UAE President, Italian PM discuss bilateral relations

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have discussed strengthening cooperation as part of the strategic partnership between their countries.

The meeting, held at Chigi Palace in Rome, is part of His Highness’ state visit to Italy.

Meloni welcomed the UAE President and expressed hope that the visit would provide a strong boost to bilateral ties.

The two leaders reviewed progress in key areas such as economy, investment, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, sustainability and cultural exchange.

Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the long history of UAE-Italy relations, which began in the UAE’s first year as a nation and have since evolved into a robust strategic partnership.

He emphasised the UAE's commitment to further strengthening this alliance and aiming for a comprehensive strategic collaboration that serves both countries and their people.

The President also noted that non-oil trade between the two nations reached $14.1 billion in 2024, a 21.2% increase from 2023. He expressed confidence that further cooperation will continue to drive trade growth.

His Highness also underscored the shared focus on sustainability, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and innovation, while emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange in deepening people-to-people ties.

He expressed hope that the UAE's plans to invest $40 billion in Italy would contribute to the mutual development and prosperity of both countries.

Sheikh Mohamed also bestowed the UAE's 'Order of the Union' upon Meloni, in recognition of her role in strengthening the historical and deep-rooted ties between the UAE and Italy.

The Italian Prime Minister expressed her appreciation for this gesture, underscoring the close relations that unite the two nations.

UAE President, Italian Prime Minister discuss strengthening bilateral relations in Rome#WamNews https://t.co/YD3DJtUQJc pic.twitter.com/1JPWMFBr0k

— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) February 24, 2025

On Monday, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at enhancing cooperation in various sectors.

These pacts cover the fields of industry, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, energy, health, culture, education, scientific research, defence, transportation, space, mining, and building economic partnerships with African countries, as well as other key sectors that are expected to elevate UAE-Italy ties.

Sheikh Mohamed and Meloni also attended the UAE-Italy Business Forum, where the sessions focused on diverse areas such as energy solutions, infrastructure development and innovations in healthcare.

It also included meetings between Emirati and Italian business leaders to explore ways to develop new investment and trade partnerships.