Italian Ambassador to Asharq Al-Awsat: Strategic Cooperation with Saudi Arabia is Growing in Light of Vision 2030https://english.aawsat.com/interviews/4631666-italian-ambassador-asharq-al-awsat-strategic-cooperation-saudi-arabia-growing
Italian Ambassador to Asharq Al-Awsat: Strategic Cooperation with Saudi Arabia is Growing in Light of Vision 2030
Italian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Roberto Cantone (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Future Investment Initiative (FII7) established a new road map for cooperation between Rome and Riyadh and enhanced the opportunities for strategic and dynamic ties, said Italy’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Roberto Cantone.
Over 70 Italian companies are investing in the Saudi market, especially in green energy, artificial intelligence, and technology sectors.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Cantone stressed that the FII7 became a leading global platform for exploring new trends, opportunities, challenges, and emerging industries that would shape the global economy and investment environment over the coming decades.
The FII7 Forum allowed Italian companies to discuss with their counterparts from investment groups and emerging companies in Riyadh.
According to Cantone, Italy’s high-level participation in the conference contributed to enriching discussions on pivotal long-term investment projects and global trends that shape future economies.
It also provided the opportunity to enhance cooperation between Rome and Riyadh in many areas, as identified by Vision 2030.
Cantone recalled that bilateral relations date back to the 1930s and have been expanded steadily over the years.
He indicated that the Kingdom currently witnesses steady growth in several areas of cooperation across various sectors, ranging between the latest technologies and their applications in the healthcare system, agriculture, space, cultural heritage, and preservation of antiquities.
Cantone reiterated that cooperation between Italy and the Kingdom is witnessing a strategic and dynamic development, as evident during the bilateral investment forum in Milan last September.
The forum highlighted the great potential to enhance cooperation between the two nations in various fields, including green energy, artificial intelligence, and technology, he said.
The latest trade exchange data shows bilateral trade relations between Italy and Saudi Arabia are witnessing upward growth, reaching $12 billion in 2022.
The first quarter of 2023 was also promising, as Italian exports to the Kingdom grew 24 percent.
The diplomat pointed out that Italian exports to the Kingdom include industrial machinery, electronic devices, communications devices, chemicals, pharmaceutical products, agricultural foods, fashion, design, cosmetics, and cars.
The total balance of Italian net foreign direct investment in Saudi Arabia amounted to more than $4.6 billion, said Cantone, pointing out that the investment forum in Milan witnessed the signing of a memorandum to enhance direct investments between the two countries.
Cantone concluded by expressing his pleasure that Saudi companies, namely the Public Investment Fund (PIF), have become more interested in investing in strategic sectors of the Italian economy, saying it confirms the Kingdom’s confidence in the Italian business environment.
Ali Al-Zaidi to Asharq Al-Awsat: No Protection for the Corrupt, Restricting Arms to the State Will Be Enforcedhttps://english.aawsat.com/interviews/5289965-ali-al-zaidi-asharq-al-awsat-no-protection-corrupt-restricting-arms-state-will
Ali Al-Zaidi to Asharq Al-Awsat: No Protection for the Corrupt, Restricting Arms to the State Will Be Enforced
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi during his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat Editor-in-Chief in Baghdad on Sunday
Nothing delights a journalist more than an unexpected event that adds excitement to a reporting trip, especially when the destination is Iraq. I had requested an interview with Iraq's new prime minister, Ali Al-Zaidi, who was named Prime Minister after a prolonged political contest involving two of his predecessors, Nouri Al-Maliki and Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani.
The interview was scheduled for the 28th of the month, and it was only natural that I arrive the day before. Sometimes chance is worth more than the best-laid plans.
When Al-Zaidi took office, I hoped he had not made the biggest mistake of his life. I had heard he was highly successful in business and enjoyed considerable personal wealth, so I wondered why he would leave behind thriving enterprises to immerse himself in the unforgiving world of Iraqi politics, where success is rare, if not nearly impossible. I imagined him confronting two enormous challenges from his very first day: corruption, which had consumed Iraqis' wealth, and the spread of weapons outside state authority, which has exacted a heavy toll on the country's economy, international standing, and regional and international relations.
I woke early in Baghdad's Green Zone to find messages on my phone saying that armored vehicles had sealed off the area overnight, blocking all access.
