Giorgia Meloni Gulf Energy Diplomacy

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni embarked on an unannounced two-day diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The primary objectives of the trip are to express support for Gulf partners facing Iranian attacks and to safeguard Italy's energy supplies. This visit comes amidst rising concerns in Italy over the security of oil and gas flows, particularly after Qatar, a significant LNG supplier, paused deliveries due to disruptions linked to the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian attacks affecting its export capacity. To mitigate the shortfall, Italy will begin receiving LNG from the Golden Pass LNG facility in the United States from June. The visit also marks the first by a European Union leader to Saudi Arabia since a recent conflict involving the United States and Israel.