https://arab.news/8j9cm
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan is on a state visit to Italy
- Value of bilateral non-oil trade increased by 21.2% in 2024 compared with 2023
LONDON: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the president of the UAE, and Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, met on Monday to discuss cooperation and the strategic partnership between their countries.
The talks took place at Chigi Palace in Rome, as part of the president’s state visit to Italy. The leaders discussed collaboration in the fields of the economy, investment, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and cultural exchanges.
Sheikh Mohammed said the value of non-oil trade between Italy and the UAE reached $14.1 billion in 2024, a 21.2 percent increase compared with 2023, the Emirates News Agency reported. He added that bilateral trade is expected to keep growing, with increased cooperation, and highlighted shared interests in sustainability, renewable energy and innovation. He also expressed hope that an announced $40 billion investment by the UAE in Italy will help improve the development and prosperity of both nations.
Meloni said her country is committed to strengthening cooperation with the UAE to advance their mutual interests.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the UAE’s deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Nahyan, an advisor to the president, were also present at the meeting, along with other senior officials and ministers.