The Mission

Meloni in the Emirates: 'Need to reopen Hormuz'

The premier received by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani

by Rome Editorial Staff

4 April 2026

Meloni nei Paesi del Golfo “per difendere gli interessi degli italiani”

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

After Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made a stop in the United Arab Emirates. The Prime Minister met with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nayyan.

To thank him, first and foremost, for 'the support received in repatriating tourists in transit and the thousands of Italian citizens present in the Emirates at the start of the conflict'. It is in the Emirates, in fact, that the largest presence of Italians in the Middle East (about 30,000 between Dubai and Abu Dhabi).

Talk to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz

In this framework, Palazzo Chigi reports, 'the conversation focused on the prospects of the conflict and the conditions necessary for the cessation of hostilities, starting with the need to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Finally, the conversation took stock of bilateral cooperation, with particular reference to a further strengthening of mutual investments in the strategic sectors of energy, defence and security'.

Meeting with the Emir of Qatar

In addition to the Emirates, as mentioned, Meloni also visited Qatar, where she was received by the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. A meeting to discuss 'the ongoing diplomatic efforts to exit the crisis and ensure a sustainable regional security architecture. The two leaders then delved into energy issues, also in the light of the well-established relationship between Italia and Qatar in this area, discussing possible mitigation actions for the shocks suffered'.

Ready to rehabilitate Qatar's energy infrastructure

In this framework - and as the note continues - 'President Meloni has assured Italia's willingness, through the excellence of its production system, to contribute to the rehabilitation of Qatar's energy infrastructure, which is fundamental for energy security on a global scale. It was also reiterated how urgent and necessary it is to ensure freedom of navigation through Hormuz'.

Developing cooperation

Finally, it was agreed to 'work jointly to further develop cooperation and joint investments, to strengthen every dimension of security, especially in the strategic areas of defence, critical infrastructure, food security and multilateral cooperation for the management of migratory phenomena in the Mediterranean routes'.

The second stage

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has arrived in Doha, Qatar, for the second leg of her mission to the Gulf countries, following her visit to Saudi Arabia. Yesterday in Jeddah the Prime Minister was received by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman. President Meloni wanted to express, with her presence, Italia's closeness to Saudi Arabia

Themes in the Centre

In the course of the talks, 'the two leaders discussed the defensive military assistance provided by Italia, discussing the outlook for the conflict and the ongoing efforts for a diplomatic solution and, more broadly, how to promote a regional framework that can emerge from the current cycle of conflict'. In addition, 'the meeting also discussed how to secure energy supplies and reduce the impact of the crisis on businesses and citizens. The two leaders also agreed on the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible'.

Strategic Partnership

Finally, Meloni and Prince Mohammed 'discussed the strategic partnership launched between the two nations on the occasion of the Prime Minister's previous mission to Al-Ula (January 2025) and agreed on the importance, even more so in the current regional and international scenario, of developing a wide-ranging cooperation on the economy, investment, strategic infrastructure, security and defence,' Palazzo Chigi concluded.