ROME / MENA Newswire / – Italy and the Gulf Cooperation Council signed a memorandum of understanding in Rome on Monday to strengthen cooperation and create a structured channel for political consultations. The agreement was signed during a meeting between Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. The MoU sets a framework for wider coordination between Italy and the six GCC member states.
The agreement links Italy and the GCC through regular consultation on regional issues and areas of shared interest. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the mechanism covers maritime security, counterterrorism, critical infrastructure protection, energy security, connectivity and strategic corridors. It also includes the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor, known as IMEC.
The GCC General Secretariat said the MoU aims to expand partnership areas across several sectors. It said the framework supports political dialogue, expertise sharing and joint action mechanisms. Albudaiwi said relations between GCC member states and Italy continue to develop across several fields. He said both sides seek broader links that serve common interests, security, stability and development.
Political consultations expanded
Tajani and Albudaiwi also reviewed the wider relationship between Italy and GCC countries. Their talks covered ways to strengthen economic ties and increase trade and investment exchange. The two sides discussed proposals and initiatives to support the existing partnership. Albudaiwi described Italy as an important partner for the Gulf states.
Italy said Tajani reaffirmed support for a stronger strategic partnership between the European Union and the GCC. The Italian side also said it would work within the EU to promote talks related to a free trade agreement with the GCC. Tajani and Albudaiwi agreed to organize a business forum involving Italian and Gulf companies, with European Commission participation.
Regional issues reviewed
The meeting also covered regional and international developments. The two officials discussed current crises in the region and stressed the importance of dialogue and coordination. Italy said the talks included maritime routes, regional stability and security concerns affecting international trade. The GCC side said both parties backed efforts to consolidate security and stability.
Italy also expressed solidarity with Gulf countries following drone and missile attacks during recent regional events. The GCC secretary general thanked Italy for its stance and for condemning attacks that targeted GCC countries. The Rome signing adds a formal consultation framework to Italy’s ties with the GCC and gives both sides a defined channel for future diplomatic coordination.
