Diplomatic and Economic Relations Between Qatar and Italy. The relations between the State of Qatar and the Italian Republic have consistently been marked by their depth and strength, underscored by close strategic cooperation across multiple sectors such as economic partnerships, infrastructure projects, and the energy sector.
Over the past few decades, these ties have flourished, transforming into a significant partnership that reflects both nations’ interests on the global stage.
Strategic Diplomatic Relationship
Since the 1990s, Qatar has steadily built strong diplomatic relations with several countries, capitalizing on its strategic location in the Arabian Gulf and its pivotal role in regional and international affairs. Among its key diplomatic partners, Italy stands out as a country that has consistently forged close ties with Qatar across various domains.
The strength of these Qatari-Italian relations is further cemented by a series of high-level mutual visits that have enhanced their bilateral cooperation. One of the most notable of these visits is the upcoming state visit of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to Italy.
During this visit, His Highness will engage in discussions with President of the Italian Republic H E Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister H E Giorgia Meloni. The purpose of these meetings is to explore avenues for further enhancing the already solid relations between the two nations, focusing on areas such as energy, economy, education, health, and culture.
Expanding Economic Cooperation
This forthcoming visit is expected to bolster economic cooperation between the two countries and move their relationship to more advanced levels. Over the years, Qatar and Italy have engaged in significant economic exchanges, and the current trajectory points to an increase in trade volumes and the strengthening of vital sectors such as energy, defense, and investment.
The Qatari-Italian partnership is based on mutual interests and is driven by shared values of respect and trust. Both nations view this collaboration as crucial for their respective economic and political growth. The expansion of this partnership is particularly evident in sectors such as energy,
where Qatar investment in the Adriatic Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) terminal stands out as one of the most significant outcomes of their bilateral cooperation. This terminal, located off the Italian coastal city of Rovigo, plays a critical role in supplying Qatari LNG to Italy, meeting 10% of the country energy needs.
History of Diplomatic Visits and Milestones
Qatari-Italian relations were officially established in 1992 with the opening of embassies in both countries. Since then, the relationship has grown rapidly, with numerous mutual visits at the highest levels of government.
One of the most significant of these was the Amir state visit to Italy in November 2018 and his official visit in January 2016, which strengthened the strategic dialogue between the two nations. On the other side, President Sergio Mattarella visited Doha in January 2020, further enhancing the ties between both nations.
In February 2022, as part of the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, Qatar and Italy held their first round of strategic dialogue in Rome.
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This meeting was co-chaired by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy H E Luigi Di Maio.
The discussions focused on defense, security, and economic collaboration, as well as the growing trade ties between the two countries. This dialogue was followed by the Amir visit to Rome in February 2023, where discussions again centered on strengthening the bilateral relationship.
Role of Business and Investment
Trade and investment play a pivotal role in Qatari-Italian relations. In May 2024, Qatar Chamber (QC) hosted the Qatar-Italy Roundtable Business Meeting, where Italian Deputy Minister of Enterprises, H E Valentino Valentini, invited Qatari businesspersons to invest in Italy.
The meeting was a testament to Italy desire to strengthen economic ties with Qatar, emphasizing the investment opportunities and legislative reforms Italy has implemented to facilitate business.
Chairman of Qatar Chamber, H E Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani, emphasized that Italy is one of Qatar’s most important trading partners. The economic relationship between the two countries has grown remarkably, with bilateral trade witnessing an 80% increase in 2023, reaching QAR 20 billion, compared to QAR 11.1 billion in 2018.
Investment in Key Sectors
Qatari investments in Italy are concentrated in real estate, hotels, and residential development, showcasing Qatar confidence in Italy as a hub for investment. Additionally, Qatar Airways has made significant inroads into the Italian aviation market, further enhancing the economic collaboration between the two nations.
Italy is Qatar eighth largest trading partner and seventh largest supplier. The substantial growth in trade over the past decade has been driven by mutual interest in key sectors such as energy, investment, and infrastructure. Qatar strategic investments, such as the Adriatic LNG terminal, underline the importance of the relationship, as both countries seek to expand their partnerships in the energy sector.
Political and Defense Collaboration
The Qatari-Italian relationship is not limited to economic cooperation. Both nations have shown interest in enhancing their collaboration in defense and security. Italy has praised Qatar role in global security efforts, particularly during the evacuation of over a thousand Italian citizens from Afghanistan in 2021, a significant moment that highlighted Qatar role in global diplomatic and humanitarian efforts.
Furthermore, Italy has also expressed gratitude to Qatar for relocating the Italian Embassy from Kabul to Doha, underscoring the depth of political and diplomatic trust between the two nations.
Cultural and Educational Collaboration
The cultural and educational ties between Qatar and Italy are also growing. Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs announced the appointment of an Italian cultural attache in Doha as part of efforts to expand cultural exchange and cooperation.
This collaboration extends into the academic sphere, where Italian universities have been increasingly involved in partnerships with Qatari educational institutions. These efforts are crucial in fostering deeper understanding and cooperation between the two countries in the fields of science, technology, and education.
Conclusion
The relations between Qatar and Italy continue to grow, with both nations recognizing the importance of strategic cooperation across various sectors. The upcoming visit of the Amir to Italy will undoubtedly serve as a platform for furthering these ties and exploring new avenues for collaboration.
With Qatar investments in Italy continuing to grow and trade volumes increasing, the future of Qatari-Italian relations looks bright. As both countries work towards strengthening their economic, political, and cultural partnerships, it is clear that the ties between Qatar and Italy will remain strong, benefiting both nations and their people.
This enduring relationship, built on mutual respect and strategic cooperation, will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the region and beyond.