Europe’s First Post-Conflict Gulf Visit

TDT | Manama

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I talian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni travelled to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Friday in an unannounced visit that will also include stops in State of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, according to a government official.

The two-day regional tour aims to express support for Gulf partners affected by recent Iranian attacks, while also safeguarding Italy’s energy security amid growing uncertainty in global oil and gas supplies, the official said. The visit marks the first trip by a European Union leader to Saudi Arabia since the conflict triggered by the United States and Israel at the end of February. It comes as Rome grows increasingly concerned about the stability of energy routes and supplies.

Before the conflict, around 10% of Italy’s natural gas consumption came from Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG), while approximately 12% of its oil imports last year originated from the Middle East region.

However, Italy was recently informed that its Gulf LNG supplier extended a pause in shipments due to disruptions linked to the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This resulted in the suspension of 10 cargo deliveries scheduled between April and mid-June.