Med-Gulf Summit: a dialogue on regional crises, security, and cooperation between the Gulf and the Mediterranean

Yesterday, Wednesday 24 June, our Institute hosted the Med-Gulf Summit, organized with the support of Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo-Fondazione CSF. The initiative brought together advisers, negotiators and experts from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar and Türkiye, along with representatives of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the European Union, and UNHCR.

The closed-door meeting offered a space for discussion on the main crises affecting the Middle East and on the prospects for ongoing negotiations, at a time marked by fragile balances and growing uncertainty. The discussion also focused on possible avenues for mediation and on the growing role of the Gulf States, whose diplomatic, economic and strategic capacity can contribute to shaping new regional arrangements, in dialogue with Mediterranean partners.

In the afternoon, the summit was also expanded to include some IAI member and partner companies active in strategic sectors such as finance, energy and defence, in order to address the issue of economic development and regional infrastructure. The Summit paid particular attention to the interconnection between security, economic growth and connectivity. The crises involving Gaza, Lebanon, Iran and the Strait of Hormuz have effects that extend beyond the region’s borders, affecting trade routes, energy security, investment and migration flows.

During the proceedings, participants emphasized the need to strengthen coordination mechanisms capable of linking diplomatic initiatives, infrastructure projects and development strategies.

The Med-Gulf Summit forms part of IAI’s commitment to fostering dialogue among institutional, diplomatic, economic and knowledge-society actors, contributing to the development of a regional perspective grounded in security, peace and shared prosperity.

What is the Med-Gulf Summit? 

• Personal Connections. The Summit convenes a selected number of lead negotiators who are knowledgeable, closely connected to decision-making processes, and committed to advancing peace. The Summit strengthens long-standing relationships and fosters new ones, creating a trusted network that can be activated during both periods of stability and moments of crisis.
• Flexible Multilateralism. The Summit provides a flexible platform to respond collectively to regional challenges and geopolitical competition. By bringing together actors from different institutional frameworks—including the European Union, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Arab League—it strengthens bilateral relationships while encouraging innovative forms of multilateral cooperation. 
• Emerging Geographies. The Summit consolidates a network of lead negotiators across the Med-Gulf, an emerging region stretching from the Gulf to the Mediterranean whose countries increasingly face shared policy challenges and whose economies are becoming more interconnected.