Italy celebrates its Republic Day today, a moment to reflect on the core values of freedom, individual rights, and labor that form the foundation of its Constitution. This day also serves to honor the partnerships that allow Italy to promote these values globally. Among these partnerships, the one between Italy and the UAE stands out as vibrant and forward-looking.

This year’s celebration holds special significance as it follows the historic state visit by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed, marking a new era of strategic cooperation between the two nations. The visit, described as historic, symbolizes the strengthening of ties that have long been established through centuries of trade and cultural exchange along the spice route.

Italy and the UAE have a rich history of collaboration, with mutual trust allowing for the exchange of goods, ideas, and talent. Despite past challenges, this trust has persisted, as demonstrated by the recent exhibition “From Sharjah to Rome via the Spice Route” at the Roman Forum, which showcased the enduring influence of their exchanges.

The partnership is not just historical but also visionary, encapsulated by this year’s Republic Day motto: “Forging the Future Together.” In recent months, this vision has transformed into tangible results, with trade between Italy and the UAE reaching record highs. Notably, Italian exports to the UAE now surpass those to Egypt, Morocco, and Libya combined, and exceed exports to India, despite India’s significantly larger population.

Currently, over 600 Italian companies operate in the UAE, with Italian investments in the country increasing by more than 50% in the last five years. Italy has also become the first nation to request the European Commission to negotiate a free trade agreement with the UAE, with discussions now underway. Additionally, both countries are collaborating on the new India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor, which aims to enhance connectivity and foster economic growth.

The UAE’s commitment to invest up to €40 billion (Dh167 billion) in Italy underscores a profound level of trust and shared priorities. These investments are directed towards sectors such as artificial intelligence, energy transition, digital infrastructure, and space exploration. Recent initiatives include the development of a next-generation data center in Italy featuring advanced carbon capture technology and cooperation on projects using Europe’s largest supercomputer cluster.

The relationship between Italy and the UAE is built not only on strategic interests but also on personal connections, as over 20,000 Italians live and work in the UAE. These individuals have integrated into a diverse society of more than 200 nationalities, contributing expertise and innovation. Among them are 160 Italian researchers and academics who engage in cutting-edge projects within UAE institutions.

Italy and the UAE also share a commitment to humanitarian efforts globally. They collaborate on initiatives in Africa aimed at fostering prosperity and addressing the needs of those affected by crises. In particular, Italy has provided significant humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire, the resumption of humanitarian aid, and adherence to international humanitarian law.

The partnership is further inspired by the words of peace from Pope Leo XIV and the Document on Human Fraternity, signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019, which guides their commitment to interfaith dialogue. The message of this Republic Day is clear: the long-standing history between Italy and the UAE is founded on mutual trust, but their true strength lies in their forward-looking partnership.

By building on their shared vision and trust, Italy and the UAE can indeed “Forge the Future Together.”