on energy and supply chains, and to safeguard regional energy security.

According to Qatar News Agency (QNA), they also discussed bilateral cooperation relations and explored ways to enhance and develop them across various sectors, particularly in the economy and energy

The Qatar emir's palace said in a statement that both leaders expressed the need to "prioritise diplomacy in order to contain the current crisis in the Middle East."

Earlier, Meloni arrived in Doha after a visit to Saudi Arabia, where she had talks with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

Mohammed Bin Salmand and Giorgia Meloni hold talks in Jeddah on Friday. Reuters

Her trip to the Gulf was not announced in advance.

According to a statement from her office, Meloni and the Qatari emir "tackled energy issues ... and discussed possible measures to mitigate the shocks suffered."

The Italian prime minister also said her country was ready to "contribute to the rehabilitation of Qatar energy infrastructure, which is essential to energy security on a global scale."

Italy is highly dependent on energy imports and has been eyeing rising energy prices with growing concern.

WAM / AFP