Editing Silvio Berlusconi (section)

== Foreign policy ==
{{main|Policies of Silvio Berlusconi}}
[[File:George W. Bush welcomes Silvio Berlusconi.jpg|thumb|Berlusconi with US president [[George W. Bush]] at the [[White House]] in 2005]]
Berlusconi and his cabinets had a strong tendency to support American foreign policies,<ref>{{cite news|title=Istituzioni, Europa, Enti Locali: "Il G8 deve fermare gli speculatori"|url=http://www.regione.sardegna.it/documenti/1_53_20080707093017.pdf|work=[[Corriere della Sera]]|language=it|page=10|date=7 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928141542/http://www.regione.sardegna.it/documenti/1_53_20080707093017.pdf |archive-date=28 September 2011}}</ref> despite the policy divide between the US and many founding members of the [[European Union]], such as Germany, France, and Belgium during the [[George W. Bush administration]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Esportare la democrazia anche cambiando leggi internazionali|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2003/dicembre/06/Esportare_democrazia_anche_cambiando_leggi_co_0_031206147.shtml|work=[[Corriere della Sera]]|language=it|page=6|date=6 December 2003|quote=...Berlusconi, l' uomo che disse in passato di essere dalla parte degli Stati Uniti prima ancora di sapere da quale parte questi si schierano.... |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020060551/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2003/dicembre/06/Esportare_democrazia_anche_cambiando_leggi_co_0_031206147.shtml |archive-date=20 October 2013}}</ref> Under Berlusconi's lead, the Italian Government also shifted its traditional position on foreign policy from being the most pro-Arab Western government,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2011/1109/Italy-s-Berlusconi-agrees-to-resign.-Here-s-why|title=Italy's Berlusconi agrees to resign. Here's why.|last=Momigliano|first=Anna|date=November 2011|website=The Christian Science Monitor|access-date=19 September 2018|archive-date=5 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305103459/https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2011/1109/Italy-s-Berlusconi-agrees-to-resign.-Here-s-why|url-status=live}}</ref> towards a greater friendship with Israel and Turkey than in the past.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alessandri |first=Emiliano |title=Italian-Turkish Relations: Potential and Limits of a 'Strategic Partnership' |url=http://sam.gov.tr/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/emiliano_alessandri.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713050219/http://sam.gov.tr/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/emiliano_alessandri.pdf |archive-date=13 July 2020 |access-date=19 September 2018 |website=sam.gov.tr/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ambtelaviv.esteri.it/resource/2007/03/13162_f_amb61NI24luglio2003.pdf|title=Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi Warmly Received in Israel|date=July 2003|website=Ambasciata d'Italia Tel Aviv|access-date=19 September 2018|archive-date=20 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920045923/http://ambtelaviv.esteri.it/resource/2007/03/13162_f_amb61NI24luglio2003.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> This resulted in a rebalancing of relations between all the [[Mediterranean]] countries, to reach ''equal closeness'' with them. Berlusconi was one of the strongest supporters of [[Accession of Turkey to the European Union|Turkey's application to accede to the European Union]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.asca.it/news-G8__BONAIUTI__ITALIA_SEMPRE_DISPONIBILE_PER_INGRESSO_TURCHIA_IN_EUROPA-845176-ORA-.html|title=Italia sempre disponibile per ingresso Turchia in Europa|language=it|publisher=[[ASCA (news agency)|ASCA]]|date=10 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115111455/http://www.asca.it/news-G8__BONAIUTI__ITALIA_SEMPRE_DISPONIBILE_PER_INGRESSO_TURCHIA_IN_EUROPA-845176-ORA-.html |archive-date=15 November 2012}}</ref> To support Turkey's application Berlusconi invited Prime Minister [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] to take part in a meeting of the European leaders of Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, gathered in [[L'Aquila]] for the 2009 [[G8]] summit.