Hello and good afternoon to all of you who have gathered here for this significant event.
I appreciate your patience as I was engaged in an important discussion with His Highness which took longer than expected. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Saudi government for hosting this event and to Vice Minister Valentini for representing the Italian government during the Round Table discussions.
Exploring this remarkable building where Saudi Arabian and Italian creativity intersect has been a true delight, showcasing the historical connection between our civilizations. It’s fascinating how history often finds a way to intertwine.
Although my speech was not originally planned, I felt it was necessary to acknowledge the extensive and distinguished participation in this forum, highlighting the vast potential for growth in economic and financial relations between Italy and Saudi Arabia.
The positive trend in economic and trade relations between our countries in recent years is evident, with Italian exports to Saudi Arabia increasing by over 26 percent in the first 10 months of 2024 compared to the previous year. While these figures are promising, there is still untapped potential for further cooperation.
Today, we solidified our commitment to elevate our bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, emphasizing the importance of true collaboration over mere transactions. It’s about engaging in meaningful dialogue, especially in the face of uncertainty, to foster a deeper connection.
Our joint declaration signifies a new chapter in our partnership, outlining priorities and opportunities for mutual growth. Through the agreements signed at both governmental and private levels, we are paving the way for significant contributions to the ambitious development projects initiated by the Saudi government.
Our shared interests encompass a wide range of sectors, including infrastructure, energy, technology, defense, research, agriculture, sports, tourism, and cultural heritage. The venue of this meeting, Al-Ula, holds UNESCO World Heritage status, underscoring the importance of preserving and enhancing our cultural legacies.
We are embarking on a journey of collaboration that spans beyond our borders, with a focus on joint projects and initiatives in Africa. The agreements signed today amount to approximately ten billion dollars, reflecting the substantial progress we aim to achieve together.
As we move forward, I am excited about the potential for new joint ventures not only between our countries but also on a global scale. Our commitment to supporting the creation of a Design Museum in Riyadh is just one example of our shared vision for the future.
Today marks the beginning of a transformative partnership, one that holds the promise of creating lasting impact in various fields. I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead as we work together towards a brighter future for both Italy and Saudi Arabia.
Welcome to a New Era of Cooperation
Italy and Saudi Arabia have come together to explore new avenues of collaboration, leveraging the abundant resources at their disposal. This partnership is built on a shared vision of progress and development, with a focus on tangible outcomes rather than empty promises.
During these two days of discussions, it became evident that there is immense potential for growth in our relationship. While our cooperation has always been strong, there is still much more that can be achieved. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in our partnership, one that is based on action and results.
As we move forward, we are committed to translating our words into action. I will be returning to Italy to engage with my fellow Ministers and work towards signing agreements that will pave the way for concrete projects and initiatives. It is through these tangible outcomes that we can truly make a difference.
I would like to express my gratitude to all those involved in this process and extend a special thanks to the Saudi government for their warm hospitality. This visit has been the start of something truly transformative, and I am excited to see where this journey takes us.
Thank you.
