Erdogan and Meloni Hold Talks to Deepen Italy–Turkey Relations

ROME, 29 April 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Rome on Tuesday for high-level talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as both nations aim to strengthen ties in trade, defence, and regional cooperation.

According to Italian government sources, the two leaders are set to discuss a wide array of pressing international issues, notably the ongoing war in Ukraine and the volatile situation in the Middle East. The discussions are expected to culminate in a bilateral summit, during which several agreements are anticipated to be signed—particularly in the fields of energy and defence.

“The goal is to enhance the strategic partnership between Italy and Turkey,” a senior official noted, adding that economic and trade relations between the two countries have witnessed notable growth in recent years.

The summit takes place against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This has prompted the European Union—of which Italy is a key member—to seek closer security cooperation with Turkey, a longstanding NATO ally and EU membership candidate.

Defence collaboration has taken centre stage, especially with rising global demand for arms. In March this year, Italy’s defence manufacturer Leonardo and Turkey’s drone leader Baykar announced a joint initiative to develop unmanned aerial systems, reflecting a broader trend of industrial-military cooperation.

Migration, a politically sensitive issue for Prime Minister Meloni’s right-wing government, is also a central topic in the bilateral dialogue. Turkey continues to play a pivotal role in curbing irregular migration into Europe, supported by substantial funding from the European Union to manage migrant flows.

Beyond defence and migration, both nations are looking to broaden collaboration in areas such as transport, infrastructure, space technology, and sport. Italy and Turkey are co-hosts of the UEFA Euro 2032 football tournament, offering a unique opportunity for cultural and infrastructural cooperation.

Italy stands as Turkey’s second-largest trading partner in Europe. In 2024, bilateral trade between the two nations reached a substantial $32.2 billion, according to figures from Rome.

The Rome summit is expected to mark a significant step forward in cementing long-term ties between the two Mediterranean powers, both of which hold strategic importance in regional and global affairs.