(Adnkronos) – Italy and the Gulf Cooperation Council – comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates – have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) creating a “structured mechanism” for political consultations on maritime security, counter-terrorism, energy security and other key strategic areas, said a foreign ministry statement.
The Italy-GCC MoU was inked during talks between foreign minister Antonio Tajani and GCC secretary-general Jasim al-Budaiwi on the sidelines of a two-day Nato summit in Ankara through Wednesday. During the meeting, Tajani and Budaiwi exchanged views on the main regional crises and on strengthening cooperation between Italy and GCC member countries, said the statement.
Besides maritime security, counter-terrorism and energy security, the main areas of political cooperation under the MoU are protection of critical infrastructure, connectivity, and the development of strategic transport networks. These include the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a multinational rail and ports project linking the Middle East and South Asia, tipped as an alternative to China’s flagship global Belt and Road infrastructure project.
During the talks, Tajani reaffirmed Italy’s support for strengthening the strategic partnership between the European Union and the GCC and for more decisive European action in the region, accompanied by an ambitious investment programme, the statement said.
Italy will work within the EU to promote the GCC’s accession to a free trade agreement with the 27-member bloc, creating new opportunities for Italian and European companies. Tajani and Budaiwi also agreed to organise a business forum in the near future between Italian and Gulf country companies, with the European Commission’s involvement, to further promote trade, the statement continued.
“During the meeting, considerable attention was devoted to the evolving regional situation. While reaffirming his solidarity with the Gulf countries following the (various) drone and missile attacks, Minister Tajani expressed his hope that the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran may quickly lead to a comprehensive agreement, which is essential for strengthening stability in the Middle East and ensuring the freedom and security of international trade routes – a strategic interest for an exporting country like Italy,” the statement noted.
Tajani also underlined Italy’s commitment to stability in Syria and Lebanon, “welcoming the MoU reached with Israel and reiterating the need to consolidate the negotiation process, strengthen the State’s authority throughout the country, and support the Lebanese Armed Forces,” the statement went on.
Turning to Gaza, Tajani emphasised as priorities strengthening the fragile truce between ruling Islamist group Hamas and Israel, ensuring full access to humanitarian aid, and supporting the ongoing negotiations in Cairo on the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups, the statement said.
The GCC is a political, economic, and security alliance headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which aims to foster integration, trade, and defence cooperation among its members.
