Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz held talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Jeddah on Friday, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding areas of cooperation, Asharq Al-Awsat reported.
During the meeting, both leaders reviewed regional developments and addressed concerns over the impact of ongoing military escalation on global trade, energy security, and the broader world economy.
They also emphasized the importance of coordination to promote stability across the Middle East.
Meloni’s trip represents the first visit by a European Union leader to the region since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran on February 28, Reuters reported.
In an interview with Italian state television, Meloni said her country stands with Gulf states against Iranian attacks, describing them as “friends and strategic partners,” and calling her visit “a gesture of solidarity.”
Speaking from Jeddah, she stated that her trip is primarily focused on oil, noting that Gulf countries supply about 15% of Italy’s needs.
She stressed the importance of securing stable energy supplies.
Meloni arrived in Jeddah on Friday, where she was received at King Abdulaziz International Airport by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, along with other Saudi officials.
