Today, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Luigi Di Maio, received the Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra, at the Foreign Ministry, in Rome, in the framework of the ministerial conference “Meetings with Africa”. The talks focused on the bilateral strategic partnership between the two countries and regional issues.
At the bilateral level, Minister Di Maio, referring to Italian President Mattarella’s forthcoming state visit to Algeria, stressed Italy’s commitment to further consolidating political, economic and cultural relations, in light of the deep historical ties and the many dossiers of common interest. In particular, the Minister Di Maio called for further strengthening of economic cooperation, to protect the Italian companies already operating in Algeria and with a view to expanding the partnership, also in innovative sectors.
On Libya, Minister Di Maio highlighted Algeria’s role as a key partner, confirming Italy’s full support for the political transition process and the achievement of its two priority objectives, namely, the holding of parliamentary and presidential elections on 24 December and the withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign fighters from the country. Minister Di Maio confirmed to his Algerian counterpart Italy’s commitment to fostering an understanding between the Libyan actors regarding a constructive and inclusive constitutional and legal framework for the elections.
Finally, the two ministers exchanged views on the Sahel and other regional issues, with Italy calling for durable cooperation between the countries in the region, as a key factor for ensuring the stability of the area and forestalling security threats.
