Italy, Kuwait adopt roadmap to strengthen strategic partnership through 2030

Italian Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Lorenzo Morini

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 27: Italy and Kuwait have adopted an action plan to strengthen their strategic partnership through 2030, covering defense and security, trade and investment, digital technologies, energy, agriculture, healthcare, education and judicial cooperation, Italian Ambassador to Kuwait Lorenzo Morini said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press briefing following Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit to Kuwait, Morini said the two countries had agreed on a roadmap to translate their leaders’ commitments into practical cooperation over the coming four years.

The plan includes political dialogue, defense and technical cooperation, economic investment, public security, judicial cooperation, creative industries and social sectors, including health and education.

HE. Morini said the plan identifies specific initiatives for implementation in the coming months, adding that diplomats, technical teams and officials would now work to achieve the objectives agreed upon by the two governments.

He cited previous meetings between Meloni and Kuwaiti leaders, visits by defense officials from both countries, and recent exchanges involving the ministries of foreign affairs and interior as evidence of the growing relationship.

Investment agreement aims to attract companies

Morini said an MOU had been signed between the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) and Italy’s Trade Agency to promote direct investment and strengthen business ties from both countries. The agreement aims to encourage Italian companies to invest in Kuwait and Kuwaiti companies to expand their activities in Italy, while increasing investment flows and cooperation between the two private sectors.

It will also provide a framework for joint promotional initiatives and for identifying sectors offering opportunities for bilateral business partnerships. He stressed that the partnership was not limited to defense and security, but also sought to expand economic ties and create opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries.

Leonardo signs defense letter of intent

The ambassador confirmed that Italian defense and aerospace company Leonardo had signed a letter of intent with Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense to explore opportunities for expanding cooperation in several areas, to examine potential areas of collaboration.

Morini described Leonardo as a state-controlled Italian company and said it was ready to work with Kuwaiti authorities across a range of sectors. The company already has a presence in Kuwait, including involvement in the Eurofighter program and the radar system for civil aviation, he said.

Asked whether Italy planned to increase its military presence in Kuwait, Morini said there was no specific number or finalized program at present. However, he said Italy was prepared to expand military cooperation and could increase the number of personnel stationed in Kuwait if the Kuwaiti government requested it. The ambassador said any expansion would depend on discussions and the programs agreed upon by the two sides.

Eurofighter deliveries and facilities

Morini said the Eurofighter program was continuing and that training activities had started. He expected further aircraft deliveries to take place soon. He noted that facilities used for Eurofighter operations had been affected by the war and said their condition needed to be assessed to ensure they were suitable for aircraft operations.

The assessment of the damage and the operational readiness of the facilities fell within the responsibility of the Kuwaiti authorities, he said, adding that questions about the detailed delivery schedule should be directed to Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense.

Security cooperation to cover National Guard

Morini said an MOU between Italy’s Carabinieri and Kuwait’s National Guard had been finalized at the text level and was expected to be signed soon. The planned understanding would establish a framework for security cooperation between the two countries, which are not fully covered by the existing defense cooperation arrangement between the Italian and Kuwaiti defense ministries.

He said the new framework would allow the two sides to begin a series of activities and strengthen cooperation in areas within their respective responsibilities.

The visits by Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior explored cooperation in combating transnational crime, criminal organizations, smuggling, drug trafficking and human trafficking, as well as the management and security of prisons. Morini said the exchange of expertise included prison infrastructure, staff training, security procedures and the management of foreign inmates and members of international criminal organizations.

He also highlighted the importance of customs cooperation, including border controls at airports and seaports, the identification of trafficked goods and the use of new technologies to detect illegal activities.

Civil protection and crisis management

The ambassador said civil protection was another area where Italy and Kuwait could exchange expertise, particularly in managing emergencies that require coordination between military personnel and civilian services.

He explained that responding to natural disasters, floods and other crises involves more than military intervention. Authorities must also coordinate hospitals, electricity, water, food supplies and other essential services.

Morini said Italy had experience working with neighboring European countries on cross-border emergency response, including providing aircraft and helicopters to assist Spain during summer fires.

He said the aim was to strengthen systems that bring together security, social and economic responses during crises, rather than treating emergencies as purely military matters.

Italy reaffirms support for Kuwait amid regional tensions

Morini said Meloni’s main message during her visit was that Italy and Kuwait shared a relationship based on friendship, mutual respect and solidarity. He recalled Italy’s participation in the international coalition that contributed to Kuwait’s liberation in 1991 and said Italy had also supported Kuwait during the recent regional crisis.

“Your security is our security, your stability is our stability,” Morini said, describing Kuwait as a fundamental pillar of stability and well-being for Italy and Europe. He said Italy was ready to stand alongside Kuwait and other regional partners and participate in initiatives that could contribute to stabilizing the region.

However, he acknowledged that the challenges facing the Gulf were part of a wider international situation involving conflicts and tensions in several parts of the world. Morini said the two countries had discussed security coordination and the importance of working together to protect Kuwait and promote regional stability. He added that Italy’s commitment to Kuwait was rooted not only in formal agreements but also in the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

Kuwait’s investment and fuel-price support welcomed

The ambassador said Meloni had expressed gratitude for Kuwait’s investments in Italy, including through Kuwait Petroleum International, known by its Q8 brand.

He also highlighted Q8’s recent decision to introduce a cap on fuel prices in Italy, describing it as important at a time when high fuel costs were placing pressure on households and businesses across Europe.

Morini explained that fuel prices affect not only motorists but also the transportation of goods, including food. Higher transport costs can contribute to rising prices and make deliveries more difficult for businesses.

He referred to recent difficulties in southern Italy, where some supermarkets reportedly faced disruptions in food deliveries after truck drivers struggled with fuel costs.

By John C Fernandes

Online Media Manager Arab Times