JEDDAH: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as she arrived in Jeddah on Friday.
During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and opportunities for further development, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
They also discussed the latest regional developments, the repercussions of the ongoing military escalation on freedom of international navigation and energy security, its impact on the global economy, and the coordination of joint efforts to enhance regional security and stability, the report said
After her arrival earlier in the day at King Abdulaziz International Airport, she was received by senior Saudi officials, including Makkah Region Governor Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, along with local authorities and the Italian ambassador to the Kingdom, the SPA said.
Italian government sources said that the previously unannounced trip would also include meetings in Qatar and the UAE.
The sources said that the visit would reaffirm Italy’s support for the three nations in the face of Iranian attacks on their territories.
It is the first trip to the region by a leader from the EU since the conflict was launched by the US and Israel at the end of February.
