«Our governments have signed a declaration of intent on bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. Added to this is the agreement between Eni and Sonatrach to increase gas exports to Italy ». This was announced by the Prime Minister Mario Draghi in Algiers after the signing of the energy agreement with the Algerian president Abdelmadjid Tebboune. This was precisely the mission’s objective: to increase gas supplies from the African country (which already accounts for 31% of our imports) and reduce dependence on Russia. Foreign ministers accompany the premier Luigi Di Maio and the ecological transition Roberto Cingolani in a delegation that also includes the CEO of Eni, Claudio Descalzi. The trip to Algiers is the first of a series on the agenda of the premier in the coming weeks, to accelerate the diversification of supply sources as much as possible: after Easter it could be the turn of the Congo, followed by Angola and Mozambique.
Draghi: today a significant response to Russian gas addiction
«Italy – said Draghi – is ready to work with Algeria to develop renewable energy and green hydrogen. We want to accelerate the energy transition and create development and employment opportunities ». The premier underlined: «Immediately after the invasion of Ukraine, I announced that Italy would move quickly to reduce dependence on Russian gas. Today’s agreements are a significant response to this strategic objective, others will follow ». «The Government – added Draghi – wants to defend citizens and businesses from the consequences of the conflict. I want to thank the ministers Di Maio and Cingolani and Eni for their commitment on this front ».
Di Maio: more gas from Algeria, we protect families and businesses
«Today in Algeria I signed an agreement with my counterpart Lamamra that will allow us to increase cooperation between our countries and gas supplies for Italy. We continue to work tirelessly for the energy security of our country ”, primarily for families and businesses. Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio writes on Twitter.
Eni: agreement with Sonatrach up to 9 billion cubic meters of gas
The agreement between the president of Sonatrach, Toufik Hakkar, and the CEO of Eni, Claudio Descalzi signed in Algiers, reads a note from the Italian company, “will use the available transport capacities of the pipeline (Transmed, ed) to ensure greater flexibility of energy supplies, gradually supplying increasing volumes of gas starting from 2022, up to 9 billion cubic meters of gas per year in 2023-24 ».
Intergovernmental summit in Algiers on 18 and 19 July
Draghi’s visit to Algiers is part of a process of relaunching relations between the two countries launched after 2019, which saw the visit of Sergio Mattarella last November. The meeting with Tebounne was also an opportunity to talk about the intergovernmental summit planned in Algiers – announced – the premier on 18 and 19 July after the last in Rome of the