Depth of Saudi-Italy bilateral relations evident on its 90th anniversary, Italy FM tells Arab News

Antonio Tajani, Italy’s recently appointed foreign minister and deputy prime minister. (Courtesy of Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation)
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Updated 17 December 2022
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Depth of Saudi-Italy bilateral relations evident on its 90th anniversary, Italy FM tells Arab News

  • Antonio Tajani: Rome believes the Kingdom plays a fundamental role in the Middle East’s stability
  • Saudi Arabia is Italy’s biggest trading partner in the Gulf and second-biggest in the Arab world

ROME: Saudi Arabia is a key stakeholder in the Middle East, which plays a fundamental role in regional stability, Antonio Tajani, Italy’s recently appointed foreign minister and deputy prime minister, told Arab News, 90 years since Riyadh and Rome established diplomatic ties.
Although Saudi-Italian relations are primarily commercial, Tajani said they are increasingly “multifaceted in nature, ranging from political dialogue to cultural cooperation, from scientific and technological collaboration to renewables.”
He added: “From a political point of view, we regard Riyadh as a key stakeholder in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia plays a fundamental role in regional stability.”
On Feb. 10, 1932, Saudi King Abdulaziz Al-Saud and King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy ordered their respective representatives to sign a treaty of friendship, marking the establishment of bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Italy.




The Colosseum in Rome, Italy. (AFP)

Ninety years on, the treaty has served as the cornerstone of a robust and enduring relationship, which Tajani describes as “extremely positive.”
Earlier this year, the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Rome arranged several events to mark the 90th anniversary.
During a visit to Riyadh in June, Luigi Di Maio, Italy’s then-foreign minister, said Rome would likewise celebrate the milestone year, which “marks a very important anniversary in our longstanding friendship.”
Over the past 90 years, Italy has prioritized its relations with the Arab Gulf countries, becoming one of the first European nations to establish diplomatic ties with the Kingdom.
The 1932 treaty — signed on behalf of the sovereigns by Guido Sollazzo, Italy’s consul in Jeddah, and Emir Faisal, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister — set out the conditions for a long-standing partnership.
In particular, Saudi Arabia pledged to “help and protect” all Muslim Italians making the pilgrimage to Makkah.

FASTFACT

• Envoys of King Abdulaziz Al-Saud and King Victor Emmanuel III signed a treaty of friendship on Feb. 10, 1932.

• Today, Saudi Arabia is Italy’s biggest trading partner in the Gulf and the second-biggest in the wider Arab world.

• The value of bilateral trade was $8.6 billion in 2021 — a 32.9 percent increase compared with 2020.

Soon after the treaty was signed, the Italian consulate was opened in Riyadh. Later, in 1951, the Kingdom’ Embassy was inaugurated in Rome. Bilateral ties were further strengthened by reciprocal visits by the nations’ leaders over the ensuing years.
In 1973, King Faisal bin Abdulaziz visited Italy to discuss the establishment of an Islamic cultural center in Rome — the biggest such facility in Europe. Shortly after the visit, in 1975, the Saudi-Italian Committee for Economic Trade and Investment was founded.
Since the early 20th century, when Italian engineers played an active role in the planning and construction of the Hejaz railway project, the utilization of Italian engineering skills has been a key feature of the bilateral partnership.
As a result, several major infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia and the wider region bear the mark of Italian expertise.
Saudi Arabia considers its partnership with Italy a key instrument with which to meet its strategic objectives in modernizing and diversifying its economy and in boosting intercultural dialogue.




1975, King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud receives Italian President Giovanne Leone on an official visit to the Kingdom. (Historic Archive of the Presidency of the Italian Republic)

The Kingdom is Italy’s biggest trading partner in the Gulf region and the second-biggest in the wider Arab world. According to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the value of bilateral trade was €8.2 billion ($8.6 billion) in 2021 — a 32.9 percent increase compared with 2020.
Italy is also one of the top 10 suppliers of goods to Saudi Arabia, with exports reaching €3.28 billion in 2019, an increase of 6 percent compared to 2018. Italian imports from the Kingdom were worth €3.8 billion in 2019.
More than 70 Italian companies now operate in Saudi Arabia, mainly in the energy, infrastructure and construction industries. There is also significant cooperation between the two countries in the defense sector.
While Italy wants to boost cooperation in new technologies and the smart economy, Tajani said the nation remains committed to further developing more traditional sectors such as tourism, entertainment and renewables.
In addition to being an important commercial partner, Saudi Arabia is an increasingly important political interlocutor, given its growing status in the region and the wider Arab world. Issues such as terrorism, the situation in Iran, and developments in the Middle East represent areas of common interest.
Italy and Saudi Arabia “unite the broader areas of the Mediterranean and the Middle East,” Tajani told Arab News.