At first, I assumed it was merely a security "misunderstanding." It quickly became clear, however, that it was something far bigger and far more serious. Acting on judicial warrants, security forces raided the homes of people who had long believed no one would dare knock on their doors. Within hours, powerful figures, influential officials, lawmakers, and governors had fallen, taken in for questioning over looted public funds. The campaign was not confined to Baghdad. It quickly spread to other provinces and is still ongoing.
Al-Zaidi began his tenure by giving up his salary and allowances, declaring that he would not accept any gift, "even if it were only a necktie."
In Baghdad, it is widely said that the man who allegedly offered him $200 million to lure him into a corruption network is now under investigation.
Anyone who speaks with Al-Zaidi is struck by the clarity of his positions and the firmness of his language. He insists there will be no protection for the corrupt and that "there will be no turning back from the decision to fight corruption or from the decision to restrict arms to the state, and all of this will be enforced under the rule of law."
He rejects any dictates or tutelage and stresses that Iraq will not yield to pressure from any quarter. I joked that those with money seek power, while those with power seek money. He replied that he is in an excellent financial position, will not run in the next parliamentary elections, and will not seek a second term as prime minister.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi during an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat Editor-in-Chief in Baghdad on Sunday
I could tell from his eyes as I walked in that he had been up all night. He confirmed that he had not slept for 24 hours, having accompanied what Baghdadis call "the night the big fish were caught." The visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shortened the time available for his first interview with an Arab media outlet, leaving some questions unasked. The interview follows:
Q: Is the fight against corruption an irreversible decision?
A: Yes. There is no turning back, and it is not a matter of choice. Corruption has become a threat to the very existence of the Iraqi state.
Some chose to enter the institutions of the Iraqi state to steal rather than to serve. There is no longer any place for such people.
From 1980 to 2003, Iraq's wealth was consumed by wars, followed by years of sanctions, leaving Iraqis unable to benefit from the riches of their own country. That was 23 years. From 2003 until this year, 2026, another 23 years have passed, and you can clearly see what Iraq has gone through during that period. A distorted mindset emerged, driven by a race to plunder and steal. We are determined to end that era, open a new chapter for Iraq, and turn the page on that period.
Q: So you have decided to close the chapter on corruption?
A: Yes. There is no place for corruption, and there is no place for weapons outside the authority of the state. By the end of this year, we will announce a National Sovereignty Conference that will establish the state's exclusive authority over the use of force through its official institutions alone. No group will be allowed to bear arms outside the framework of the state, and Iraqis will finally enjoy the wealth of their country.
We face two paths: either we protect the interests of certain individuals and lose the approval of God and the people, or we remove them. Today, we will instruct the finance minister to open a dedicated account to recover Iraq's stolen funds from those involved, and they must return them. Anyone who refuses to do so will face other measures. We are prepared to reach settlements with those who return misappropriated public funds while safeguarding the rights of the Iraqi people in accordance with the law. The procedures will remain confidential. I have undertaken this mission with sincere intentions for the sake of God. We owe Iraq a debt that we are duty-bound to repay.
Q: What do you mean by that responsibility?
A: Iraq has blessed us with all that we have. Where would we be today without this country? We now have a duty to repay that debt. That is why I announced that I will not receive a salary or accept any gift, even if it is only a necktie, and that my hands will never touch public money. If I ever act otherwise, I hope I receive what I deserve. I have made this pledge to myself so there can be no turning back. The highest aspiration we have is to earn God's approval and secure the happiness of the Iraqi people.
Q: Will you continue the anti-corruption campaign regardless of the cost?
A: I see death as a meeting with God, and it is the least we can offer Iraq. We have already announced that we will not seek another term and will not establish a political party. My priority is for the world to see Iraq as a true source of leadership and to recognize that its people are fully capable of governing this ancient country. I will not allow any dictates from outside our borders, whether from the East or the West. Iraq's decisions belong to its people and are expressed through parliament, and it is the government's duty to implement those decisions.
Q: So your slogan is "Iraq First," not the interests of major powers or regional powers?
A: Absolutely. Iraq comes first, and nothing takes precedence over it. The interests of the Iraqi people come first for me. It is also in our people's interest to build strong relations with the international community, neighboring countries, and the Arab Gulf states. Iraq is a state, not a village.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi during the parliamentary vote on his government in the Iraqi Parliament (Government Media)
Q: Prime Minister, during the recent war with Iran, Iraq's relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries came under strain after attacks on targets in the Gulf were reportedly launched from Iraqi territory.
