Minister Gentiloni meets with Algerian Minister of Maghreb Affairs, Messahel ​at the Farnesina

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paolo Gentiloni, received the Algerian Minister of Maghreb Affairs, African Union and Arab League, Abdelkader Messahel, at the Farnesina.The talks focused on the situation in Libya, an issue on which the two countries work together very closely. Minister Gentiloni reaffirmed Italy’s firm commitment to help consolidate Libyan institutions, especially with regard to the effort aimed at strengthening security in the country.”Italy believes Algeria’s support to be crucial in order to help Libyan authorities have an inclusive approach and to maintain the consensus achieved on the most important aspects of the political process,” Mr Gentiloni said.Mr Gentiloni and Mr Messahel also discussed the situation in Tunisia, whose stability is a priority for both countries. Additionally, they spoke about the situation in Mali and the Sahel. In this respect, Minister Gentiloni stressed the role Algiers plays as an “indispensable interlocutor at the regional level and a major partner in the face of global challenges.” Bilateral themes were also discussed during the meeting, with special attention to an economic-commercial cooperation and to the growth of Italian businesses in Algeria. Tomorrow, Minister Abdelkader Messahel will co-chair together with Undersecretary of State Amendola the second meeting of the Strategic Dialogue on Political and Security Questions between Italy and Algeria