Amidst the ongoing tension in the Middle East, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has suddenly arrived on a tour of Gulf countries. She reached Saudi Arabia on Friday, where she met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. According to the information, the purpose of this two-day visit is to express support towards the Gulf country partners who are facing Iranian attacks and also to protect Italy's own energy supplies.
His tour includes a visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE. This is the first visit of an EU leader to Saudi Arabia since the conflict started by the US and Israel in late February. This is happening at a time when concerns are increasing about the security of oil and gas supplies in Rome.
Before the war, about 10 percent of Italy's total gas consumption was met by liquefied natural gas (LNG) coming from Qatar, while last year the share of Middle East oil in Italy's total oil imports was about 12 percent. Following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, 10 cargoes destined for Italy were stranded between April and mid-June.
समू #वली_लेध Met Prime Minister of the Republic of Italy. pic.twitter.com/rRAt9Fiw1m
— Ministry of External Affairs
(@KSAMOFA) April 3, 2026
Qatar Energy's CEO and minister of state for energy told Reuters last month that 17 percent of Qatar's LNG export capacity had also been affected due to the Iranian attacks. To meet this shortage, Italy will start receiving Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from the 'Golden Pass LNG' facility located in the US from June. Two sources familiar with the matter gave this information to Reuters on Thursday.
Meloni started his Middle East tour from Jeddah. According to SPA, he was received at King Abdulaziz International Airport during the day by senior Saudi officials, including Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Mecca Region, local authorities and Italy's ambassador to the kingdom. After this he met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
