Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, met at Villa Doria Pamphilj in Rome to deepen the strategic partnership between the two nations. The meeting followed discussions between the Emir and Italian President Sergio Mattarella, further solidifying ties between Italy and Qatar.
Key Outcomes of the Bilateral Meeting
The meeting concluded with a Joint Declaration outlining major aspects of the bilateral cooperation, including foreign policy, migration, the Rome Process, the Mattei Plan, defense, energy, investments, judicial cooperation, research, and tourism. According to a statement from Palazzo Chigi, the leaders focused on the situation in the Middle East, particularly the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Lebanon. Meloni shared the outcomes of her recent visits to Jordan and Lebanon, reaffirming Italy’s support for Qatar’s mediation efforts, alongside Egypt and the U.S., to reach a truce in Gaza.
The discussions also covered Italy’s commitment to maintaining the safety of UNIFIL personnel and the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701, with necessary international support for Lebanese armed forces.
Italian Military Hub in Qatar
A major highlight of the meeting was the focus on defense cooperation. Italy and Qatar emphasized their shared commitment to deepening the strategic partnership in defense and military-industrial collaboration. This includes discussions on creating an Italian military logistics hub in Qatar and enhancing joint training programs and visits.
The two leaders also reaffirmed their intention to coordinate export strategies in the region, marking a significant step forward in military and industrial ties between the two countries.
Innovation in Migration Solutions
Migration was another critical topic during the discussions. Both leaders acknowledged the global nature of the migration issue and the need for collective efforts to address its challenges. They agreed to promote partnerships with countries of origin and transit through innovative solutions under the Rome Process. Meloni and al-Thani highlighted the importance of stronger international cooperation to combat organized crime, human trafficking, and irregular migration by addressing the root causes of these issues.
Strengthened Cooperation with Africa
In line with the Mattei Plan for Africa, Italy and Qatar expressed their commitment to developing sustainable partnerships with African nations, particularly in sustainable agriculture. They agreed to collaborate on mutually beneficial projects, leveraging resources through new financial instruments such as the Growth and Resilience Platform for Africa (GRAF).
Meloni emphasized that economic growth is a key factor in preventing migration by creating opportunities in African countries, reducing human trafficking, and fostering long-term stability. The cooperation between Qatar and the African Union on reintegrating vulnerable migrants into their home countries was also praised during the talks.
Fincantieri and Barzan Radar Agreement
The bilateral discussions also resulted in agreements in various sectors. A memorandum was signed between Italy’s Fincantieri and Qatar’s Barzan for the production of 40 Omega 360 radars, and another agreement between SACE and Estithmar Holding was concluded. These deals aim to open strategic access to the Qatari market for Italian companies, particularly in construction and healthcare sectors.
Efforts for a Ceasefire Between Israel and Hamas
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas was also discussed. Italy has supported Qatar’s mediation efforts in recent months, aiming to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Both nations remain committed to regional stability, particularly in Lebanon, where they share a common goal of ensuring peace and security.
President Mattarella Meets Emir al-Thani
Earlier in the day, President Sergio Mattarella welcomed the Emir of Qatar at the Quirinale Palace. Mattarella expressed the importance of the long-standing relationship between Italy and Qatar, highlighting the key role Qatar plays in international politics and the strength of their bilateral relations.
Mattarella stated, “It is an honor for the Italian Republic to host Your Highness in Rome, and it is a great personal pleasure to welcome you again. The frequency of our meetings and government-level discussions reflects the strength of the ties between Qatar and Italy.”
Cooperation in Energy and Defense
Italy and Qatar have strong bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including investments, energy (gas markets and renewable energy), defense, and military collaboration. The two nations are also exploring new opportunities in food security, biotechnology, life sciences, and urban management.
Italy as Qatar’s Fourth Largest Supplier
According to data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Italy ranks as the fourth largest supplier to Qatar, with a market share of 5.2% between January and May 2024. During the same period, Italian exports to Qatar outperformed those from the United Kingdom (4.94%), Germany (4.38%), France (2.73%), and Spain (1.45%).
Italian exports to Qatar reached €1.1 billion between January and July 2024, while imports totaled €1.2 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of €129 million. Qatar’s net investments in Italy have also grown, reaching €405 million by the end of 2023.
Conclusion
The bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani marked a significant step in deepening Italy-Qatar relations. With agreements spanning defense, migration, Africa, and economic cooperation, the two nations have paved the way for stronger strategic collaboration in the years to come. The discussions also highlighted the importance of regional stability in the Middle East and Africa, with Italy supporting Qatar’s role as a key international mediator.
This article is originally published on .ilsole24ore.com
