Italian PM hails defence and aerospace ties with Türkiye, sets new trade ambitions

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has stated that economic, trade, and industrial cooperation form the foundation of strategic relations between Italy and Türkiye, adding that the current phase of cooperation represents a new starting point.

Speaking at the Türkiye-Italy Business Forum in Rome following the fourth intergovernmental summit between the two countries, Meloni highlighted the broad and representative participation in the event, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish press.

She stressed the importance of attending the forum alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

“We believe that economic and industrial cooperation is an integral part of our strategic relationship. Italy and Türkiye are allies and friends in the Mediterranean and European context,” Meloni said.

She noted that over 400 Italian companies operate in Türkiye, employing around 30,000 people and generating an annual turnover of approximately €18.5 billion. Meloni emphasised the significant role these companies play in the country’s infrastructure development.

Meloni also expressed satisfaction that the trade target of €30 billion was reached five years ahead of the schedule set at the previous summit, and she announced a new goal: to increase trade volume to $40 billion in the medium term.

She pointed to increased collaboration in strategic sectors such as defence, aerospace, critical materials, and pharmaceuticals. She placed special emphasis on Turkish investments in Italy, particularly Baykar’s acquisition of Piaggio Aerospace and its partnership with Leonardo in unmanned aerial technologies.

Addressing the topic of energy, Meloni noted the involvement of Italian companies Saipem and Tenaris in the development of the Sakarya gas field in the Black Sea. She underscored that gas produced in Türkiye could be delivered to Italy. Meloni added that both countries also plan to enhance cooperation in hydrogen and renewable energy sources.

By Tamilla Hasanova