Kuwait and Italy have deepened their strategic and economic partnership following a visit by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Kuwait on October 23, 2026. The meetings between Meloni and Kuwait’s political leadership, including His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, focused on enhancing bilateral relations across economic, defense, and security sectors.
During the talks, the two countries signed several agreements aimed at broadening cooperation. This included a letter of intent with the Italian defense company Leonardo to develop military capabilities and localize manufacturing technology in Kuwait. Additionally, memoranda of understanding were signed to promote direct investment between the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) and the Italian Trade Agency, and to advance security cooperation between Kuwait’s National Guard and the Italian Carabinieri, focusing on expertise exchange and advanced training.
Trade relations between the two nations remain robust, with petroleum products constituting the majority of Kuwait’s exports to Italy, valued annually at over $700 million. These refined oil supplies support Italy’s industrial sector and contribute to Italy’s secure energy needs, notably through supply chains linked to the Milazzo refinery in Sicily. Non-oil trade also continues to expand, marked by increasing Italian exports of machinery, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, iron, consumer goods, and food products to Kuwait. Kuwait, in turn, exports raw plastic materials, petrochemicals, and textiles to Italy.
A key highlight of the economic relationship is the longstanding presence of Kuwait Petroleum International (Q8) in Italy. Q8 operates approximately 3,000 service stations across Italy and recently introduced a price cap on petrol and diesel amid the country’s inflationary pressures caused by soaring fuel prices. This measure drew public praise from Prime Minister Meloni, who acknowledged Kuwait’s support in helping shield Italian families and markets from energy-related shocks. Italian media characterized the initiative as reflective of a deep bilateral friendship and a geopolitical contribution beyond mere commercial interests, offering Italy increased economic stability while facilitating Kuwait’s access to defense technology.
Kuwait’s strategic importance extends beyond economics; its geographic position in the northern Gulf links directly to the security of maritime navigation routes critical for global trade. Both nations emphasized that their cooperation aims to build trade corridors and bridges fostering growth between Europe and Asia. Furthermore, Italy reiterated its commitment to Kuwait’s stability amid regional tensions, viewing Kuwait’s security as essential to broader European interests.
Concurrently, Kuwait’s Cabinet condemned recent terrorist attacks carried out by the Houthi militia against Saudi Arabia, including assaults targeting the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, and attacks on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Kuwait expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and also denounced a deadly terrorist attack on a church in Jordan’s Karak Governorate, reiterating a firm stance against violence targeting places of worship.
The visit underscored the sustained efforts by both states to advance political, economic, and security cooperation, with ongoing diplomatic engagement concerning regional and international developments. Discussions also included civil protection, crisis management, and efforts commemorating the liberation of Kuwait during the 1991 Gulf War.
Overall, the Kuwait-Italy meetings have reinforced a multifaceted partnership built on mutual interests, addressing energy security, defense collaboration, and regional stability.