Italy’s Meloni visits Norway to boost energy, critical minerals ties

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is embarking on her first official visit to Norway in nearly fifteen years, with the aim of strengthening cooperation in key areas like energy, critical minerals, and defense, according to Italian sources. The trip, which includes a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere in Oslo, will also feature a dinner with business leaders from both nations to encourage bilateral investment.

This visit is part of a broader strategy to enhance ties between Italy and Norway, focusing on consolidating strategic cooperation in energy and potentially expanding it into other sectors. According to La Stampa, high-ranking executives from defense and shipbuilding industries will join Meloni in Oslo.

Italy's energy sector is currently seeking diversification due to market uncertainty caused by the US-Iran conflict. To bolster relations, Meloni has recently visited significant gas-producing nations such as Algeria and Azerbaijan. Notably, Norwegian energy giant Vaar Energi is majority-owned by Italy's Eni. Italian sources, who requested anonymity, revealed that during her stay, Meloni and Stoere will also debate major global matters including Ukraine and Arctic developments, with Rome viewing the Arctic as a prime opportunity for closer collaboration.