1962, King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud arrives at Rome’s Palazzo del Quirinale on an official visit to Italy. (Historic Archive of the Presidency of the Italian Republic)

In doing so, they “can help each other better understand the dynamics and needs of our respective geographical areas, as well as the challenges and opportunities that may arise.”
He added: “The 90th anniversary of our extremely positive diplomatic relations testifies to the long-standing friendship between Italy and Saudi Arabia.
“We both believe that broader prosperity, security and cohesion may be reached if the countries succeed in jointly addressing common challenges, such as terrorism and irregular migration flows, and by taking advantage of opportunities such as the digital and green transitions.”
This is why “Italy is very keen on nurturing and even broadening an open dialogue with Riyadh on the main regional files,” he added.
Over the past five years, senior Italian officials have held several high-level meetings with their Saudi counterparts. In October 2017, Paolo Gentiloni, Italy’s then-prime minister, visited the Kingdom and was received by King Salman and Crown Prince Moḥammed bin Salman.
In 2021, both nations signed a memorandum of understanding for strategic dialogue between their respective foreign ministries. It established a structured framework for frequent institutional contact at the political and technical levels and to help focus on the most relevant bilateral and regional issues.




The Colosseum in Rome, Italy. (AFP)

In June this year, the 12th Saudi-Italian Joint Commission took place in Riyadh, co-chaired by Di Maio and Mohammed Al-Jadaan, the Saudi minister of finance.
Culture, energy, and collaboration in the space sector were high on the agenda at the conference, which was followed by an investment forum in the Saudi capital, focused on tourism, energy and infrastructure.
Cooperation in the field of education is also significant. The Italian School of Jeddah, which provides kindergarten, primary and lower-secondary education, was established in 1966.
Over the years, many Saudi students have enrolled for studies in Italian universities, while Saudi academics and students continue to attend conferences and seminars in Italy.
According to the latest data, 74 Saudi students were enrolled in Italian higher education institutions during the 2020-2021 academic year. Two cooperation agreements are in place between Italian and Saudi universities.
Italy has also long been committed to supporting two archaeological projects in the Kingdom, including the recent investigation of the ruins of Dumat Al-Jandal in northwest Saudi Arabia.
Italy now intends to assign a cultural attache to its embassy in Riyadh.
Highlighting the significance of Saudi-Italian cultural relations, Tajani said prioritizing this area of cooperation had ensured “a deeper and better mutual understanding” that has further strengthened bilateral ties.

 


Saudi official elected vice chair of organization that sets standards for global food trade

Updated 28 November 2024
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Saudi official elected vice chair of organization that sets standards for global food trade

  • Saudi Food and Drug Authority says selection of Khalid Al-Zahrani by Codex Alimentarius Commission is a ‘milestone’ and ‘testament to our commitment to global food safety
  • Al-Zahrani has represented the Kingdom on several international committees, including at the World Trade Organization

RIYADH: Saudi official Khalid Al-Zahrani was chosen on Wednesday to be vice chair of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, which sets the standards for the international food trade that are designed to ensure products are safe and protect consumer health.

Representatives of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority who were present for the vote at the commission’s 47th annual session in Geneva, Switzerland, congratulated Al-Zahrani on his election.

“This is a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia and a testament to our commitment to global food safety and standards,” said Hisham Aljadhey, the authority’s CEO.

“By assuming the role of vice chair of Codex, (Saudi Arabia) aims to further strengthen international collaboration, promote sustainable food practices and ensure the well-being of consumers worldwide.”

Al-Zahrani has served as the Codex chairperson for the Near East region since 2020 and was reelected to the position in 2023.

