Italy Aims to Boost Role in Central Asia

Italy is seeking to strengthen its diplomatic footprint in Central Asia while working to reduce dependence on China, Orda.kz reports.

Italian media are actively covering Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s upcoming visit to the region, underlining the strategic significance of the trip. Following her recent visit to Washington — which drew criticism in the Italian parliament — Meloni is set to travel to Samarqand and Astana.

According to Il Messaggero, the visit is a key diplomatic effort to enhance Italy’s economic and political influence in the region.

As geopolitical tensions intensify and the European Union pushes to lessen its reliance on Russian and Chinese resources, Italy views Central Asia as a pivotal region. Rome is especially interested in rare earth metals, following the discovery of significant reserves in Kazakhstan, including cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, and yttrium — materials essential for defense, digital technology, and green energy industries.

The EU has committed €12 billion to develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which links Europe and Asia through the Caucasus and Caspian Sea, bypassing Russia.

Meloni reportedly intends to use this initiative to position Italy as a key mediator between Europe and Central Asia.

Italian outlets also note domestic political implications. Opposition lawmakers have criticized Meloni’s foreign policy alignment with U.S. interests. Some see her Central Asia tour as a move to balance Italy’s relations with both Washington and Brussels.

Giorgia Meloni is scheduled to visit Astana on April 26–27 at the invitation of President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev. The capital will host the inaugural Central Asia–Italy summit, where the two sides are expected to discuss strategic partnership development.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov