Walid Sabri
The Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Andrea Catalano, affirmed his enthusiasm to the official visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister to Italy, which would rise to our cooperation to new horizons, expecting that this occasion will constitute an important station to sign a number of memoranda of understanding, which will enhance cooperation in multiple vital sectors.
Andrea Catalano added in an interview with “Al -Watan” that Italy is committed to strengthening its partnership with Bahrain, and it is a partnership based on the pillars of culture, education, innovation and diplomacy, pointing to our bilateral relations is not limited to official agreements and strategic initiatives, but also feeds from vital exchanges between our citizens and our institutions and common values that bring us together.
The Italian ambassador stressed that Rome has plans to develop relations between the two countries, including expanding cooperation in economic and commercial fields, creating conditions for new Bahraini investments in Italy, and creating new opportunities for Italian companies to work in the Bahraini market, for investment in cooperation in culture, education and science, stressing his country’s desire to intensify cooperation in the renewable energy sector.
Andrea Catalano touched on the trade cooperation between the two countries, noting that the volume of trade exchange amounted to 298 million euros during the first half of the year 2025, recording an increase of 16.9% compared to the first half of last year, with a significant increase in Italy’s imports from Bahrain.
The text of the dialogue comes:
How do you evaluate the relations between Bahrain and Italy in the light of regional and international developments?
– I would like to express my sincere gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, for their firm commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between Bahrain and Italy. Their visionary and personal dedication had a great impact on consolidating the bonds of friendship between our two countries, and laying solid foundations for mutual cooperation and respect.
Relations between Bahrain and Italy are historically strong, and are based on common values such as respecting culture, peace and economic development. In recent years, we have witnessed a continuous deepening in these ties on the political, economic and cultural levels. Our cooperation has expanded to include vital sectors such as trade, technological innovation and sustainability.
How do you see the efforts of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister in support of the relations between Bahrain and Italy?
This momentum has been strengthened in relations between the two friendly countries through a series of high -level visits that formed a new chapter in our bilateral relations. In January 2025, the official visit of Italian Prime Minister Georgia Miloni to Bahrain – the first of its kind – came to emphasize the strategic importance of our partnership. It was followed by a visit to His Majesty, the King of Bahrain, to Italy, where he was received warmly, and held a fruitful dialogue with the Italian Prime Minister. We are now enthusiastically looking for the upcoming official visit of His Royal Highness, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister to Italy, which would rise to our cooperation to new horizons.
I would like to confirm Italy’s firm commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Kingdom of Bahrain, a partnership based on the pillars of culture, education, innovation and diplomacy. Our bilateral relations are not limited to official agreements and strategic initiatives, but also feed on vital exchanges between our citizens and our institutions and the common values that bring us together.
We look forward to the future with optimism, where we are awaiting a new stage of cooperation, which is reflected in the visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Prime Minister to Italy. This occasion is expected to form an important station to sign a number of memoranda of understanding, which will enhance cooperation in multiple vital sectors.
While we look at the future, our plans to develop relations between the two countries focus on several major areas. First, we aim to expand cooperation in the economic and commercial fields, prepare conditions for new Bahraini investments in Italy, and create new opportunities for Italian companies to work in the Bahraini market. Second, it is necessary to invest in cooperation in the fields of culture, education and science, and enhance the exchange and joint projects that bring our societies. Third, we must continue our high -level consultations on major international issues of common concern, which we agree traditionally.
In particular, there are several main areas that we want to intensify cooperation, such as the energy sector, with a focus on renewable energy, which represents a priority, as well as technology, where we can benefit from the experiences of the two countries. Moreover, the strengthening of cultural and tourism initiatives represents another important aspect that must be focused on, as our traditions and history are natural bridges of deep dialogue.
How was your career? How did your experiences contribute to the formation of your current diplomatic position, your way of thinking and performance? What is the thing that has left your biggest impression since your appointment here in Bahrain?
– With regard to my career, I am grateful for the experiences that brought me to the position I occupied today, from Egypt, Libya and the United States, in addition to the positions I held at the headquarters in Rome. Each stage of my journey, whether academic or field, has contributed to the formation of my diplomatic and understanding visions of international dynamics, which enabled me to face the challenges of my current position with greater awareness.
Finally, what has sparked my admiration since my appointment in Bahrain is the honorable hospitality of the people and its deep culture in welcoming others. Also, the rapid pace of modernization and economic dynamism in Bahrain also impressed me. It is clear that the kingdom aspires to a promising future, and I am excited to be part of this stage of growth and transformation.
How do you see Bahrain’s founding King Hamad International Center for Coexistence and Tolerance and the inauguration of King Hamad Chair for Interfaith Dialogue at the Italian University of Sabinza?
– The establishment of the King Hamad Chair for Interfaith Dialogue at the University of Sabinza in Rome, as well as the establishment of the King Hamad International Center for Coexistence and Tolerance, is a deep significant and practical significant initiatives, and these efforts reflect the commitment of the Kingdom of Bahrain to enhance mutual understanding, respect for religions, and build cultural bridges between nations. The participation of the University of Sabinza is one of the oldest and oldest universities in Europe, and the mother universities confirms Italy’s commitment to enhancing dialogue and academic cooperation at the global level.
This partnership is not limited to strengthening Bahrain’s international position as a supporter of interfaith dialogue, but also strengthens the role of Italy as a cultural and intellectual center for initiatives aimed at building peace, and these institutions provide concrete platforms for research, education and cooperation in vital issues to achieve global harmony.
Peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance are the pillars of Bahraini society. The Kingdom was distinguished by its openness and generosity towards religious minorities, and to ensure freedom of worship and full participation in social life. This comprehensive culture, deeply rooted in the history of Bahrain, is reflected in the traditions of Italy for pluralism and cultural exchange. The two countries embody how diversity can be a source of strength and unity.
How do you evaluate the Bahrain initiative to organize an international peace conference?
– Bahrain’s initiative to organize an international peace conference – and the academic participation of Italy through the University of Sabinza – is greater importance. It is a tangible expression of Bahrain’s desire to be a responsible and leading global actor, able to facilitate dialogue between cultures, religions and political systems. The conference is a unique opportunity to bring together leaders, scholars and civil society representatives in a constructive space, with a common goal of developing solutions to the challenges facing our world today.
How do you see the future of economic cooperation between the two countries?
The future of economic cooperation appears promotion, thanks to the integration between the two economies. Bahrain, through the “Vision 2030” plan, aims to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on hydrocarbons, which opens opportunities in sectors such as the green economy, luxury tourism, education, health care, and digital technologies. As for Italy, it provides advanced experiences in manufacturing, design, innovation, and sustainability – elements that enhance the creation of joint projects and technological partnerships.
What are the latest developments regarding economic, commercial and investment relations between Bahrain and Italy?
– There is mutual interest in strategic investments and trade exchanges. In the first half of 2025, the volume of trade between the two countries reached 298 million euros, recording an increase of 16.9% compared to the first half of 2024, with a significant increase in Italy’s imports from Bahrain. This number reflects a joint commitment to enhancing economic cooperation, including through high -level institutional meetings, such as the meeting between the Italian Minister Adolfo Oru and the Minister of Finance and National Economy in Bahrain, Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.
What are the most prominent exports and imports between Bahrain and Italy?
Italian exports to Bahrain focus on high -value sectors, such as: industrial machines, vehicles and transport components, electronic and medical equipment, furniture, cosmetics, food products, and leather goods. Italian products have the slogan “Made in Italy” greatly appreciated their quality and design, especially in the furniture, fashion, packaging, and beauty sectors. From Bahrain, Italy mainly imports products associated with aluminum and steel refining – areas that are witnessing new industrial cooperation to enhance the strategic independence of Italian production chains.
How many agreements signed between the two countries? How much is its value?
– Several bilateral agreements have been signed in recent years to facilitate investment, industrial cooperation, and pioneering movement, and more of them are expected to be signed on the sidelines of the upcoming official visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Prime Minister.
Italy is implementing targeted strategies to attract Bahraini investors, by promoting sectors such as artificial intelligence, super computing, space, and quantitative technologies. At the same time, Italian companies in Bahrain sees a strategic center to reach the Gulf markets, thanks to their geographical location, market liberalization, and stability of regulations.
What are the consequences of the European Union’s decision to grant the Schengen visa to Bahrain citizens for a period of 5 years?
– The European Commission’s decision to grant Schengen visas to Bahrain citizens for a period of five years, in the event that all requirements are met, is an important step forward. It enhances freedom of movement, simplifies commercial and cultural relations, and strengthens mutual trust, which makes it easier for economic exchanges and investments between the two regions.
How many Bahraini students are studying in Italy? Is it expected to establish an Italian university or Italian schools in Bahrain?
Relations between Italy and Bahrain extend beyond the economic and political fields, to include major sectors such as education, tourism, culture and regional cooperation. Currently, the number of Bahraini students studying in Italy remains limited, but it is increasing, thanks to the attractiveness of Italian academic programs that include English courses, historical universities, and distinguished educational programs.
In Bahrain, the first Italian language and culture center was opened at the Royal University of Girls in 2019, which is an important step towards establishing an Italian school or university in the Kingdom in the future.
How do you evaluate the attractiveness of Italy as a tourist destination for Bahraini visitors? How many people visited Italy from Bahrain during 2023? And in the first 4 months of 2024?
– From the perspective of tourism, Italy is a popular destination for Bahraini visitors, because of its artistic heritage, delicious food, elegant costumes, and picturesque natural beauty. Although there is no accurate data about the number of Bahraini tourists, Italy received in 2023 about 67.9 million international visitors, and this number rose to more than 71 million in the first months of 2024.
This positive trend indicates the increasing presence of visitors from the Gulf region, supported by the recent European Union’s decision to grant Bahraini citizens the Schengen visa for a period of five years, which facilitates the movement and cultural exchange.
What other areas do you see leads to enhance the level of cooperation between the two countries?
Away from tourism and education, there are other promising sectors of bilateral cooperation that include environmental sustainability, digital technologies, health care, logistics and vocational training. The common interest in innovation and green transformation provides extensive opportunities for cooperation in strategic areas such as renewable energy, smart movement, and services and services.
Can we address the children of the Italian community in Bahrain? What are the areas in which Italian citizens work in the Kingdom?
The Italian community in Bahrain, despite its small size, plays an active and qualified role in several sectors. Italian citizens work mainly in the fields of engineering, oil refining, fashion, design, food services, commercial consultations, and cultural services.
This community is supported by strong local attention to “made in Italy” products, and a favorable environment for foreign investment, allowing it full participation in the Kingdom’s economic fabric.
How does Italy see the Gulf Cooperation Council system? How much is the volume of trade exchange between Italy and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries?
Regarding the Gulf Cooperation Council, Italy recognizes its central role in achieving regional stability and enhancing economic integration.
Italy adopts the position of constructive neutrality and multilateral dialogue, with the aim of strengthening relations with all the countries of the Council without taking biased positions. The volume of trade between Italy and the countries of the Council is large and growing; In the first quarter of 2023, Italian exports to the region increased by 6%, while imports decreased by 13%, which led to a trade deficit of more than $ 2.5 billion.
