State of play. One of the tangible achievements of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s first 1,000 days in office has been deepening relations with key Gulf actors, recognising the region’s increasing geopolitical relevance.
- Among them, Qatar stands out as a financially robust and diplomatically active player on the international stage, emerging as one of Rome’s most significant interlocutors.
- The Strategic Dialogue, revitalised by Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s visit to Rome in 2024, is a key driver, currently led by Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
Africa with Italian vision? The Mattei Plan – Italy’s flagship initiative aimed at redefining its relationship with Africa – has become a concrete platform for operational dialogue between Rome and Doha.
- On the sidelines of the conference on Ukraine URC2025, hosted in Rome this month, bilateral meetings with a focus on Africa were held between Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli and Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan Al Muraikhi, and between Undersecretary Annamaria Tripodi and Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam Al Misnad.
- The cooperation also includes the Rome Process, Italy’s initiative for integrated migration management.
- Italy’s embassy in Doha has initiated discussions with the Qatar Fund for Development on shared projects in Africa.
Economic leverage. The Emir’s visit last year led to the signing of agreements with key players like SACE and major Italian companies. The Qatari sovereign wealth fund QIA holds over €4 billion in assets in Italy, making it a critical pillar of the bilateral relationship.
- These economic foundations also pave the way for cooperation in third countries, in synergy with the Mattei Plan.
Defence: structured cooperation.
Italy deployed 560 personnel to Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup security mission — a clear signal of the active cooperation between the two countries in defence and security. Today, cooperation continues:
- Fincantieri is involved in naval training programs.
- Leonardo and the Italian Air Force are developing an advanced pilot training centre in Doha.
- This is an ongoing and targeted relationship aimed at strengthening joint operational capabilities.
Energy as a driver. Eni has had a long-standing presence in Qatar, with stakes in the North Field, the world’s largest natural gas reservoir.
- The LNG partnership supports Italy’s energy diversification efforts, helping to reduce dependence on Russian supplies.
- Italy is a reliable customer and a strategic partner in the West for Doha.
The geopolitical picture. Qatar is seen as a valid, credible, and well-connected actor. Its roles in Gaza’s caesefire, Iran equilibrium, Afghanistan discret dialogue, and negotiations in Ukraine have made it a valued interlocutor, particularly by Washington.
- For Italy, it is a strategic asset in the “Global Mediterranean” framework promoted by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who is a partner with whom to build multilayered alliances.
- The Mattei Plan is one of the key dimensions to watch as Italy and Qatar expand cooperation, especially in third regions.
(Photo: Palazzo Chigi)
