Crown Prince’s Italy Visit Focuses on Economic, Political and Cultural Cooperation

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, began an official visit to the Italian Republic on Saturday, underscoring the deep-rooted friendship and expanding cooperation between the two nations.

The visit builds on decades of diplomatic relations and reflects Bahrain’s commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to strengthening international partnerships, promoting sustainable development, and advancing peace and dialogue as cornerstones of global stability.

Expanding strategic ties

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister’s meetings with senior Italian officials will focus on enhancing cooperation across key sectors, including trade, investment, energy, technology, and cultural exchange. Both countries are expected to discuss regional and international developments, highlighting the importance of joint coordination in addressing global challenges and promoting security.

The visit comes at a significant time, following Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s historic trip to Bahrain earlier this year — the first by an Italian premier to the Kingdom. That visit marked a new phase in bilateral relations, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening Gulf–European dialogue.

Economic and cultural cooperation

Economic cooperation remains a cornerstone of the relationship. Non-oil trade between Bahrain and Italy reached USD 779 million in 2024, making Italy Bahrain’s leading European trade partner. More than 130 Italian companies are active in the Kingdom, spanning industries from food production to advanced manufacturing.

Cultural and academic ties have also deepened, most notably through the establishment of the King Hamad Chair for Interfaith Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence at Sapienza University in Rome. Such initiatives reflect Bahrain’s vision of fostering dialogue among civilizations and promoting values of tolerance and coexistence.

A relationship of shared values

With Bahrain playing a pivotal role in the Gulf region and Italy positioned as a key European and global player, both countries see their partnership as strategically important. Shared priorities include regional security, combating terrorism, addressing climate change, and advancing cooperation between the Gulf and the European Union.

The Crown Prince’s visit is expected to pave the way for further collaboration and reinforce a relationship built on mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for prosperity and stability.