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A statement from Palazzo Chigi said that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni initiated the call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman by conveying Italy’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia. The two leaders reviewed the broader situation across the region and weighed options for lowering tensions through diplomatic channels. They underlined the central role of freedom of navigation in both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, according to the Italian government account. The discussion formed part of regular high-level exchanges aimed at addressing shared concerns in the Middle East.
Bilateral relations received close attention during the conversation, the statement from Palazzo Chigi indicated. The leaders agreed to schedule the inaugural session of the Strategic Partnership Council in line with understandings reached when Meloni visited AlUla the year before. Such steps build on a pattern of expanding cooperation between the two countries across economic and political fields. The Italian side described the exchange as constructive and forward-looking.
Italy has maintained an active role in efforts to safeguard commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea through the European Union Aspides mission. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto called earlier in September for additional vessels to bolster protection for merchant traffic, a Reuters dispatch reported. The Suez route accounts for roughly 40 percent of Italy’s global trade volume, according to industry assessments, making secure passage through Bab el-Mandeb a direct national interest. These operational realities informed the emphasis placed on maritime security in the leaders’ discussion.
Threats to navigation in the Red Sea and adjacent waters have persisted in recent months, prompting coordinated international responses. Saudi Arabia has faced repeated attacks on its infrastructure and vessels, heightening the urgency of diplomatic engagement. The phone call reflects continued alignment between Riyadh and Rome on the need for de-escalation and respect for international maritime law. Both parties stressed the value of sustained dialogue to advance stability.
The exchange comes against a backdrop of strengthened Saudi-Italian ties that have grown through high-level visits and joint initiatives. Meloni’s government has prioritised relations with Gulf partners to address energy security and regional challenges. Officials on both sides view the Strategic Partnership Council as a key mechanism to deepen collaboration in coming months. The September 29 conversation adds momentum to that trajectory.
