Driving the news. In an exclusive interview with our sister website Formiche, United Arab Emirates’ Ambassador to Italy, Abdulla Ali Alsubousi, underscored the growing strength of Italy-UAE relations following UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to Rome.
- The visit culminated in the signing of more than 40 agreements worth US$40 billion across strategic sectors such as defence, energy, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure.
Why it matters. Ambassador Alsubousi said this moment marks a turning point in bilateral ties.
- “Our relationship is solid and dynamic, built on shared interests and sustained by the vision and commitment of our leadership,” he stated.
- The high-level meetings between Sheikh Mohammad and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reflect the positive momentum behind this strategic partnership.
A renewed partnership. A seasoned diplomat, Alsubousi highlighted how the two countries have successfully rebuilt and strengthened their ties in recent years, overcoming previous challenges.
- “We are fostering robust collaborations in trade, investment, culture, innovation, and people-to-people ties,” he noted, emphasising that economic cooperation lies at the heart of their relationship.
- Major agreements include investments in green technologies, AI, and infrastructure.
Strategic investments. The ambassador pointed to a strategic investment partnership between Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy and the UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.
- This initiative will focus on supply chain resilience, health, AI, and agrifood sectors.
- A key defence collaboration agreement has been signed, described by Alsubousi as “a crucial pillar of our partnership, aimed at fostering both industrial and military cooperation.”
- High-profile deals with Italian companies such as Fincantieri, ELT Group, Leonardo, Enel, and Eni further cement the UAE’s role as a key partner for Italy in the Indo-Mediterranean region.
Looking beyond bilateral ties. The ambassador highlighted the expanding economic exchanges between the two nations.
- “Our energy cooperation is evident in projects like the trilateral agreement with Albania, and we see increasing Italian participation in infrastructure initiatives in the UAE,” he said.
- He also stressed emerging collaboration in AI and aerospace, reinforcing the strategic nature of the partnership.
The Africa connection. A significant element of the UAE-Italy partnership is their joint commitment to Africa.
- Alsubousi praised Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa, calling it “a comprehensive platform that allows both nations to invest in sustainable development and economic growth across African communities.”
- The UAE and Italy are dedicated to creating opportunities that empower African communities while ensuring long-term stability and prosperity.
A new future. Alsubousi connected these developments to the broader goals of the 2023 Rome Process on development and migration.
- “We believe in collaborative solutions to global challenges and are committed to working with allies like Italy to promote peace, stability, and prosperity,” he concluded, expressing confidence in future partnerships.