A: Specialized committees have been formed to verify those reports, and we are also awaiting evidence from the relevant authorities in the Gulf states. We will take the necessary measures. We have ordered an investigation and instructed all security commanders to prevent any attempt to use Iraqi territory to launch attacks against neighboring countries. At the same time, I urge everyone not to judge the present by the past. This situation already existed when we assumed office.
Q: You are scheduled to visit Washington in the middle of next month, and I assume there will be other foreign visits as well.
A: We have received many invitations to visit a number of brotherly and friendly countries, including France, Britain, and Germany. However, the visits that take priority because of the importance of our joint agenda will be to the Republic of Türkiye, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, following my visit to Washington.
Q: What do you expect from your visit to Washington? And would it be an exaggeration to say that Iraq is facing a severe financial crisis?
A: That characterization is inaccurate. State employees' salaries are secure and are being paid regularly, and we are fully committed to maintaining that. When our government took office, Iraq's debt stood at about 208 trillion dinars. The state budget relies on oil for 93 percent of its revenues, while non-oil revenues account for the remaining 7 percent.
My view is that Iraq's economy is caught between two competing economic models; an old economic model that refuses to die and a modern one struggling to be born. Our economic vision is to move decisively toward a market economy and leave the old model behind.
In practice, however, we face a large body of conflicting legislation. Some laws date back to the dissolved Revolutionary Command Council and were drafted with a socialist mindset that is no longer effective, while Iraq's constitution is founded on the principle of economic freedom. We have launched a broad effort to reform these inherited laws. In the coming days, the Council of Ministers will finalize the legislative package and submit it to parliament.
We are also moving ahead with the establishment of an Energy and Development Fund, with participation from the Central Bank of Iraq. The fund will be offered through a public subscription, and we will invite Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar to participate, along with American and European funds and banks. The fund will support development, industry, agriculture, and all other productive sectors needed by the Iraqi people.
Q: How did your government manage public finances during the closure of the Strait of Hormuz? Did you rely on borrowing from the Central Bank while drawing on reserves?
A: We discounted promissory notes and borrowed from commercial banks as well as the Central Bank of Iraq.
Q: Iraq's position within OPEC has sparked considerable debate, and it is clear that Iraq wants a larger production quota. How do you balance increasing output with maintaining oil prices?
A: I would like to address those responsible within OPEC. Iraq entered a war in 1980 and emerged eight years later with debts exceeding $100 billion. It then became embroiled in the occupation of Kuwait and came out owing more than $200 billion. After 2003, terrorism took root in our country, and we endured years of instability. Iraqis later fought the terrorist group ISIS, not only in defense of Iraq, but on behalf of the entire region. Had ISIS succeeded in taking control of Iraq, the national security of neighboring countries and the wider region would have been threatened.
That war caused nearly $400 billion in damage to our infrastructure, and to this day thousands of Iraqis have yet to return to their hometowns and destroyed homes. These circumstances must be taken into account. In addition, Iraq's population has reached 47 million, while our production quota stands at 3.4 million barrels per day. These realities should be taken into account when OPEC determines production quotas. That is why we are seeking a fair allocation mechanism that does not undermine the rights of Iraq and its people.
Q: There have been reports that Iraq could enter a lending program with the International Monetary Fund or the World Bank. Is that still under consideration?
A: With the resumption of shipping and exports in the Gulf region and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, those financing options have been set aside. They are no longer needed.
Q: Washington withheld shipments of US dollar cash destined for Iraq. Do you expect to resolve this issue with the US president?
A: Those were precautionary measures, not an attempt to extract concessions in return for specific demands. There were concerns regarding cash transactions, and we explained to the American side the mechanisms governing those funds and the channels through which they moved. The issue has since been resolved, and the cash shipments have been delivered.
Members of the Saraya al-Salam cheer during a ceremony marking the start of the process of handing over their weapons to Iraqi state forces in Samarra, north of Baghdad, Iraq, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Anmar Khalil)
Q: Did the government negotiate with the armed factions that oppose restricting weapons to the state? And if they ultimately refuse after the withdrawal process, will the government be forced to confront them?
A: Let me be clear: there is no force other than the force of the state. We will enforce that through the rule of law. There will be no weapons outside the state's authority.
Q: Some believe the plan to restrict weapons to the state is little more than a symbolic measure adopted to accommodate political forces.