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://rassegna.governo.it/testo.asp?d=38379982|title=Berlusconi invita Erdogan alla riunione degli Europei|language=it|work=[[Corriere della Sera]]|date=10 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110825162607/http://rassegna.governo.it/testo.asp?d=38379982 |archive-date=25 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sabah.com.tr/Dunya/2009/07/10/zirve_bahane_gosteris_sahane|title=Zirve bahane gösteriş şahane|language=tr|newspaper=[[Sabah (newspaper)|Sabah]]|date=10 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018005304/http://www.sabah.com.tr/Dunya/2009/07/10/zirve_bahane_gosteris_sahane |archive-date=18 October 2013}}</ref> Berlusconi described Saudi Arabia as an important force for stability in the region.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kingdom important force for stability in region: Berlusconi |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/330261 |work=Arab News |date=22 November 2009 |access-date=14 June 2023 |archive-date=15 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615064011/https://www.arabnews.com/node/330261 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Italy, with Berlusconi in office, became a solid ally of the United States due to his support for the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|war in Afghanistan]] and the [[Iraq War]]. On 30 January 2003, Berlusconi signed "[[The letter of the eight]]" supporting the US [[preparations for 2003 invasion of Iraq]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Full text of letter written by eight European leaders|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/full-text-of-letter-written-by-eight-european-leaders-1.459198|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=30 January 2003|access-date=5 August 2019|archive-date=28 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728162240/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/full-text-of-letter-written-by-eight-european-leaders-1.459198|url-status=live}}</ref> Italy had some 3,200 troops deployed in Southern Iraq, the third largest contingent there after the American and British forces.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Encyclopedia of Middle East Wars: The United States in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq Conflicts [5 volumes]: The United States in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq Conflicts|last=Tucker|first=Spencer C.|publisher=ABC-CLIO|year=2010|isbn=9781851099481|pages=609}}</ref> When [[Romano Prodi]] became Prime Minister, Italian troops were gradually withdrawn.

In 2023, he warned of the danger posed to Europe and the Western world by China, saying that, "China is the systemic competitor of the West in the 21st century. China is our real danger for the future."<ref>{{cite news |title=Berlusconi: "China is our real pitfall for the future" |url=https://www.agenzianova.com/en/news/Berlusconi-China-and-our-real-pitfall-for-the-future/ |work=Agenzia Nova |date=6 January 2023 |access-date=14 June 2023 |archive-date=15 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615065748/https://www.agenzianova.com/en/news/Berlusconi-China-and-our-real-pitfall-for-the-future/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Berlusconi gives most 'anti-China' speech ever |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/berlusconi-gives-most-anti-china-speech-ever/ |work=[[Euractiv]] |date=8 May 2023 |access-date=14 June 2023 |archive-date=14 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614103322/https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/berlusconi-gives-most-anti-china-speech-ever/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Relations with Russia ===
{{further|2009 Russia–Ukraine gas dispute|Ukraine–European Union relations}}
[[File:Vladimir Putin, Silvio Berlusconi and Javier Solana.jpg|thumb|Berlusconi, Russian president [[Vladimir Putin]] and EU foreign policy chief [[Javier Solana]] at the EU-Russia summit in Rome, 2003]]
[[File:Dmitry Medvedev in Italy 23 July 2010-6.jpeg|thumb|Berlusconi with Russian president [[Dmitry Medvedev]] in Italy, 2010]]
In November 2007, Italy's state-owned energy company [[Eni]] signed an agreement with Russian state-owned [[Gazprom]] to build the [[South Stream]] pipeline.<ref name="hexagon"/> Investigating Italian parliament members discovered that [[Central Energy Italian Gas Holding]] (CEIGH), a part of the [[Centrex Group]], was to play a major role in the lucrative agreement. [[Bruno Mentasti-Granelli]], a close friend of Berlusconi, owned 33 per cent of CEIGH. The Italian parliament blocked the contract and accused Berlusconi of having a personal interest in the Eni-Gazprom agreement.<ref name="hexagon">{{cite news|url=http://www.jamestown.org/single/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=34194|title=Berlusconi, Centrex, Hexagon 1 and 2 and Gazprom|newspaper=Jamestown|publisher=[[The Jamestown Foundation]]|date=1 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022104203/http://www.jamestown.org/single/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=34194 |archive-date=22 October 2013}}</ref><ref name="Ref_h">{{cite web|url=http://www.kommersant.com/page.asp?id=636565|title=The Putin and Pals Project |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107045000/http://www.kommersant.com/page.asp?id=636565 |archive-date=7 November 2013}}. Kommersant. 24 December 2005.</ref>

