Erdogan arrived for talks in Rome in a bid to promote cooperation and economic deals including in energy and defence, according to an Italian government source.

"Today we signed a joint declaration that sets a new and truly ambitious target of reaching 40 billion euros ($45 billion) in trade in the medium term," Meloni said after the talks.

"The goal we're seeking with our Turkish partners is to reinforce European and Mediterranean industrial autonomy," she added.

Italy is Turkey's second-largest commercial partner in Europe, with bilateral trade worth $32.2 billion in 2024, according to Rome.

The two leaders also discussed the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East before a larger meeting with ministers from both sides, a Rome government source said.

"The aim is to strengthen the cooperation and strategic partnership between the two nations" and foster "economic and trade relations, which have grown significantly in recent years", the source said.

The summit comes as Russia's invasion of Ukraine has pushed the European Union, of which Italy is part, to seek deeper security ties with Turkey, a NATO member and a longtime candidate to join the 27-nation bloc.

With arms industry orders soaring in response to the conflict, Italian defence firm Leonardo and Turkish drone producer Baykar agreed in March to jointly develop unmanned aerial systems.

Migration, a key topic for Italy's far-right prime minister, was also high on the agenda, the source said.

Ankara has in recent years played a leading role in helping stem irregular arrivals to Europe, in return for billions of euros from Brussels.

The delegations also were to discuss cooperation in transport, infrastructure, space and sport, with Italy and Turkey due to jointly host the 2032 European football championships, the source said.

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