Italy was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia. What would you highlight as the most significant achievements of the last few years?
Italy and Saudi Arabia enjoy a longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship, dating back to 1932, which is grounded in shared interests and a deep commitment to enhancing bilateral ties. Over the years, we worked tirelessly to strengthen cooperation in various sectors, including trade, technology, energy, infrastructure, culture and education. Most notably, on the recent visit of our Prime Minister, the recent most important achievements include the signing of an agreement aimed at elevating our relations to strategic partnership and 30 more public and private agreements aimed at bolstering economic and cultural collaboration, particularly in infrastructure development and renewable energy. The Italian contribution to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is noteworthy, as Italian expertise in areas such as design, engineering, and luxury sectors has positioned the country as a key partner in the Kingdom’s diversification strategy. We are now working to further strengthen our relations by solidifying our economic collaboration, and with this in mind we already started to organize a business forum, which is supposed to take place by the end of the year, with the aim of linking Italian and Saudi companies to further explore opportunities of cooperation and partnerships. Energy days on cooperation in this crucial sector and scientific cooperation days will also take place after this summer.
Where do you see the potential for growth and new frontiers in expanding bilateral relations?
The potential for deepening and expanding bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Italy is substantial, particularly in the realms of innovation, technology, and sustainable development. As Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 unfolds, new frontiers for collaboration emerge, especially in the areas of green technologies, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy. Italy’s expertise in cutting-edge design and manufacturing, coupled with the Kingdom’s ambitious infrastructure projects, presents unique opportunities for Italian companies to participate in the development of smart cities, renewable energy projects, and high-tech ventures. Additionally, cultural exchanges and tourism initiatives offer significant potential for fostering greater people-to-people connections. By expanding partnerships in these new domains, Italy and Saudi Arabia can unlock fresh avenues for growth and mutual prosperity.
Apart from oil, what would you consider as Saudi main asset that you believe should be nurtured?
Beyond its vast natural resources, Saudi Arabia’s most invaluable asset lies among others in its strategic location, its rich cultural heritage, and its young, dynamic population. The Kingdom is at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and Europe, offering unparalleled access to key global markets. This geographic advantage, combined with a youthful and increasingly educated population, represents a powerful engine for future innovation and economic diversification. Investing in the development of human capital, particularly in the fields of technology, education, and entrepreneurship, will be instrumental in sustaining long-term growth. Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s cultural and historical significance, also as the cradle of Islam, offers unique opportunities for soft power diplomacy, tourism, and cultural exchange, which could become a central pillar of its non-oil economy.
What places do you think make Italy special and attractive to Saudis that cannot be found in advertisements? And why do you think Italians should visit Saudi Arabia?
Italy is a country whose charm transcends the limits of conventional advertising, offering Saudis an authentic experience steeped in history, art, and culture. Beyond the famed monuments of Rome or the canals of Venice, Italy’s less visible treasures—such as its picturesque rural villages, its unparalleled culinary regions, and its centuries-old artisan traditions—offer Saudis a rich tapestry of experiences that engage all the senses. The warmth of the Italian people and their deep connection to their heritage create an immersive experience that can be very appealing to Saudi tourists. Let me also mention that with the new services provided through our visa centers (4 around the country), we will soon double the number of visa processed. We are now almost at 500 per day and we will soon link to this, a special offer to study Italian before flying to our amazing destinations. Conversely, Italy’s appreciation of Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural legacy, its profound hospitality, and the transformative vision underpinning Saudi Arabia’s ambitious economic and social reforms should encourage Italians to visit. Saudi Arabia’s cultural landmarks, its stunning landscapes, and its emerging role as a global hub for innovation and business make it an increasingly compelling destination for Italian tourists and entrepreneurs alike.
You began your service at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs over three decades ago. Now, with two knighthoods and a wealth of experience, what would be your unique definition of diplomacy and foreign policy?
Diplomacy, to me, is the art of fostering mutual understanding, building lasting relationships, and navigating complex global challenges through dialogue and respect. It is rooted in the ability to listen as much as to speak, to understand not only the words but also the intentions behind them and sometimes before them: you are not supposed to get a “NO” as an answer. Effective foreign policy, on the other hand, is about leveraging a nation’s strategic assets to pursue its interests while remaining steadfast in its commitment to global cooperation and peace. Diplomacy is not merely about exhaustive negotiation; it is about crafting a shared vision for the future, where each party finds value in the partnership, grounded in mutual respect and common purpose, which is exactly what we are working to with Saudi Arabia.
