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RIYADH: Hanan Al-Ahmadi, the assistant speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council, welcomed to the council’s headquarters in Riyadh on Tuesday a delegation from the Italian parliament led by MP Elena Morelli, chairperson of the Italian-Saudi Parliamentary Friendship Committee, and Senator Marco Pellegrini.

Al-Ahmadi emphasized the depth of bilateral relations between the countries and stressed the importance of working to enhance the relationship between the Shoura Council and the Italian parliament in a way that will strengthen ties in the fields of politics, economics, commerce, culture and tourism, among others.

She also highlighted the recent cultural and social changes in the Kingdom resulting from the country’s Vision 2030 development and diversification program, along with Saudi initiatives to promote tolerance, moderation and dialogue, and support international efforts to promote peace and stability and combat terrorism.

Morelli congratulated ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ on the country’s remarkable success during its presidency of the G20 in 2020, despite the challenging circumstances during the early days of the pandemic, and the efforts the Kingdom made during its handover of the presidency to Italy at the beginning of last year.

She also welcomed the empowerment of Saudi women, noting that they are increasingly assuming leadership positions in the country and representing the Kingdom at international forums.

Pellegrini pointed out that current Italian-Saudi ties are built on a deep historical relationship based on mutual respect and cooperation, and stressed the importance of strengthening economic ties and enhancing trade between the countries. He also praised the Kingdom for its environmental initiatives and efforts to promote sustainability.

Also present at the meeting were Saad Al-Sabti, a member of the Shoura Council and vice-chairperson of the Saudi-Italian Parliamentary Friendship Committee, and Roberto Cantone, the Italian ambassador to ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ.