Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrives in Jeddah, begins Gulf visit

JEDDAH, April 3: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived in Jeddah on Friday as part of a regional trip that will also include stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, according to official and government sources.

She was received at King Abdulaziz International Airport by senior Saudi officials, including Makkah Region Governor Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, along with other local authorities and the Italian ambassador to the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Italian government sources said the visit, which had not been previously announced, will also include meetings in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. They said discussions are expected to focus on regional security and diplomatic coordination.

According to the sources, the trip is intended to reaffirm Italy’s support for Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE amid ongoing regional tensions involving Iranian attacks on their territories.

It is the first visit by a leader from the European Union to the region since the outbreak of the conflict, which Italian sources said began following military developments involving the United States and Israel at the end of February. Officials did not provide further details.

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman holds a meeting with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as part of the Italian premier’s Middle East visit.