Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the level of bilateral relations between Algeria and Italy, emphasizing that they have become stronger and serve as a model to be followed. In a joint media statement following her meeting on Wednesday with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Meloni stated that her first visit was her first bilateral mission to a North African country, illustrating the importance Italy places on its relations with Algeria, which represents a partner of great strategic importance for Italy.
Meloni affirmed that the friendship between the two countries remains among the strongest and most exceptional, particularly in an international context characterized by increasing instability and declining certainties. She noted that Italy and Algeria have supported each other many times and have always been present for one another at various moments.
She added that during the years of joint work with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, there has been a commitment to making this friendship stronger, expressing her belief that relations between the two countries have never been as solid or as effective as they are now. She further emphasized the conviction that cooperation between Italy and Algeria is increasingly becoming a model to follow.
Regarding areas of cooperation, Meloni revealed that they are numerous and diverse, led by the energy sector. As President Abdelmadjid Tebboune mentioned, the two sides decided to strengthen their solid cooperation, which includes the leading national companies, Eni and Sonatrach. This involves working on new horizons such as offshore exploration, which will allow for the enhancement of gas supply flows from Algeria to Italy in the medium and long term.
She also pointed out that cooperation is not limited to this aspect but includes other areas that have been under development for some time, including the development of renewable energies and the implementation of strategic infrastructure. These projects increase the capacity to connect the two shores of the Mediterranean by enhancing interconnection and, consequently, energy security.
The Italian Prime Minister noted that this work continues within a broader vision, supported by the “Transmed” gas pipeline, known as the “Mattei” line, which connects Italy to Algeria. During her statement, Meloni revealed that she and President Tebboune evaluated various launched projects and discussed the progress of a public-private initiative aimed at reclaiming more than 36,000 hectares of desert land for the production of grains and legumes.
Meloni explained that the project is moving at an accelerated pace, with the sowing campaign in 2026 expected to increase from 7,000 to 13,000 hectares of desert land brought into production. She also touched upon ongoing projects to establish a vocational training center in the agricultural field dedicated to the memory of Enrico Mattei.
