Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as she arrived in Jeddah on an unannounced visit yesterday. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and opportunities for further development, the Saudi Press Agency reported. They also discussed the latest regional developments, the repercussions of the ongoing military escalation on freedom of international navigation and energy security, its impact on the global economy, and the coordination of joint efforts to enhance regional security and stability, the report said.

Ms Meloni arrived in Saudi Arabia as part of a two-day visit to the Gulf nations that will also include Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Her visit comes amid rising regional tensions and growing concerns over energy security following Iranian attacks across parts of the Gulf. It is the first visit by a European Union leader to Saudi Arabia since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war against Iran in February.

Officials said the visit is aimed at demonstrating support for Gulf partners facing Iranian attacks while safeguarding Italy’s own energy supplies. Rome is also expected to confirm continued investment by Italian energy majors, including Eni, in Gulf energy projects. Italy is already supplying defensive weapons to Gulf partners and remains open to considering further requests, the official added.

Before the conflict, Qatar supplied about 10 per cent of Italy’s gas consumption, while oil from West Asia accounted for roughly 12 per cent of Italy’s total oil imports last year. However, Italy was recently notified that a Gulf supplier had extended a pause in LNG deliveries due to risks linked to the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, 10 LNG cargoes scheduled between April and mid-June will not be shipped. Iranian attacks have also affected regional production. Qatar Energy’s chief executive said last month that strikes had knocked out 17 per cent of Qatar’s LNG export capacity.