Berlusconi was among the most vocal supporters of closer ties between Russia and the [[European Union]]. In an article published in Italian media on 26 May 2002, he said that the next step in Russia's growing integration with the West should be [[Member State of the European Union|EU membership]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_28-5-2002_pg4_1|title=EU membership next step for Russia after NATO|newspaper=[[Daily Times (Pakistan)|Daily Times]]|date=28 May 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020110005/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_28-5-2002_pg4_1 |archive-date=20 October 2013}}</ref> Berlusconi had a warm relationship with [[Vladimir Putin]].<ref name="Ref_2008c">{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,583212,00.html|title=The Silvio Show: Berlusconi's Extended Honeymoon|work=Der Spiegel|date=10 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110916025803/http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0%2C1518%2C583212%2C00.html |archive-date=16 September 2011 |url-status=dead|last1=Smoltczyk|first1=Alexander}}</ref> The two leaders often described their relationship as a close friendship, continuing to organise bilateral meetings even after Berlusconi's [[Resignation of Silvio Berlusconi|resignation]] in November 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/old-friends-putin-and-berlusconi-enjoy-reunion-in-milan-9802327.html|title=Putin pays late-night visit to 'old friend' Berlusconi|date=17 October 2014|website=The Independent|access-date=16 March 2019|archive-date=28 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428144419/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/old-friends-putin-and-berlusconi-enjoy-reunion-in-milan-9802327.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2015, Berlusconi visited [[Crimea]], which had been [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|illegally annexed by the Russian Federation]] one year prior: after landing in [[Yalta]], he met with Putin in [[Sevastopol]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 September 2015 |title=Berlusconi Visits Russia-Annexed Crimea |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-berlusconi-visits-crimea/27241187.html |work=[[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty]]}}</ref> Because of this, he was declared ''[[persona non grata]]'' by the Ukrainian government for three years.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 September 2015 |title=Ucraina dichiara Berlusconi persona non grata per visita in Crimea |url=https://www.rainews.it/dl/rainews/articoli/Ucraina-Ue-Russia-Putin-Berlusconi-b4598cae-a385-4622-b30c-f2eb3ee9ac09.html |website=[[Rai News]] |language=italian}}</ref>

Berlusconi condemned the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]], saying he was deeply disappointed by the behaviour of Russian president Putin.<ref>{{cite news|title=Friends no more: Berlusconi denounces Putin over Ukraine war|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/berlusconi-putin-ukraine-war-russia-italy-b2055724.html|work=The Independent|date=12 April 2022|access-date=1 May 2022|archive-date=17 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230617080636/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/berlusconi-putin-ukraine-war-russia-italy-b2055724.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On the eve of the [[2022 Italian general election]], he said that "the troops were supposed to enter, reach Kyiv in a week, replace the Zelensky government with decent people and a week later come back".<ref>{{Cite news|date=23 September 2022|title=Silvio Berlusconi: Ex-PM defends Russian war on eve of Italian election|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63005402|access-date=25 September 2022|archive-date=15 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615121904/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63005402|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2022, Berlusconi made another statement at a Forza Italia convention in Venetia defending Putin: the statement was described by Italian media as confused and containing several factual errors, such as stating that Putin had been pressured to invade Ukraine "by his colleagues in the [[Communist Party of the Soviet Union|Communist Party]]".