Valeria Giannotta
Italy and Türkiye’s strategic cooperation extends not only to the Mediterranean but also to the broader Mediterranean region, that is the Black Sea and the Middle East. In the Middle East, although Rome and Ankara adopt different stances on some issues, they appear to agree on working together for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As a result, Italy and Türkiye are advancing towards forming an alliance that safeguards their mutual interests while maintaining strategic autonomy in the Mediterranean and its surroundings.
March 6, 2025
Valeria Giannotta
MELONI-ERDOĞAN LINE: A New Mediterranean Partnership with Drones, Weapons, and Strategic Autonomy
Italy and Türkiye aim to establish a line of cooperation to protect their interests in the broader Mediterranean. Here’s Ankara’s role in this equation.
Trade relations between the two countries are strengthening. While the bilateral trade volume has reached €32 billion, cooperation in strategic areas is also deepening. This partnership allows Türkiye to export drones to Europe while offering Italy the opportunity to implement the Mattei Plan by leveraging Ankara’s presence in Africa—not just in Libya. Additionally, Italy seeks to play an active role in Syria, where Türkiye holds significant influence.
In this context, according to Valeria Giannotta, the scientific director of CeSPI’s Türkiye Observatory, Italian government officials, Turkish authorities, and companies from both countries have engaged in intensive discussions in recent weeks, particularly in the defense sector. While NATO membership facilitates cooperation between Türkiye and Italy, the two countries are not only operating within institutional frameworks like NATO but also pursuing an independent strategic course.
Are Italy-Türkiye Relations Evolving into a Strategic Alliance?
Historically, Italy and Türkiye have maintained good relations, though tensions have occasionally surfaced. For instance, former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s remark calling Erdoğan a “dictator” strained relations for a time. However, a strong and sincere diplomatic relationship has emerged between Giorgia Meloni and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as evidenced by the seven meetings they have held since Meloni took office.
The two leaders have similar ways of addressing global issues. Both pursue conservative policies while advocating for greater independence in international affairs.
What is the Current State of Economic Relations?
More than 1,500 Italian companies are currently operating in Türkiye, with 90% of them expressing satisfaction with their business in the country. For many Italian firms, Türkiye is seen as a gateway to third-country markets.
Bilateral trade volume has reached €32 billion, surpassing the target of €30 billion. In 2023, this figure was around €29 billion.
Which Sectors Stand Out?
Key sectors include machinery, automotive, textiles, and food industries. Major Italian companies active in Türkiye include Ferrero, Pirelli, Stellantis, and Webuild. In the defense sector, Leonardo has had a longstanding presence in Türkiye and has established a joint venture for the production of Atak helicopters.
Why Have Rome and Ankara Grown So Close?
In an era of significant global uncertainty, flexibility and pragmatism have become essential in international relations. Türkiye has emerged as a global leader in drone production, exporting its products worldwide. In this context, Italy and Türkiye are developing a cooperation model based on industrial partnerships.
Is the Defense Sector the Engine of This New Era?
The defense sector—particularly aerospace—is taking center stage. Türkiye’s leading drone manufacturer, Baykar, has acquired the Italian company Piaggio Aerospace, a strategic move that will enable Baykar to enter the European market. This agreement will facilitate drone production in Italy’s Liguria region and strengthen Türkiye’s presence in Europe.
Meanwhile, senior executives from Italy’s defense giant Leonardo have been visiting Türkiye. Leonardo and Baykar have been in talks for a long time, and their NATO membership facilitates cooperation on integrating radar systems and drone technologies.
Is Italy-Türkiye Cooperation Only Economic?
Economic relations open the door to broader geopolitical partnerships. Türkiye holds a strong position in Africa as a security provider, aligning with Italy’s Mattei Plan. At the same time, Ankara is a key player in Middle Eastern developments and could play a significant role in Syria’s normalization and reconstruction. Türkiye’s influence in the Black Sea is also part of this strategic cooperation.
Will Italy and Türkiye Act Together in Libya?
Libya is one of the most important regions where the interests of the two countries overlap. Türkiye took an active role in determining Libya’s security and maritime jurisdiction areas by signing a memorandum of understanding with the Tripoli government in 2018-2019. Italy, on the other hand, has significant investments in Libya’s energy projects, particularly through ENI.
In this context, Türkiye’s influence in Libya makes cooperation with Ankara inevitable for Italy in terms of energy security and migration management. In 2023, Meloni and Erdoğan signed an agreement to control migration flows from Libya to Europe.
Can Türkiye Support Italy’s Mattei Plan in Africa?
For the Mattei Plan to be implemented in Africa, Italy is expected to leverage Türkiye’s strong presence in the region. Over the past 20 years, Türkiye has built a significant diplomatic and economic footprint on the continent. It is the largest foreign investor in Somalia and controls the country’s ports. Recently, Türkiye even established a satellite launch base in the region.
What Strategic Grounds Bring Rome and Ankara Together?
Italy and Türkiye’s NATO membership provides a common ground for cooperation. However, both countries strive to maintain their strategic autonomy by pursuing independent policies when necessary, even within frameworks like NATO and the EU.
The agreements on Libya signal an increasingly visible partnership between the two countries. Although not widely publicized, these agreements indicate that Italy and Türkiye are acting together on certain strategic issues.
Which Regions Does This New Cooperation Cover?
Italy and Türkiye’s strategic partnership extends beyond the Mediterranean to the broader Mediterranean region, that region is including the Black Sea and the Middle East.
For example, before Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani’s visit to Syria, a phone call took place between Meloni and Erdoğan.
In the Middle East, although Rome and Ankara have differing stances on some issues, they appear to agree on working together toward a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Ultimately, Italy and Türkiye are progressing toward forming an alliance that safeguards their mutual interests while maintaining strategic autonomy in the Mediterranean and its surrounding regions.