A: If we listen to the skeptics, we will never achieve any results. As for the armed factions, they are ideological groups. We believe that their public acceptance of giving up their weapons is an important and significant first step. In practice, weapons have already been handed over to the state, in various forms, from Saraya Al-Salam, Asaib Ahl Al-Haq, and the Imam Ali Brigades. More important than the handover of weapons itself, however, is severing the link between each faction and the fighters under its command.
In practice, the weapons of these factions are now in the state's custody, with only a small amount remaining. The transfer of the remaining weapons to the armed forces will begin soon. This issue will be resolved in full. Nothing is stronger than the state. We believe resistance is a necessity, not a profession, and that necessity no longer exists. We will not accept the existence of a state within a state.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi during his meeting with US envoy Tom Barrack in Baghdad on June 16, 2026 (Government Media)
Q: What did US envoy Tom Barrack ask of you?
A: He did not make any requests. However, we discussed the suspension of operations by some American companies because of bureaucratic obstacles, and we have since facilitated the procedures affecting those companies.
Q: Do you believe the United States is genuinely prepared to support your government's plans?
A: I have spoken with President Donald Trump only once by telephone, and yes, we have sensed a willingness to provide support. At the same time, we place Iraq's interests first in every decision we make. Others may have made concessions in pursuit of material interests, but that is not something we would ever do.
Q: Prime Minister, have the political forces pledged to facilitate your mission?
A: Yes, absolutely. In fact, I was offered the post of prime minister twice before, and I declined it both times.
Q: Is there anyone who has personally influenced you?
A: Yes. My late father had the greatest influence on me. He always took me with him, detested injustice, and warned me never to incur God's displeasure by wronging His servants.
Q: How would you describe your relationship with Syria and President Ahmad al-Sharaa?
A: Our relationship is moving in a positive direction. Our foreign minister will visit Syria soon, and President al-Sharaa called to congratulate me. We are working toward greater economic openness and cooperation for the benefit of our two brotherly peoples.
Turkish Transport Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat: Costs and Financing of Türkiye- Saudi Arabia Rail Corridor to Be Finalized by Year-endhttps://english.aawsat.com/interviews/5287118-turkish-transport-minister-asharq-al-awsat-costs-and-financing-t%C3%BCrkiye-saudi
Turkish Transport Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat: Costs and Financing of Türkiye- Saudi Arabia Rail Corridor to Be Finalized by Year-end
Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu. (Ministry)
Türkiye aims to finalize costs, investment needs and financing arrangements for a strategic rail corridor linking Saudi Arabia and Türkiye by the end of 2026, Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said.
Uraloglu told Asharq Al-Awsat that technical teams were completing detailed studies for the project, which he said had strong backing from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
He said Türkiye had reached understandings with Jordan and Syria to rehabilitate about 400 km (250 miles) of damaged rail infrastructure and position the route as a secure alternative for Gulf and global supply chains amid tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
The minister said the corridor could become a new trade link between the Gulf and Europe, supporting regional connectivity and integrating with broader transport networks. Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed memorandums of understanding on railways and logistics earlier this month.
Facilitating border crossings and passport procedures
On the passport and border-crossing procedures between the two countries, the Minister said: “At this stage, our priority agenda is the establishment of physical infrastructure and the completion of missing links. However, since we are also considering this line in the long term not only for freight transport but also for passenger transport, border-crossing processes are also important.
"Our objective is to establish a safe, fast and effective system. In this regard, we have introduced certain new arrangements. We extended the duration of driver visas from 15 days to 1 year. We also ensured that the required documents were rearranged in a way that allows faster procedures. Therefore, we are rapidly carrying out improvements in passport and border crossings.”
Uraloglu said the project's final implementation model and participating companies would be determined once the ongoing technical studies are completed. He said Türkiye has some of the world's strongest engineering and construction capabilities in the transport sector and, if the project proceeds as planned, Turkish firms are expected to play a leading role in the transcontinental corridor.
The Jordan-Saudi Arabia and Syria-Türkiye Railways
On the Jordan-Saudi Arabia and Syria-Türkiye sections of the proposed rail corridor, Uraloglu said: “We are currently in the period during which technical studies are being carried out most intensively. Our technical teams continue their examinations. It is being determined in which sections renewal will be carried out, which parts will be rebuilt and how much investment will be needed.
“Our primary objective is to clarify the needs along the route and the works that need to be carried out. If we can advance the process as planned, a more concrete framework regarding costs, investment needs and the financing dimension will have emerged by the end of the year. Afterwards, we will work together with the countries concerned on the investment program and implementation plan.”