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pietrobelli |first=Giuseppe |date=2 September 2022 |title=Per Berlusconi Putin ha fatto la guerra in Ucraina "per le pressioni del partito comunista" |url=https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2022/09/02/lultima-di-berlusconi-putin-ha-fatto-la-guerra-in-ucraina-per-le-pressioni-del-partito-comunista-e-scambia-zelensky-con-eltsin/6789119/ |website=[[Il Fatto Quotidiano]] |language=it-IT}}</ref> In October 2022, leaked audio recordings revealed Berlusconi expressing dismay at Italy's [[List of military aid to Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian War|military support for Ukraine]], and blaming [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]] for the Russian invasion of Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web|last=Migliaccio|first=Alessandra|title=Italy's Berlusconi blames Zelensky for 'forcing Putin into endless war'|website=BusinessLIVE|date=19 October 2022|url=https://www.businesslive.co.za/bloomberg/news/2022-10-19-italys-berlusconi-blames-zelensky-for-forcing-putin-into-endless-war/|access-date=19 October 2022|archive-date=17 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230617080605/https://www.businesslive.co.za/bloomberg/news/2022-10-19-italys-berlusconi-blames-zelensky-for-forcing-putin-into-endless-war/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=18 October 2022|title=Silvio Berlusconi says he exchanged gifts and 'sweet letters' with Vladimir Putin|work=Financial Times|location=London|url=https://www.ft.com/content/b245c109-7ea5-4daa-897d-c4cd891e36e7 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/b245c109-7ea5-4daa-897d-c4cd891e36e7 |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=19 October 2022}}</ref>

=== Relations with Israel ===
Under Berlusconi, Italy was an ally of Israel.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Glickman|first=Aviad|date=1 February 2010|title=Netanyahu to Berlusconi: Israel lucky to have you as a friend|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3842871,00.html|access-date=7 January 2024|work=Ynetnews}}</ref> Berlusconi was noted for his close and friendly relationship with Israeli prime minister Netanyahu.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Netanyahu Has Joined His Buddy Berlusconi in an Alliance of Rejects|url=https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/2011-06-14/ty-article/netanyahu-has-joined-his-buddy-berlusconi-in-an-alliance-of-rejects/0000017f-dbbc-db22-a17f-ffbdc26c0000|access-date=7 January 2024|work=Haaretz}}</ref> Netanyahu described Berlusconi as "one of the greatest friends".<ref name="telegraph.co.uk">{{Cite web|date=2 February 2010|title=Berlusconi says Israel should be an EU member|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/7133042/Berlusconi-says-Israel-should-be-an-EU-member.html|access-date=7 January 2024|website=The Telegraph}}</ref> Berlusconi believed that Israel should be made an EU member.<ref name="telegraph.co.uk"/> Berlusconi strongly defended Israel in the [[Israeli–Palestinian conflict]], continuing his support for Israel after leaving office.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.617192|title=Berlusconi: West should support Israel, not Palestinians|work=Haaretz|date=22 September 2014|access-date=4 July 2015|archive-date=23 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423225424/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.617192|url-status=live}}</ref> He defended Israel's actions during the [[Gaza–Israel conflict]] and called for "effective" [[sanctions against Iran]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Berlusconi reaffirms strong support for Israel |url=https://www.dw.com/en/berlusconi-reaffirms-strong-support-for-israel/a-5210820 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |date=3 February 2010 |access-date=14 June 2023 |archive-date=14 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614103024/https://www.dw.com/en/berlusconi-reaffirms-strong-support-for-israel/a-5210820 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Berlusconi: West Should Support Israel, Not Palestinians |url=https://www.haaretz.com/2014-09-22/ty-article/berlusconi-gives-a-pro-israel-lecture/0000017f-db41-d856-a37f-ffc1babb0000 |work=Haaretz |date=22 September 2014 |access-date=14 June 2023 |archive-date=17 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230617081438/https://www.haaretz.com/2014-09-22/ty-article/berlusconi-gives-a-pro-israel-lecture/0000017f-db41-d856-a37f-ffc1babb0000 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, he said that the construction of [[Israeli settlement]]s in the [[Israeli occupation of the West Bank|occupied West Bank]] was a "mistake" and "could be an obstacle to peace".