Italy is proud to be one of the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Italy’s diplomatic mission in the Kingdom is operating since 1932, following the reciprocal recognition and the Bilateral Friendship Treaty between the two countries. In 1933, the late HRH Prince Faisal Bin Abdulaziz visited Rome to ratify the Bilateral Friendship Treaty.
Two years later in 1935, he returned to Rome to establish bilateral agreements in the aeronautic and automobile sectors. Since then, the bilateral relations have developed with quick and solid pace paving the way in 1951 for the opening of the Saudi diplomatic mission in Rome. The economic and commercial relations between Italy and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia began with the supply of six Caprioni aircrafts as a gift to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, followed by the export of food stuff and the marketing of Fiat automobiles and industrial vehicles in the Kingdom.
The bilateral trade between Italy and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been traditionally based on the importation of petroleum and the export of machineries and consumer goods. In the energy sector, the Eni and the Agip have enjoyed a pioneering presence in the region. Subsequently, both companies with other Italian companies have actively contributed in the exploration activities as well as the supply and the installation of processing plants in the petroleum sector, particularly in the industrial cities of Jubail and Yanbu.
The Italian community in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a historical presence in Jeddah. During the sixties and the seventies of the last century, it has witnessed a consistent growth as many Italian nationals were employed by the various Italian companies taking part in the execution of civil infrastructures and construction projects. The presence of an Italian club and the Italian school in Jeddah is a vivid mark of that presence. Currently, the Italian community is divided between Jeddah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province.

 

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