On the projected financing size of the project he said: “At this stage, it is too early to announce a definite cost figure. First, we need to determine precisely the investments that need to be made. Once the technical studies are completed, a clearer financial picture will emerge”.
Leadership will and flexible financing alternatives
The Minister stressed that “the most important element here, even before financing, is political will. Our President, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have demonstrated a strong will to realize this project. For us, this is the most valuable element.
"Because once political will and a common vision are put forward, financing models can also be developed. Public resources, international financial institutions, different investment models and joint financing options can be considered.
"Therefore, our priority is to complete the technical studies and put forward a clear project. Afterwards, the financing model will be shaped as a result of assessments to be made among the countries concerned”.
Transport is a strategic security factor
In his geopolitical assessment, the Turkish minister said the pandemic, regional conflicts and global crises of recent years had underscored a clear and unambiguous reality, “transport corridors are not only economic instruments, but also strategic security elements. Connectivity has therefore become central to cooperation between countries.”
He noted that the sustainability of global trade, energy supply security and supply chains depends on strong transport networks.
He added: “With its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, Türkiye stands at the center of regional and global trade networks. Saudi Arabia, for its part, stands out as one of the most important economic powers in the Gulf region. Therefore, cooperation between the two countries in the field of transport will not only strengthen relations between Ankara and Riyadh; it will also contribute to the trade and logistics structure of a wide geography extending from the Gulf to Europe and from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea.
“Relations between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have gained significant momentum in recent years. The strong will demonstrated by our President, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has placed cooperation between the two countries on a much broader and more strategic footing. At the point we have reached today, we see that a common vision has emerged not only in trade and investment, but also in areas that will shape the future, such as transport, logistics, energy and connectivity.”
Beyond the rails: A technological and digital partnership
The Minister added: “In this context, we see significant opportunities particularly in the railway sector. With the Memoranda of Understanding we signed in Riyadh, we established a common basis for cooperation in many areas, including cooperation in the railway sector, the development of logistics services, transport technologies, digitalization, maintenance and operation processes, safety and security practices, and training activities.
“We are planning not only for today's needs, but also for the transport systems of the future. For this reason, we are working on new railway connections that will link the Gulf region to Europe via Türkiye. We are carrying out technical studies on a route that will start from Saudi Arabia, reach Türkiye via Jordan and Syria, and from there be integrated into the European railway network. Once this line is realized, it will be possible to transport cargo from the Gulf region to Europe more rapidly, more safely and more sustainably.
“The Memoranda of Understanding we signed in Riyadh actually cover not only technical cooperation regarding a railway line, but also a much broader perspective. Railway technologies, logistics services, digitalization, maintenance and operation processes, safety and security practices, training activities and technical knowledge sharing are among the many areas included within the scope of this cooperation”.
Regional Agreement with Syria and Jordan
Regarding the nature of the understanding with the Syrian and Jordanian sides on the railway connection, the Minister told Asharq Al-Awsat: “By its nature, this project is a regional connectivity project that concerns not only Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, but also the other countries located along the route. Our objective is to establish an uninterrupted railway corridor starting from the Gulf region and extending to Türkiye via Jordan and Syria, and from there to Europe. In this context, we have reached an understanding with both Syria and Jordan on the development of the corridor.
“Today, there is significant railway infrastructure on the Saudi Arabian side extending as far as the Jordanian border. On the Turkish side, our railway network reaches the Gaziantep, Kilis and İslahiye region. Therefore, one of the focal points of the project is the condition of the connections in the Syrian and Jordanian sections.
“The assessments conducted indicate that renewal, rehabilitation and new investments are needed in an approximately 400-kilometer section in Syria and Jordan. In some sections, improvement of the existing lines will be sufficient, while in some other sections new infrastructure investments will need to be implemented.
“For this reason, our priority is to clearly identify the current condition of the line, its needs and investment requirements. We aim to determine by the end of the year the works that need to be carried out, the costs and the applicable models.
“We see this project not only as a transport investment, but as a strategic initiative that will connect the countries of the region more strongly with one another. Syria and Jordan are also natural and important parts of this corridor. Once the corridor is completed, it will provide significant gains not only in terms of freight transport, but also in terms of trade, logistics and regional economic mobility”.