<ref>{{cite news |title=Berlusconi: Israeli Settlements 'Obstacle to Peace' |url=https://www.palestinechronicle.com/berlusconi-israeli-settlements-obstacle-to-peace/ |work=The Palestine Chronicle |date=1 February 2010 |access-date=14 June 2023 |archive-date=14 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614103024/https://www.palestinechronicle.com/berlusconi-israeli-settlements-obstacle-to-peace/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

While Berlusconi was in office, Israel and Italy negotiated a $1&nbsp;billion deal whereby Israel builds [[reconnaissance satellites]] for Italy, while Israel purchases the [[M-346]] training plane for its air-force.<ref>[http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-1000725663 Israel to buy Italy's M-346 jet trainer for $1b] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215045214/http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-1000725663 |date=15 February 2015 }} 16 February 2012, 16:45
Yuval Azulai</ref>

=== Relations with Belarus ===
Berlusconi visited [[Alexander Lukashenko]] in Belarus in 2009. Berlusconi became the first Western leader to visit Lukashenko since Lukashenko came to power in 1994. At a press conference, Berlusconi paid compliments to Lukashenko and said, "Good luck to you and your people, whom I know love you."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/belarus-italy.1pq|title=Italy's Berlusconi visit ends Belarus isolation|publisher=EUbusiness |access-date=22 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402042242/http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/belarus-italy.1pq |archive-date=2 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Disputed Belarus Vote Shows 'Love' for Leader, Berlusconi Says|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|date=30 November 2009|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aeTaYgPv3vAE |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105065522/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aeTaYgPv3vAE |archive-date=5 November 2013}}</ref>

=== Cooperation with the Western Balkans ===
[[File:Berlusconi foreign trips.png|thumb|Map of international trips made by Berlusconi as Prime Minister]]
On 5 April 2009, at the EU-US summit in [[Prague]] Berlusconi proposed an eight-point road map to accelerate the Euro-Atlantic integration of the [[western Balkans]]. During that summit the Italian Foreign Minister [[Franco Frattini]] urged his European colleagues to send "visible and concrete" signs to the countries concerned (Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia, Montenegro, Croatia, Macedonia, and Albania).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ilgiornale.it/esteri/frattini_piano_otto_punti_balcani/05-04-2009/articolo-id=341698-page=0-comments=1|title=Frattini: piano in otto punti per i Balcani|language=it|work=[[il Giornale]]|date=5 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224203945/http://www.ilgiornale.it/esteri/frattini_piano_otto_punti_balcani/05-04-2009/articolo-id%3D341698-page%3D0-comments%3D1 |archive-date=24 February 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Relations with Libya ===
On 30 August 2008, the Libyan leader [[Muammar Gaddafi]] and Berlusconi signed a historic cooperation [[treaty]] in [[Benghazi]].<ref name="treaty">{{cite web|url=http://www.senato.it/parlam/leggi/09007l.htm|title=Ratifica ed esecuzione del Trattato di amicizia, partenariato e cooperazione tra la Repubblica italiana e la Grande Giamahiria araba libica popolare socialista, fatto a Bengasi il 30 agosto 2008|language=it|publisher=[[Italian Parliament]] press release|date=6 February 2009 |access-date=10 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618082911/http://www.senato.it/parlam/leggi/09007l.htm |archive-date=18 June 2009}}</ref><ref name="ansa">{{cite news|url=http://www.ansa.it/site/notizie/awnplus/english/news/2009-06-09_109379246.html|publisher=[[Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata|ANSA]]|title=Gaddafi to Rome for historic visit|date=10 June 2009 |access-date=10 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090616155752/http://www.ansa.it/site/notizie/awnplus/english/news/2009-06-09_109379246.html |archive-date=16 June 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tripolipost.com/articledetail.asp?c=1&i=2335|title=Berlusconi in Benghazi, Unwelcome by Son of Omar Al-Mukhtar|work=[[The Tripoli Post]]|date=30 August 2008 |access-date=10 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202225659/http://www.tripolipost.com/articledetail.asp?c=1&i=2335 |archive-date=2 December 2013}}</ref> Under its terms, Italy would pay $5&nbsp;billion to Libya as compensation for its former [[Italian Libya|military occupation]]. In exchange, Libya would take measures to combat [[illegal immigration]] coming from its shores and boost investment in Italian companies.