UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties during Sheikh Mohamed’s state visit to Rome, reported WAM.
The leaders met at Chigi Palace, where they announced expanded cooperation across key sectors, including economy, technology, and renewable energy.
The National reported Sheikh Mohamed highlighted that UAE-Italy non-oil trade reached $14.1 billion in 2024, marking a 21.2% increase from the previous year.
The UAE also pledged a $40 billion investment in Italy, spanning defense, space exploration, and cultural heritage preservation. Over 40 agreements were signed, deepening collaboration in peaceful nuclear energy, AI, and energy transition.
During a separate meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Sheikh Mohamed was awarded Italy’s highest honor, the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. In return, he conferred the UAE’s Order of Zayed upon Mattarella.
Both leaders emphasized their nations’ growing partnership and shared vision for economic and cultural collaboration.
Discussions also extended to regional cooperation, including Africa, and countering extremism. Sheikh Mohamed additionally met with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama to advance a trilateral UAE-Italy-Albania green energy project, featuring a €1 billion undersea cable expected to be operational within three years.
Sheikh Mohamed’s visit signals a deepening UAE-Italy alliance, driven by economic investment, technological innovation, and cultural exchange.
