The Italy PM, Giorgia Meloni’s tour to Gulf, scheduled from April 3rd to 5th. She created a record of first leader from EU or the NATO country to visit the Middle East Countries, after the outbreak of the War on February, 28th. The purpose and the agenda of het Gulf visit to show the solidarity with all those countries on whom Iran is striking missiles and to secure Italy’s energy supply, despite the closure of Strait of Hormuz.
Her schedules meetings consisted of, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman of Saudi on 3rd, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Doha and Qatar on 4th, and President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) of Abu Dhabi and UAE on 4th and 5th. Amazon Brand - Myx Women's Schiffli Embroidery Ethnic Dress | Fit and Flare | Knee Length (Available in Plus Sizes)
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Italy is significantly dependent on the Gulf. It approximately buys around 10% of its gas from Qatar and 12% of its oil from Saudi and UAE. Last week, Qatar intimated Italy of a pause in LNG deliveries due to the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz which affected at least 10 major cargoes which were to be shipped to Italy.
Meloni reconfirmed that Italian energy giants like Eni remain fully committed to the region.
She also offered Italian expertise to help rehabilitate Qatari energy infrastructure damaged by recent Iranian drone attacks.Meloni confirmed that Italy has deployed aerial defence systems to the Gulf for the help and to counter Iranian missile and drone strikes. She also expresses her helplessness. Despite she intends to send defensive hardware, she is currently constrained by ongoing commitments to the war in Ukraine. Subcontinent on Standby: As the 90-Day Oil Clock Ticks, South Asia Braces for Impact
She conferred the potential for a "Blue Funnel" or similar diplomatic corridor to allow energy exports to resume under international monitoring. In Abu Dhabi, Meloni emphasized the absolute necessity of guaranteeing freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to prevent a total global economic breakdown.
After the meeting Italy’s Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti advised that if the Iran war continues, the EU would revise its 3% deficit ceiling for member nations. A Historic Reckoning in Madurai. When the Protectors Turn Perpetrators, the Law Ensures No Badge is Above Human Life
Meloni's visit is bridge-building mission. While the U.S. and Israel are the two primary combatants in the war, Italy has positioned itself as a strategic partner that provides defensive support and diplomatic mediation.
This has allowed her to manage an exclusive dialogue with Gulf leaders who are currently wary of a total regional spillover.