UAE President arrives in Italy on state visit

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Italy on a state visit on Sunday evening. 

As the UAE leader’s plane entered Italian airspace, it was escorted by a squadron of military aircraft in a gesture of welcome.

The UAE President and the Italian President exchanged medals during a welcome banquet, with His Highness awarding President Sergio Mattarella the Order of Zayed, the highest civilian honour bestowed by the UAE upon world leaders and heads of state. In turn, the Italian President awarded His Highness the UAE President the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, which is the highest medal granted by Italy to world leaders. 

The UAE President is expected to hold talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on issues surrounding, investment, artificial intelligence and cultural exchange.

The talks are part of the ongoing strategic partnership between the UAE and Italy.