He also represented Saudi Arabia on several international committees, including the World Trade Organization’s Technical Barriers to Trade, the Gulf Cooperation Council Standardization Organization, and the International Organization for Standardization’s Food Products Committee.

He works closely with the Kingdom’s Food and Drug Authority, which aims to prioritize sustainability and enhance efficiency, inclusiveness and transparency within food systems. The authority was recognized in January by the World Health Organization as one of the first five countries in the world to eliminate the use of industrially produced trans fats in food, alongside Denmark, Lithuania, Poland and Thailand.

“Al-Zahrani’s election highlights the exceptional quality of Saudi staff at the SFDA and the authority's efforts in food-safety legislation and oversight,” the authority said.

The Codex Alimentarius (Latin for “Food Code”) is a collection of internationally recognized standards, codes of practice, guidelines and other recommendations related to food production, labeling and safety, published by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization and the WHO.


Saudi development fund chief meets Congo’s finance minister

Updated 27 November 2024
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Saudi development fund chief meets Congo’s finance minister

CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development Sultan Al-Marshad met Congo’s Minister of Finance Doudou Fumba Likunde, the Saudi Fund said on X on Wednesday.

During the meeting, they reviewed development cooperation between the two sides that began 40 years ago, as well as discussing ways to enhance economic cooperation to develop vital sectors in Congo.

Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Congo Abdulaziz Al-Badi was present during the meeting.


Saudi Arabia halves desalination costs, boosts efficiency by 80%, official says

Updated 27 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia halves desalination costs, boosts efficiency by 80%, official says

  • Technological advancements have played a critical role in the Kingdom’s water conservation efforts

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has improved its desalination efficiency by 80 percent and halved costs by 50 percent in recent years, a top official from the Kingdom has said.

“Our achievements in desalinated water production in the last eight years are equivalent to what was achieved in the previous four decades,” Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mushaiti said.

He outlined the accomplishments at the 2025 Budget Forum hosted by the Ministry of Finance in Riyadh, calling the progress a “historic milestone” for the Kingdom, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Daily desalinated water production has surged to 6 million cubic meters, contributing to a total capacity of 11.3 million cubic meters daily, he added.

The improvement is testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to water security, environmental sustainability and Vision 2030, the deputy minister said.

He highlighted the monumental scale of the Kingdom’s water infrastructure, noting that water production facilities are primarily located along the coasts, requiring water to be transported across thousands of kilometers.

“The water transmission network we have built spans more than 14,000 km — double the length of the Nile River,” he said. “It crosses mountain peaks, valleys and deserts to deliver water to communities across the Kingdom.”

Strategic water storage capacity has also seen a significant boost, rising from 13 million cubic meters in 2016 to more than 25 million cubic meters today.

“This expansion ensures the Kingdom’s resilience in times of crisis, guaranteeing reliable access to water for all regions,” said Al-Mushaiti.

He attributed the achievements to strong government support and private-sector collaboration.

“We have implemented 29 water projects worth SR28 billion ($7.46 billion), of which 30 percent — SR8 billion — is foreign investment,” he said.

Looking forward, Al-Mushaiti announced plans for private sector projects worth SR58 billion.

“We are building a system where public and private sectors work hand-in-hand to achieve national goals,” he said.

Technological advancements have played a critical role in the Kingdom’s water conservation efforts.

Al-Mushaiti said that by using innovation and sustainable practices, the Kingdom is saving more than 9 billion cubic meters of groundwater annually.

“That’s equivalent to the water consumption of the entire Kingdom’s population for three years,” he added.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the water sector installed 2 million electronic meters, enabling more efficient billing and consumption monitoring.

“These meters send notifications to users when their consumption exceeds normal levels, promoting the principle of ‘responsible consumption’,” Al-Mushaiti said.

Furthermore, water rationalization initiatives in government agencies saved more than 31 million cubic meters of water in 2023 alone.

The ministry’s efforts have also spurred growth in the agricultural sector, which has seen its contribution to gross domestic product rise from SR64 billion in 2016 to SR109 billion in 2023.

“We achieved self-sufficiency rates for many crops that now exceed 100 percent,” Al-Mushaiti said, adding that these gains reflect the success of policies aimed at conserving water resources while boosting productivity.

On the environmental front, Saudi Arabia is making strides with its Saudi Green Initiative.

Al-Mushaiti said that in just three years, the country has planted more than 95 million trees using renewable water and supplementary irrigation.

“This number will surpass 100 million by the end of the year, marking the start of a green era for the Kingdom,” he said.

The deputy minister also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s leadership in addressing global water challenges.

“Water is the backbone of life and development, and achieving sustainability is one of the greatest global challenges,” he said.

In this regard, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2023 announced the establishment of the Global Water Organization, headquartered in Riyadh.

The decision underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing water sustainability worldwide, Al-Mushaiti said.

He added that the World Bank has recognized Saudi Arabia’s water system as unique and a model that others should study.

As Saudi Arabia pushes forward with its ambitious plans for water security, agriculture and environmental sustainability, Al-Mushaiti concluded with optimism: “The journey so far has been remarkable, but the best is yet to come.”


Saudi Geological Survey celebrates excellence in research, innovation

Updated 27 November 2024
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Saudi Geological Survey celebrates excellence in research, innovation

  • Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef attended the event
  • CEO Abdullah Al-Shamrani reviewed 25 years of accomplishments, emphasizing the survey’s role in advancing geological sciences

JEDDAH: The Saudi Geological Survey recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special event in Jeddah, marking a quarter-century of excellence in geological research and exploration.
Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef attended the event.
The event highlighted the survey’s achievements, future initiatives, and contributions to geological research and innovation. Guests shared insights from their experiences with the organization.
CEO Abdullah Al-Shamrani reviewed 25 years of accomplishments, emphasizing the survey’s role in advancing geological sciences, supporting national development, and managing resources sustainably.
He also outlined plans to raise awareness of geological risks via the “Rawasi” platform, preserve Zamzam water sustainability, and complete digital transformation of technical services.
Al-Shamrani affirmed a commitment to advancing technical achievements, implementing projects, and supporting development for a promising future through skilled Saudi cadres.
Al-Khorayef said that since the start of the millennium, the Kingdom had made intensive efforts in mineral resource research and exploration. Led by SGS employees, this had yielded significant discoveries over the past 25 years, impacting the mining sector by boosting investment and developing mineral wealth.
He added that the aim was to position the Kingdom as a global leader in earth sciences and geology through ambitious plans, aligning with its international standing.
These efforts included fully uncovering its mineral wealth, meeting geological needs, building a global earth sciences database, and creating a platform for stakeholders worldwide, the minister said.


Saudi Ministry of Culture to cooperate with King Charles’ school on craft training

Updated 27 November 2024
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Saudi Ministry of Culture to cooperate with King Charles’ school on craft training

  • Kingdom’s initiative will help Saudi artisans to develop skills in design, craftmanship and traditional arts
  • Ministry of Culture’s goal is to ‘regenerate and renew Saudi craft traditions across different regions of the Kingdom’

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture has signed an agreement with King Charles’ School of Traditional Arts to cooperate in the programs of the Year of Handicrafts 2025 initiative. 

The signing ceremony on Wednesday was attended by Prince Bader bin Farhan, minister of culture, at the Saudi International Handicrafts Week Exhibition (Benan), currently held at the Roshn Front in Riyadh.  

Khaled Omar Azzam, director of the traditional arts school at The King’s Foundation, and Hamed Fayez, deputy minister of culture, also attended the signing of the agreement, which aims to revive and promote handicrafts in Saudi Arabia throughout 2025. 

A series of sessions and trainings will be launched to revive craft production in several Saudi regions through the “Regeneration of the Crafts of Saudi Arabia” comprehensive program, which will start in January 2025. 

The King's Foundation School of Traditional Arts will curate programs, training and initiatives that focus on design and crafts, the Saudi News Agency reported. 

“The primary goal is to regenerate and renew Saudi craft traditions across different regions of the Kingdom,” a Ministry of Culture statement said. 

The King’s Foundation, a British charity established in 1986 by King Charles III when he was Prince of Wales, has been at the forefront of educating traditional arts alongside urban design and traditional architecture. 

The agreement between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and The King’s Foundation school is part of the national culture strategy under the umbrella of Saudi Vision 2030. 

Saudi Arabia aim to help Saudi artisans, through training, to develop their skills in design, craftmanship and traditional arts.