Hassan Al -Sitry
Bahraini -Italian relations are a distinguished model in the path of bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and European countries, as these relations are characterized by steadfastness and gradual development, based on a solid base of understanding and mutual respect.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, had a prominent role in formulating these relations, as he worked to transform them from mere traditional diplomatic communication to a comprehensive strategic partnership that includes the economy, technology, culture and politics, as well as cooperation in supporting security and regional and international stability.
In August 2009, His Highness the Crown Prince laid the clear foundations for the path of cooperation with the Italian Republic. During his reception, the Italian ambassador, Enrico Badola, affirmed that the transfer of technological skills and Italian industrial experience to Bahrain is a common priority, in addition to pushing economic and cultural relations. This early vision revealed his awareness of the importance of investing the advanced Italian experience in the fields of industry and technology, and linking it to ambitious national development projects in Bahrain.
His Highness also called in that meeting Italy and the European Union to invest their relations in the Middle East to enhance stability and development, and this was an indication that His Highness’s approach to Bahraini -Italian relations exceeds the bilateral side to take a regional and international dimension.
Over the past years, His Highness the Crown Prince continued to push this relationship to advanced levels. In May 2017, His Highness praised the role of Italy in supporting regional issues and enhancing international peace and security, stressing the importance of investing mutual visits between the two countries in expanding the scope of economic and trade cooperation. These statements came at a time when Bahrain was strengthening its position as a regional investment and trade center, while Italy was looking for new markets for its technologies and industrial experiences.
The bilateral relations witnessed a qualitative shift in November 2022, when His Highness the Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, met on the sidelines of the COP27 climate in Sharm El -Sheikh. His Highness then stressed the rapid growth in the Bahraini -Italian partnership in various fields, stressing the importance of continuing to work to enhance them in a way that achieves the aspirations of the two countries.
In October 2024, His Highness received a written message from the Italian Prime Minister, which reaffirmed the depth of relations and joint keenness to advance them. During the meeting, the two parties discussed regional and international developments, which reflects the nature of the strategic dialogue between Manama and Rome, which addresses issues of common concern from the perspective of cooperation and understanding.
The Bahraini -Italian relations reached one of its tastes in January 2025 with the official visit made by Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni to Manama, where it was received by His Highness the Crown Prince, the Prime Minister at the Al -Qudaibiya Palace in the presence of senior Bahraini officials. This visit was the culmination of a long path of joint coordination, as His Highness stressed that the relations of the two countries are characterized by a history of cooperation and understanding, and that Bahrain is keen to build on the strategic partnerships achieved, especially in the economic, commercial and investment fields.
His Highness also highlighted in this meeting the role of Bahrain, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in spreading the values of peace, tolerance and coexistence, pointing to the importance of the role that Italy plays at the international level in enhancing security and peace. This vision reflected an intersection in interests between Manama and Rome, where Bahrain seeks to be a bridge for dialogue between civilizations, while Italy works as a European force in support of international stability.
By tracking the course of these relationships, a number of pillars that His Highness the Crown Prince worked to take place to establish:
1. The economic and commercial dimension: making the economy at the top of cooperation, focusing on attracting Italian investments to Bahrain, and taking advantage of Italy’s experiences in industry and technology.
2. Cultural and civilizational cooperation: Supporting cultural and artistic initiatives that strengthened the convergence between the two peoples, in line with Bahrain’s approach to openness and coexistence.
3. Political and security coordination: Giving a common importance to regional and international issues, especially those related to security and peace in the Middle East and the world.
4. Flexible diplomacy: His Highness relying on direct diplomacy through high -level meetings and mutual visits, which established strong confidence bridges with the Italian leadership.
5. A common future vision: benefiting from the opportunities provided by global transformations, especially in the fields of renewable energy and sustainable development.
These efforts resulted in expanding the base of cooperation to include unconventional areas, such as clean energy, digital technology, education and training, as well as cooperation in supporting coexistence and peace initiatives. These relations contributed to strengthening Bahrain’s position as an open country to European partnerships, while Italy benefited from the Kingdom’s website as a gate to the Gulf Cooperation Council markets.
The review of the efforts of His Highness the Crown Prince, the Prime Minister in supporting the march of Bahraini -Italian relations, clearly shows that this relationship exceeded the protocol character to become an integrated strategic partnership. From 2009 to the year 2025, His Highness worked to build solid foundations for cooperation in various fields, setting his eyes to achieve joint development and promoting peace and stability in the region and the world.
Today, Italy has become a major partner for Bahrain in Europe, thanks to His Highness’s vision based on balance, mutual respect and openness to cooperation opportunities. It is a vision that confirms that successful international relations are not only built on immediate interests, but also to invest in common history and foresee the future with a comprehensive strategic vision.
