Minister Paolo Gentiloni’s mission to the United Arab Emirates, within the framework of expanding Italy’s dialogue with the leaders of the main Gulf countries, centred on participation in the Sir Bani Yas Forum, discussion of the principal regional dossiers, particularly Libya, and bilateral partnership.
Gentiloni will be participating in the 6th edition of the Sir Bani Yas Forum, which has become a key moment for Foreign Ministers, experts and analysts to confront regional themes, and he will hold a meeting with foreign minister Sheikh Abdallah to discuss regional topics within the wider context of international events.
Bilateral partnership
Bilateral relations with the Emirates have been given a further boost as a result of frequent contacts with those leaders following the 5th joint economic commission meeting held in Milan on 19 and 20 October last, and bilateral Italy-Emirates accords on extradition and criminal justice cooperation signed last September. The Emirates have shown interest in Italy’s experience with small and medium-sized enterprises and industrial clusters, while they offer increasing opportunities to Italian businesses in strategic sectors such as infrastructure.