The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, is in Algeria today for high-level institutional meetings with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, and the Minister of Energy, Mines and Renewable Energies, Mohamed Arkab.
The mission will also provide Minister Tajani with the opportunity to reaffirm the growing importance of economic cooperation between Italy and Algeria and to further strengthen it through a meeting, co-chaired with Minister Arkab, with representatives of the two countries’ business communities. The meeting is organised in collaboration with Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and will be attended by representatives of the Sistema Italia and Confindustria.
“Algeria is a key partner in North Africa. Our strong relations are based on deep-rooted and historic ties of friendship. We are committed to further strengthening our cooperation with Algiers, not only in the energy sector but also in other strategic areas and in the fight against irregular migration,” stated Minister Tajani, adding that “we will continue to work together to ensure a future of peace and stability across the Mediterranean.”
The excellent ties between Rome and Algiers are demonstrated by the regular exchange of high-level political visits, including the State visit of President Sergio Mattarella in 2021 and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit in 2023, as well as subsequent visits by numerous government officials.
With regard to the energy sector, the Italy-Algeria partnership is recognised as a model for relations across the Mediterranean. The Eni-Sonatrach agreement signed in April 2022 enabled Italy to quickly secure its energy supply during a critical period. As of today, Algeria remains Italy’s largest supplier of natural gas, covering approximately 39% of total imports (2024 data). The mission will allow for further dialogue on energy cooperation—from the Southern Hydrogen Corridor (SoutH2Corridor) to other potential interconnections—as well as in physical and digital infrastructure, transport, space, and defence.
