(MENAFN) Italian oil and gas group Eni announced its collaboration with Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC) on energy transition projects, as the new Italian government aims to rebuild its relationship with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Following a meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that the two nations were now re-establishing reciprocal trust, which could lead to areas of cooperation ranging from energy to defense.

Eni, a state-controlled company, revealed that it would join forces with ADNOC to explore opportunities in renewable energy, blue and green hydrogen, and carbon dioxide capture and storage. The two firms will also collaborate to reduce greenhouse gas and methane emissions, as well as routine gas flaring.

The move follows Italy's decision in 2021 to suspend the sale of thousands of missiles to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, citing Rome's commitment to restoring peace in Yemen. As a result, the UAE requested Italy to vacate a military base in the Gulf. With Eni's partnership with ADNOC, Italy aims to strengthen its economic ties with the UAE.

Italy and the UAE signed a declaration of intent on Saturday, agreeing to work together to tackle global warming. UAE climate envoy and designated president of the COP28 climate summit, Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber, who had pledged to lay out an inclusive and innovative roadmap to address climate change, signed the declaration. The collaboration between Eni and ADNOC will enable the two countries to work together towards a common goal of promoting sustainable energy and reducing carbon emissions.

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