Italy Reaffirms Long-Term Commitment to Gulf Security, Stability and Strategic Partnership
Italy remains firmly committed to strengthening its strategic partnership with Kuwait and the Gulf region, with Ambassador Lorenzo Morini highlighting deeper cooperation in defense, energy, trade and regional security as essential to promoting stability, economic growth and shared prosperity
By Reaven D’Souza
Executive Managing Editor
Italian Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Lorenzo Morini has underscored Italy’s enduring commitment to the Gulf region, describing the GCC countries as strategic partners linked to Italy through longstanding political, economic and cultural ties built on dialogue, stability, prosperity and mutual respect.
In an interview with The Times Kuwait, Ambassador Morini said that Italy views the Gulf as a region of vital strategic importance and remains committed to further strengthening cooperation with GCC countries across all sectors, including trade, investment, security, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
Addressing Italy’s response during the recent regional crisis, the ambassador noted that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was among the first G7 leaders to engage directly with Gulf leaders. He said her visit to the region, coupled with regular consultations with GCC leaders, demonstrated Italy’s solidarity and support during a challenging period.
“The visit reinforced the special attention Italy attaches to cooperation with Gulf countries and helped identify practical areas of collaboration in both security and economic sectors,” Ambassador Morini said.
On defense cooperation, the ambassador revealed that Italy has provided technical assistance and support to Gulf partners, including Kuwait, to help address emerging regional security challenges. He stressed that Italy’s commitment extends beyond the current crisis, reflecting its long-term interest in preserving regional stability.
Ambassador Morini highlighted the role of Italian defense companies, particularly Leonardo S.p.A., in strengthening Gulf security capabilities. He noted that during the height of the recent crisis, Leonardo personnel remained in Kuwait and played a crucial role in supporting the operational readiness of Kuwait’s Eurofighter fleet while also ensuring the continued functionality of airport radar systems affected by drone attacks.
“The professionalism and dedication shown by Italian personnel on the ground helped ensure that Kuwait was able to respond effectively to evolving security threats,” he said.
Commenting on Kuwait’s recent ratification of the defense cooperation agreement with Italy under Law No. 60 of 2026, Ambassador Morini described the agreement as an important legal framework for expanding bilateral cooperation in defense and security.
He explained that the agreement will facilitate closer collaboration in key areas including air defense, advanced detection technologies, cybersecurity and anti-drone systems, while also enabling direct communication channels between the security and military institutions of both countries.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Morini welcomed Italy’s proposal for a G7-GCC Summit, describing it as a significant initiative aimed at strengthening dialogue between major industrialized nations and Gulf countries.
He emphasized that greater coordination between G7 and GCC leaders is essential for addressing regional security challenges, maintaining economic stability and safeguarding global supply chains, particularly in light of recent disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz.
“Italy believes that direct engagement between G7 and GCC leaders can contribute to market stability, energy security and broader international cooperation,” he said.
The ambassador also highlighted Italy’s longstanding role within both the G7 and the European Union in promoting stronger engagement with Gulf countries. He noted that Italy has consistently advocated for deeper economic integration and institutional cooperation between the European Union and the GCC.
On energy cooperation, Ambassador Morini described Gulf countries as indispensable partners in Italy’s energy strategy. While Italy has diversified its energy sources and increased investments in renewable energy, he said the Gulf remains a key supplier of oil and natural gas.
He pointed to the strong energy partnership between Italy and Kuwait, citing the cooperation between ENI and Q8 at the Milazzo refinery, as well as Kuwait Petroleum Corporation’s investments in Italy’s gas distribution network and biofuel production sector.
Ambassador Morini concluded by reaffirming Italy’s commitment to enhancing its strategic partnership with Kuwait and the wider Gulf region, stressing that stronger cooperation remains essential for regional security, economic growth and shared prosperity.
