Algeria has been Italy’s second biggest supplier in recent years, and now that sanctions against Moscow have sent energy prices soaring, the two countries have banded together to reduce the Bel Paese’s dependence on Russia.
Prime Minister Mario Draghi was received by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune ahead of a ministerial meeting, and the pair gave a joint press conference.
“In recent months, Algeria has become our country’s top gas supplier,” Draghi said.
“This agreement is an indicator of even more significant supplies to follow in the coming years.”
Draghi visited Algeria in April and brokered a deal that would increase Algerian gas exports through the Transmed pipeline by up to nine billion cubic metres per year in 2023 and 2024.
“Tomorrow, an important agreement between Occidental, Eni and Total to provide significant volumes of natural gas to Italy will be signed,” Tebboune stated.
This deal proposes to send an extra four billion cubic metres of gas to Italy in 2022.
Throughout the course of Draghi’s visit, both heads of state are expected to sign accords to bolster industrial, judicial and cultural cooperation.
This trip may well be Draghi’s last state visit, as on Wednesday, the prime minister will address the Italian parliament to see if a resolution between the coalition’s parties can be reached.
