ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed on Saturday met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Abu Dhabi, where both leaders witnessed the signing of several agreements.
The two leaders discussed ways to build a strategic collaboration between their countries, particularly in the economic, trade, and investment sectors.
They also discussed renewable energy, clean technologies, sustainable development, and how to address critical issues such as food security and climate change.
“Today I was pleased to welcome the Italian Prime Minister to the UAE,” UAE President Sheikh Mohamed said on Twitter.
“We discussed opportunities to further enhance relations between our two countries and also witnessed the signing of agreements to foster collaboration and sustainable economic development.”
Sheikh Mohamed and Meloni also reviewed several international and regional developments, state news agency Wam reported.
They emphasized the importance of dialogue and prioritizing diplomatic solutions and cooperation to address crises and enhance stability.
The UAE President Sheikh Mohamed also expressed his hope that Italy would be influential at this year’s Cop28 climate summit in the UAE, Wam said.
Meloni told reporters in Abu Dhabi that the discussions went “very, very well.”
“I think on both sides there is a strong will to build good but excellent ties, a friendship, which is very important for our national interest,” she said.
UAE, Italy to further enhance relations
The UAE could play a crucial role in various issues that matter to Italy, Meloni said, such as the stabilization of Libya and Tunisia’s financial difficulties, which both affect migrant flows into Europe and Rome’s energy policy in Africa.
On all these matters, President Sheikh Mohamed expressed his willingness to help, Ms Meloni said.
During her visit, Italian state-owned oil and gas company Eni signed an energy cooperation accord with Adnoc to cut emissions, improve energy security and speed up low-carbon economic and industrial growth.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also signed a declaration of intent over climate strategy with Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive of Adnoc, UAE Climate Envoy and Cop 28 climate summit President-designate, who last month pledged to lay out an inclusive road map to tackle global warming.
Italy has said it expects green energy exports to the Emirates to grow over the next decade as the UAE’s energy strategy and push to achieve net-zero goals open new business avenues.
Italian companies have exported €75 million ($85.7 million) in the first six months of 2021, an 11 percent increase from 2020 and a 4 percent rise from the first half of 2019.
Italy is the fourth-largest renewables industry components provider for the UAE.
