JEDDAH — Growing bilateral relations between Italy and Saudi Arabia was the highlight at the colorful commemoration of Italy's National Day at the Italian Cultural Centre in Jeddah on Thursday in the presence of Italian Consul General Elisabetta Martini. The event, which is celebrated on June 2 every year, was attended by Italian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Luca Ferrari, Italian and Saudi officials, as well as members of the Italian community. Martini noted that this year is a very special time for Saudi and Italian relations, which is living an "extraordinary moment," adding that she was honored to receive the Italian foreign minister during his first visit to Jeddah after more than a decade, where he held talks with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, second deputy premier and minister of defense, and Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel Jubeir. "This year marks a very special anniversary since it is the 70th anniversary of our Republic, a short period of time compared to the millennial history of Italy and such a meaningful time for the development of our democracy," she said. Envoy Luca Ferrari said that the high-level political discussions with Saudi officials held in the presence of Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs "celebrated the bond between Italy and the Kingdom." He added that Italian presence in Saudi Arabia has grown over the past few years with Italian companies active in all fields and noted that the Saudi Italian relations officially started 84 years ago in 1932 in Jeddah when diplomatic ties between both countries was established, adding that ever since the relations have thrived. The celebrations included a musical stage performance portraying the rich essence of Italian weddings. Titled ‘Marriage, Italian Style', the performance depicted the ironic love story of a couple through songs, dance, and acrobatic numbers.
