Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived in Qatar on Saturday following a visit to Saudi Arabia, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties. Her Gulf trip, amid escalating Iranian missile and drone attacks, underscores Italy’s concern over energy security and regional stability. Meloni met Qatari officials, emphasizing Italy’s support against Iranian attacks while avoiding direct involvement in the conflict.
According to Qatar’s Amiri Diwan, Meloni was welcomed by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohammed al-Khulaifi and the Italian ambassador at Lusail Palace. The Italian government said the visit seeks to bolster relations with Gulf countries and ensure reliable access to oil and gas supplies.
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Meloni’s visit comes after US-Israeli strikes on Iran triggered a wave of missile attacks on Gulf targets. She is the first leader from the European Union or NATO to visit the Gulf since the February 28 conflict began, following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader.
Italy is highly dependent on energy imports, and rising oil and gas prices have added urgency to the trip. Despite US pressure, Meloni reaffirmed that Italy does not intend to join the war effort, focusing instead on diplomacy and energy security.
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The far-right leader, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, has also been meeting key Gulf figures to maintain strategic partnerships. Her visit highlights Europe’s growing attention to Gulf stability amid escalating regional tensions and potential disruptions to energy flows.