Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Jeddah on Friday to review bilateral ties and explore ways to strengthen cooperation.
The two officials also discussed regional developments, including the risks of ongoing military escalation to global trade, energy security, and the world economy, while stressing coordination to support Middle East stability.
Meloni’s visit marks the first by a European Union leader to the region since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran on February 28, according to Reuters.
In an interview with Italian state television, Meloni said her country stands with Gulf states against Iranian attacks, describing them as “friends and strategic partners,” and calling her visit “a gesture of solidarity.”
Speaking from Jeddah, she stated that her trip is primarily focused on oil, noting that Gulf countries supply about 15% of Italy’s needs. She stressed the importance of securing stable energy supplies.
Meloni arrived in Jeddah Friday and was received at King Abdulaziz International Airport by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region and other Saudi figures.