Geopolitical alternatives
According to Uraloglu, “Developments in recent years have shown us how fragile transport systems can be. We saw this during the pandemic. We saw it during regional conflicts. Most recently, developments in the Gulf region and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz once again revealed the same reality.
“With this understanding, Türkiye has been developing major projects in recent years to strengthen international connectivity. While the Middle Corridor offers a reliable and effective alternative for trade flows extending from China to Europe, the Development Road Project aims to create a new logistics backbone that will connect the Arabian Gulf to Europe via Türkiye.
“We see the Saudi Arabia-Türkiye Railway Project as one of the complementary elements of this major vision. Starting from the Gulf region and extending to Europe via Jordan, Syria and Türkiye, this line will support existing transport networks and further strengthen regional connectivity.
“This project is not only a regional initiative. When considered together with the Middle Corridor, the Development Road and other transport networks, it has the potential to affect the trade structure of a wide geography extending from Europe to the Gulf and from the Middle East to Asia. Our aim is to contribute to making global trade safer, more uninterrupted and more resilient by creating corridors that are not alternatives to one another, but complementary to one another”.
The Turkish minister went on, highlighting his country’s readiness: “Thanks to Marmaray, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway Line and other strategic investments we have implemented in recent years, we have established a strong railway connection between Asia and Europe. In addition, our investments such as the railway line that will pass over the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge and the Halkalı-Kapıkule High-Speed Railway Project, which is under construction, will further strengthen Türkiye's railway integration with Europe.
“On the one hand, construction of more than 4,000 kilometers of high-speed railway lines is continuing in our country; on the other hand, we are increasing the capacity of our railway corridors extending to Europe. In this way, Türkiye is becoming a much stronger hub in railway transport between Asia and Europe”.
Dimensions of integration and Europe’s gains
On expanding the network, Uraloglu said the project is taking shape in its first phase between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Jordan and Syria, but bilateral talks and discussions have included the possibility of extending the line in future phases to incorporate other Gulf states such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Oman.
He stressed that the real added value of the corridor lies in its exceptional ability to connect directly to Europe’s unified railway network via Türkiye.
Regarding the geoeconomic returns for the European side, Uraloglu said Europe’s main gain lies in establishing a more direct and secure logistical and commercial link with the Gulf region, particularly as Gulf Cooperation Council states are among the most important strategic partners for the European continent in the energy, petrochemicals and diversified industrial goods sectors, in addition to the scale of major mutual investments between the two sides, making bilateral trade flows more regular and more predictable.
In addition, Europe has in recent years been seeking to make its supply chains shorter, safer and more diversified. This corridor that we are trying to develop may also be considered a new route that increases Europe's connectivity options. The issue here is not only cost; it is speed, predictability and accessibility”.
In conclusion, he told Asharq Al-Awsat that the project’s real impact on logistics costs will only be clear once the final technical design and expected traffic volumes are known. However, he expressed confidence that the project will deliver major economic and development benefits for both the region and Europe, strengthening trade, investment, and regional economic integration over the long term.
Safer CEO: Company Ready to Resume LNG Exportshttps://english.aawsat.com/interviews/5286993-safer-ceo-company-ready-resume-lng-exports
Safer’s CEO said the company is ready to resume liquefied natural gas exports (Asharq Al-Awsat).
As Yemen’s energy sector continues to grapple with the effects of war and a steep decline in foreign investment, Safer Exploration & Production Operations Company — the country’s largest oil and gas producer — has unveiled plans to expand the use of its hydrocarbon resources.
These plans include introducing compressed natural gas as a fuel for vehicles and households and studying the development of potential shale oil reserves.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Safer Chief Executive Officer Salem Kaiti said the company is technically prepared to resume production and exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) whenever the government authorizes the move and security and political conditions permit.
He added that any restart would be gradual and would follow the rehabilitation and maintenance of selected wells and facilities.
According to Kaiti, Safer currently produces about 15,000 barrels of oil per day and 1.6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, down from approximately 32,000 barrels per day and 2.2 trillion cubic feet before the war.
He attributed the decline to the suspension of development, drilling, and exploration activities, as well as the departure of several foreign companies from Yemen’s energy sector.
The executive also revealed that Safer is studying a strategic project to develop compressed natural gas (CNG) based on methane gas as a lower-cost alternative to transportation fuels and household cooking gas.
Yemen possesses substantial methane reserves, he said, but the project would require significant investment in infrastructure, transportation networks, and distribution stations.
