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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)
Italian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Roberto Cantone (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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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)
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.

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Yemen Defense Minister: Houthi Attacks May Persist Even After Gaza War Ends

Yemeni Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mohsen al-Daeri (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Yemeni Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mohsen al-Daeri (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Yemen Defense Minister: Houthi Attacks May Persist Even After Gaza War Ends

Yemeni Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mohsen al-Daeri (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Yemeni Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mohsen al-Daeri (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Yemen’s Defense Minister, Lt. Gen. Mohsen al-Daeri, does not expect Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea to stop even if the Gaza war ends. He also warns of rising tensions in the region, which could lead to a major conflict.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, al-Daeri affirmed close coordination between Yemeni forces and the Saudi-led Arab Coalition. He praised Saudi Arabia’s key role in the coalition, highlighting its continuous support for Yemen.

Al-Daeri said there has been significant progress in unifying government-aligned military forces, with committees set up by the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) establishing a joint operations authority.

Despite challenges, he remains optimistic that these efforts will help unify the military command against the common enemy — Yemen’s Houthi militias.

Al-Daeri warned that Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea are a serious threat to Yemen and the region. He noted that the Houthis are using these attacks to distract from their internal problems and are trying to capitalize on Yemeni sympathy for Palestine by claiming support for Gaza.

He added that the Houthis are unlikely to stop targeting international shipping, even if the Gaza war ends, and are constantly seeking new alliances with terrorist groups to strengthen their position.

Al-Daeri, accused Iran of fueling instability in Yemen by supporting Houthi militias for years, smuggling weapons and military experts to spread chaos without regard for regional stability.

On US relations, Al-Daeri said ties are good but military cooperation remains limited. He noted that US military aid, suspended in 2014, has not yet returned to previous levels.

Al-Daeri said his visit to Saudi Arabia was part of ongoing coordination with the Joint Operations Command and the Saudi Ministry of Defense to strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries.

During his “productive” visit, Al-Daeri met with several military leaders, congratulated the new commander of the Joint Operations, Lt. Gen. Fahd Al-Salman, and held talks with officials from the Saudi Ministry of Defense and the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition.

Al-Daeri emphasized the strong defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia, particularly during Yemen’s war in recent years.

He noted that the high level of coordination with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Arab Coalition members has significantly improved regional military readiness.

Al-Daeri said relations with Saudi Arabia are growing stronger, with both countries working closely together to fulfill their missions in the region.

He described defense cooperation as being at its peak, praising Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the Arab Coalition.

“Saudi Arabia has always provided full support—military, financial, and moral. As the region’s strongest power, they have supported Yemen not just with resources, but also with strategic expertise and by fighting alongside us, even sacrificing their lives for our cause,” Al-Daeri told Asharq Al-Awsat.

He said Houthi militias have taken advantage of the ceasefire and the Saudi-led initiative, which later became a UN effort, to conduct hostile activities and assert their presence.

He referred to the Houthis’ actions as creating a “massive prison” for millions of Yemenis who do not want to live in their controlled areas.

Al-Daeri, described the situation in the region as dangerous, pointing to recent events in Gaza and Lebanon as signs of increasing tensions. He warned of the risk of an unprecedented regional war due to the rising violence and conflicts.

“What is happening is very alarming, especially with the recent events, including terrorist militias in Yemen, the unacceptable violence in Gaza over the past year, and the situation in southern Lebanon. This all signals the risk of an unusual war,” said al-Daeri.

Regarding potential outcomes, al-Daeri noted that Yemeni forces are ready for both war and peace. He acknowledged significant efforts to achieve peace but warned that renewed conflict could occur at any moment. He also pointed out ongoing provocations from Houthis, which continue to lead to casualties.

"We are ready for all options and have comprehensive strategic plans for deploying our forces. The past two years have seen a ceasefire, and the Arab Coalition is making significant efforts to achieve peace rather than resorting to war. However, this does not mean that conflict won’t resume; it could restart at any time,” explained al-Daeri.

“Despite the ceasefire and the presence of our forces, the legitimate troops have not fired back, yet the militias provoke us daily, resulting in casualties,” he added.

“Patience is a key quality of the legitimate authority in Yemen, led by Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and his colleagues in the Presidential Leadership Council. This patience reflects our readiness for the moment of truth, whether for peace or war—we are prepared,” asserted al-Daeri.