<ref name=ansa/><ref name="rep">{{cite news|newspaper=[[La Repubblica]]|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2008/05/sezioni/esteri/libia-italia/accordo-firmato/accordo-firmato.html|title=Italia-Libia, firmato l'accordo|language=it|date=30 August 2008 |access-date=10 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203000538/http://www.repubblica.it/2008/05/sezioni/esteri/libia-italia/accordo-firmato/accordo-firmato.html |archive-date=3 December 2013}}</ref> The treaty was ratified by the Italian government on 6 February 2009,<ref name=treaty/> and by Libya on 2 March, during a visit to [[Tripoli, Libya|Tripoli]] by Berlusconi.<ref name=ansa/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.alarabonline.org/english/display.asp?fname=2009%5C03%5C03-02%5Czbusinessz%5C988.htm&dismode=x&ts=02/03/2009%2004:42:49%20ã |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618080801/http://www.alarabonline.org/english/display.asp?fname=2009%5C03%5C03-02%5Czbusinessz%5C988.htm&dismode=x&ts=02%2F03%2F2009%2004%3A42%3A49%20%C3%A3 |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 June 2009|title=Libya agrees pact with Italy to boost investment|date=2 March 2009 |access-date=10 June 2009|publisher=[[Al-Arab]]}}</ref> Berlusconi apologised for [[Italian war crimes#Pacification of Libya|Italy's actions]] during the [[Italian colonisation of Libya]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Italy apologises to Libya for colonial era damage |url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/italy-apologises-to-libya-for-colonial-era-damage-20080831-466b.html |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=31 August 2008 |access-date=14 June 2023 |archive-date=14 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614103022/https://www.smh.com.au/world/italy-apologises-to-libya-for-colonial-era-damage-20080831-466b.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In June Gaddafi made his first visit to Rome, where he met Berlusconi, President of the Italian Republic [[Giorgio Napolitano]] and [[Italian Senate|Senate's Speaker]] [[Renato Schifani]].<ref name=ansa/>

[[File:G8 summit in L'Aquila, family photo.jpg|thumb|Berlusconi (left) and Gaddafi (right) attending the [[35th G8 summit|G-8 Summit]] in [[L'Aquila]] in 2009]]

When Gaddafi faced a [[2011 Libyan civil war|civil war]] in 2011, Italy imposed a freeze on some Libyan assets linked to him and his family, pursuant to a United Nations-sponsored regime<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-08/italy-sanctions-on-qaddafi-stop-short-of-curtailing-libya-controlled-bank.html|title=Italian Sanctions Against Qaddafi Stop Short of Libyan-Owned Banca UBAE|last=Martinuzzi|first=Elisa|author2=Totaro, Lorenzo|date=8 March 2011|work=[[Bloomberg LP]]|access-date=11 March 2011|archive-date=5 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305103454/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-08/italy-sanctions-on-qaddafi-stop-short-of-curtailing-libya-controlled-bank.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and then [[2011 military intervention in Libya|bombed the country]] with the violation of Libya of the [[No-Fly Zone]]. However, Berlusconi spoke out against [[NATO]]-led [[Timeline of the 2011 military intervention in Libya|military intervention into Libya]].<ref>[http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/print_news.php?nid=201981 Gaddafi was loved by his people] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622083455/http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/print_news.php?nid=201981 |date=22 June 2012 }}. ''The Daily Star''.net (11 September 2011). Retrieved 16 August 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/i-was-against-libya-intervention-berlusconi-1.1095328 I was against Libya intervention: Berlusconi – Africa | IOL News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701023736/http://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/i-was-against-libya-intervention-berlusconi-1.1095328 |date=1 July 2012 }}. IOL.co.za (7 July 2011). Retrieved 16 August 2013.</ref>