In addition, Safer is examining opportunities in unconventional oil resources, including shale oil. Preliminary studies conducted by oilfield services company Schlumberger indicated promising signs of significant reserves, according to Kaiti.
However, confirming those estimates and developing the resource commercially would require advanced technologies and partnerships with specialized international companies.
Kaiti also expressed interest in building future cooperation with Saudi Aramco, particularly in training, workforce development, and benefiting from the company’s expertise across the energy sector.
Maintaining Operations During Wartime
Kaiti stressed that Safer has operated under extraordinary conditions throughout years of conflict and economic instability. Despite security and financial challenges, the company’s workforce has managed to keep critical facilities in the oil-producing governorate of Marib running and prevent significant deterioration.
Operations have been strained by prolonged interruptions to exports, aging infrastructure, and the withdrawal of many foreign service companies. Nevertheless, Safer continued maintenance programs for wells and production facilities, preserved output levels, and maintained supplies of petroleum products and cooking gas to the domestic market.
Among the company’s most significant achievements, Kaiti cited the relocation of Safer’s headquarters and financial center from areas controlled by the Houthis to Marib in early 2017.
The company also resumed oil exports in October 2019 through truck transport to facilities operated by YCOM, with shipments eventually reaching the Port of Nushaymah on the Arabian Sea. Between 2019 and 2022, total exports reached approximately 8.6 million barrels.
Safer also succeeded in returning 17 inactive wells to production. Between 2023 and 2025, those efforts generated cumulative output of 554,000 barrels of oil and 52 billion cubic feet of gas.
In December 2024, the company restarted production from the Al-Wahda-2 well using electric submersible pump technology, which Kaiti described as the first step toward wider deployment of the technology across other wells.
The company resumed well-maintenance operations in May 2018 after a three-year halt. According to Kaiti, some wells faced serious technical risks that could have resulted in accidents or gas leaks, but engineering teams successfully addressed the problems.
Other accomplishments include launching production of improved gasoline for the local market, constructing a 55,000-barrel crude oil storage tank at the central processing facility, paving a 40-kilometer road linking Safer and Al-Ruwaik, and supporting development projects in education and healthcare across Marib.
War-Driven Production Decline
Before the conflict, Safer’s production stood at approximately 32,000 barrels of oil per day and 2.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Today, those figures have fallen to around 15,000 barrels per day and 1.6 trillion cubic feet, respectively.
Kaiti attributed the decline to the natural depletion of mature fields, the suspension of field-development programs, halted drilling and exploration activities, weak maintenance programs, and the departure of foreign companies because of the war.
Given current conditions, he said the company’s priority is to stabilize production and prevent further declines until circumstances allow larger development projects to resume.
Workforce and Economic Role
Kaiti described Safer as one of the pillars of Yemen’s economy, citing its role in supplying domestic markets with cooking gas, gasoline, and diesel, while contributing to government revenues and employment.
The company also provides fuel for power stations, helping maintain electricity supplies in Marib and other governorates. Approximately 99 percent of Safer’s workforce is Yemeni, with the company employing around 1,000 people, in addition to hundreds of workers employed by contractors from across the country.
Future Projects: Shale Oil and CNG
Looking ahead, Safer has developed both short- and long-term exploration and development plans aimed at increasing and sustaining production and identifying new reserves. Their implementation, however, remains dependent on security and financial conditions.
Planned initiatives include drilling new development and exploration wells, launching projects to produce and process heavy crude oil and asphalt, and expanding the use of gas-lift systems and electric submersible pumps.
The company is also studying projects to process hydrogen sulfide gas in several fields and install specialized equipment to improve the quality of oil and gas production.
Kaiti emphasized that developing shale oil resources would require partnerships with international firms possessing advanced technology and expertise, given the high costs and technical complexity involved.
LNG Exports Could Resume Gradually
On the prospect of restarting LNG exports, Kaiti said Safer has preserved upstream facilities throughout the war and remains technically ready to resume production and exports once political and security conditions improve and the government gives its approval.
Any restart would be gradual, he noted, because some wells and facilities require maintenance and rehabilitation after years of inactivity. Extended shutdowns have affected portions of the company’s equipment and surface installations.
Kaiti also voiced hope that foreign companies that left Yemen during the conflict would eventually return. While some have already resumed activities through Yemeni staff, others continue to monitor the security situation before deciding whether to re-enter the market.
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