ISTANBUL

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Tuesday that the economic dimension is a fundamental element in the strategic relationship between Italy and Türkiye.

“We especially wanted to be here with President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan, to greet the work of this business forum, because we believe that the economic, commercial and industrial dimension is a fundamental part of the strategic relationship between Italy and Türkiye. As two countries, we are allies and friends in the Mediterranean-European context,” said Meloni, speaking at the Italy-Türkiye Business Forum in Rome.

Highlighting that Italian companies have made significant contributions to Türkiye's infrastructure development, she said they are encouraged by the realization of the €30 billion ($34.1 billion) target set by Türkiye and Italy at the last intergovernmental summit five years ago, and today they aim to increase the trade volume to $40 billion in the medium term.

Meloni noted that more than 400 Italian companies operate in Türkiye, employing approximately 30,000 people and generating a total turnover of approximately €18.5 billion.

Noting that leading Turkish companies are also more interested in investing in Italy, Meloni said that in this context, Baykar Technology's acquisition of Piaggio Aerospace and the development of unmanned aerial systems with Leonardo are important.

The Italian premier said that cooperation between Türkiye and Italy continues to grow in strategic areas such as critical raw materials, aerospace, defense and pharmaceuticals.

“I find the three-year investment plan presented by Beko to increase its competitiveness in Italy and to support the extraordinary strength of the 'Made in Italy' brand important. I know that our industry ministers are closely following this process and will continue to monitor it carefully to maintain the level of employment,” she said.

“Italian companies such as Saipem and Tenaris have contributed to the development of fields such as the Sakarya gas field in the Black Sea. The gas that Türkiye will produce will also be able to reach Italy. By deepening this cooperation, we will evaluate future opportunities in both hydrogen and renewable energy fields," she noted.

Adding that Italy and Türkiye will host the 2032 European Football Championship together, Meloni said: “We know very well that such major events offer great opportunities to attract investment, create development and create jobs.”