The Italian Ambassador highlights that Riyadh and Jeddah are increasingly attracting Italian tourists and Italy remains focused on Saudi Vision projects.

The Italian president is expected to visit the Kingdom early next year

Introduction:

The new Italian Ambassador to the Kingdom, Mr. Carlo Baldocci, praised the depth of relations between the two countries, describing them as historical and ancient, spanning over century, and based on mutual understanding, strengthening common interests, and constructive cooperation in many fields, which resulted in a great legacy of bilateral relations, which made Rome and Riyadh share a common vision, in many strategic issues witnessed by the world.

Mr. Carlo Baldocci believed that the friendship between the Saudi people and the Italian people derives its strength and focus from deep cultural ties, in addition to the two peoples' shared interest in their heritage, history, and rich traditions, and working to show it in modern ways in the form of projects of a heritage nature, under the umbrella of the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030, stressing that the vision's programs have succeeded in creating a major renaissance in all regions of Saudi Arabia.

In his interview with Al-Riyadh, the Italian Ambassador highlighted the growing economic ties between his country and the Kingdom, noting that these relations are experiencing significant growth in the era of Saudi Vision 2030. He stated that this growth spans over both traditional sectors, such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and industry, as well as innovative fields, including technology, artificial intelligence, and space. He explained that Italy is leveraging its expertise to contribute to many Saudi Vision 2030 projects, particularly initiatives aimed at preserving Saudi heritage.

The Italian Ambassador also predicted a surge in mutual tourism between the Kingdom and Italy, emphasizing the Italian tourist's admiration for Saudi destinations, especially Riyadh and Jeddah, with their historical and heritage sites, cultural values, and ancient traditions. Here is the full text of the interview.

- After Your Excellency assumed your role as Ambassador of Italy to the Kingdom, how have you perceived the Kingdom, and Riyadh in particular?

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a fundamental and vital partner in the Middle East and internationally. Italy not only shares a common vision with the Kingdom on numerous strategic issues but also enjoys deep cultural ties. Today, the relationship between our two countries is based on extensive economic, commercial, and cultural exchanges. At the same time, the Italian-Saudi friendship reflects the mutual appreciation both peoples have for their rich traditional heritage.

Riyadh, in particular, stands as a testament to the strong relationship between our two nations. The city is undergoing a remarkable renaissance, driven by collaborative efforts in sectors such as infrastructure, urban planning, design, art, and culture. These developments showcase the fruitful synergies between Italy and Saudi Arabia.

The friendship between the Italian and Saudi nations derives its strength from the cultural heritage of our two countries

- How would you measure the level of relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Italy?

Our two countries share a long-standing friendship, as reflected in our celebration of the 90th anniversary of Saudi-Italian diplomatic relations in 2022. We are now looking forward to commemorating the centenary in 2032. This legacy of strong bilateral relations has fostered excellent ties between Italy and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, exemplified by the numerous ministerial visits exchanged over the past two years. These ties are poised to become even more strategic with the forthcoming visit of Her Excellency Mrs. Giorgia Meloni, President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic, to the Kingdom, scheduled for the near future.

Italy is already one of Saudi Arabia's key trading partners. Moreover, the various joint initiatives between our governments, alongside enhanced collaboration among companies, universities, research centers, and cultural institutions, underscore the necessity of continuing to strengthen this bilateral cooperation. The opportunities for partnership are truly boundless across a wide array of sectors.

We are committed to advancing this relationship through an approach based on dialogue and mutual understanding, ensuring that both nations can fully seize the benefits of this collaboration.

- What do you think are the most important areas that will have a promising future for strengthening cooperation between the two countries?

Italy enjoys a strong economic partnership with Saudi Arabia, primarily through cooperation in traditional sectors such as energy and infrastructure. In these areas, Italian technological and industrial excellence continues to be highly recognized by Saudi authorities and their corporate counterparts. However, we aim to expand this collaboration with a particular focus on innovative sectors such as energy transition technologies, start-ups, artificial intelligence, and their applications in healthcare, as well as the sport and entertainment industries.

Additionally, Italy is a leader in the field of space, and we are keen to strengthen our partnership in this area. Cooperation in traditional sectors such as agri-food, fashion, and design can also be further enhanced through mutual official visits, as well as interactions between delegations and entrepreneurs. Strengthening partnerships in the training sector will also contribute to boosting relevant industrial chains, from which Saudi Arabia will benefit as part of its efforts to strengthen its national industries across various sectors.

The year 2025 marks the inauguration of an archaeological school to train Saudis to preserve heritage

- To what extent does Italy, especially the private sector, participate in the Kingdom's grand vision (Vision 2030)?

Within the framework of the Vision 2030 strategy, we have shared goals that offer increasing opportunities for cooperation. Vision 2030 is also a key objective for us. Our major companies, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises, are actively involved in significant projects in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the Kingdom’s development and diversification. These include the Riyadh Metro project, tourism development on Sindalah Island, and the construction of dams to supply the freshwater lake at the Trojena ski resort in the Neom mountains.

Additionally, we have visions that I would describe as complementary to the green transition. Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries have the potential to become a strategically important hub for renewable energy production, with support from the expertise of many Italian companies. Italy, through the European Union's "Repower EU" plan — which aims to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels and accelerate the green transition — is interested in diversifying its imports of clean energy and hydrogen.

- The Italian airline ITA has launched daily direct flights between Riyadh-Rome and Jeddah-Rome. How do you see the importance of this step in strengthening the relations between the two countries?

This is another very important step towards strengthening cooperation and exchanges between our two countries. The more flights there are, the greater the exchanges between the two countries, as well as the flow of tourists in both directions. The new daily direct flights will also enhance people-to-people exchanges, making Saudi Arabia more popular in Italy and vice versa.

- What about the level of tourism between the two countries? How does His Excellency the Ambassador view it?

Tourism is another rapidly growing sector where Italy and Saudi Arabia can explore opportunities for cooperation, particularly in linking tourism with the promotion of historical and cultural heritage. Al-Ula, with its natural and archaeological beauty, is a particularly popular destination for Italian tourists, but the cities of Riyadh and Jeddah are also attracting increasing numbers of visitors. By visiting the Kingdom, Italian tourists discover, while respecting its culture, values, and traditions, a modern and dynamic country. We aim to strengthen the bonds between the peoples of our two countries, and tourism plays a fundamental role in this.

- You recently announced the intention to establish a winter archaeological school for Saudi students. Can you tell us more about this initiative?

This is a project we strongly wanted to implement to enhance the already excellent level of cultural relations between our two countries. In the field of archaeology, Italy has a long-standing presence in Saudi Arabia, particularly—though not exclusively—in the magnificent oasis of Dumat Al-Jandal, where Saudi and Italian archaeologists have been working together for decades to make remarkable discoveries from various historical periods. If we visit the UNESCO sites in Al-Ula and Diriyah, we can see works and projects that have also been created through Italian-Saudi cooperation in promoting historical heritage.

Since many Italian companies are increasingly active in the heritage sector in Saudi Arabia, I thought, why not to create a program for Saudi students that could further boost the cultural dimension of our relationship? This would align with Saudi Arabia's efforts to protect and promote its invaluable archaeological heritage. Hence, the idea of the Winter Archaeological School, which we are planning to launch in early 2025.

Let me wrap up this interview by emphasizing once again the great interest from the Italian side at all levels—and the upcoming official visits will corroborate this—in establishing a stronger and more connected partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. There are margins for more Italy in Saudi Arabia, for more Saudi Arabia in Italy, and for both countries to collaborate in other geographical regions.