Türkiye and Italy Reaffirm Strategic Alliance Amid Global Uncertainty

In a joint declaration issued after the 4th Intergovernmental Summit in Rome, Türkiye and Italy underscored their determination to deepen bilateral ties, enhance economic cooperation, and tackle shared global challenges.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his visit to Rome, which also featured a high-level business forum. The leaders emphasized the need for expanded collaboration in trade, security, energy, and migration, positioning both Mediterranean nations as pillars of stability in the region.

“Both countries contribute significantly to peace and stability in Europe and beyond and aim to strengthen their partnership through regular high-level consultations,” the declaration stated.

Fifth Summit to Be Hosted in Türkiye

The summit, held during a period marked by geopolitical upheaval, addressed a range of pressing global issues—including the Russia-Ukraine war, Gaza conflict, climate change, and migration pressures. Officials agreed the next intergovernmental summit will take place in Türkiye, reinforcing long-term commitment to mutual consultation.

The declaration recognized Türkiye’s candidacy for EU membership and called for accelerated visa liberalization dialogue, enhanced counterterrorism cooperation, and renewed momentum in Türkiye–EU relations.

“Today we confirm the solidity of our relations and lay the foundations to strengthen our partnership further,” said Meloni, praising Türkiye as a key partner.

Erdoğan echoed that sentiment, stressing Italy’s ongoing support for Türkiye’s EU bid, and expressed a desire to expand defense and economic collaboration through joint projects and industrial partnerships.

Trade Target Set at USD 40 Billion

According to the declaration, bilateral trade has already surpassed the USD 30 billion benchmark. A new midterm trade target of USD 40 billion was established, with plans for the Third Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) Meeting in Türkiye in Q4 2025.

The summit’s business forum was welcomed as a catalyst for investment. Both sides committed to promoting direct investment, enhancing cooperation in digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, and fostering technology transfer.

Transport, Energy, and Maritime Connectivity

Mutual emphasis was placed on the role of transport corridors, maritime trade, and civil aviation in boosting regional connectivity. The Southern Gas Corridor was reaffirmed as a strategic component of energy security and clean energy transition, with both countries highlighting the need to protect critical mineral supply chains.

Defense and Security Cooperation Deepens

The declaration emphasized a shared resolve to address threats along NATO’s southern flank, enhance defense industry partnerships, and include non-EU allies in European defense initiatives.

“It is inconceivable to establish European security without Türkiye,” Erdoğan had earlier stated in March.

An upcoming defense industry meeting and the reinstatement of Italy-Türkiye Counterterrorism Consultations were also announced. Both sides committed to increased cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, organized crime, cybersecurity, and judicial collaboration.

Multilateral Commitments and Peace Efforts

Türkiye and Italy reiterated their backing of U.N. Security Council reform, support for multilateral platforms, and active roles in peace-building efforts. The summit’s final declaration highlighted mutual support for:

• A cease-fire in Gaza, in line with U.N. Resolution 2735

• A two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict

• Continued humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts in Gaza

• Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity

• A Libyan-owned political process for unity and stability

Both nations also pledged to fight human trafficking and support legal migration channels, emphasizing human rights and the importance of tackling the root causes of migration.