ISLAMABAD / ROME: Monitoring Desk -Algeria and Italy signed 14 agreements and memoranda of understanding on Wednesday across several strategic sectors, including security and defense.
The signing ceremony took place at Villa Doria Pamphilj Palace in Rome, in the presence of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, according to Algerian state television.
The 14 agreements span the fields of agriculture, defense, energy, counterterrorism, culture, telecommunications, film production, scientific cooperation, the rights of persons with disabilities, and coordination in maritime rescue operations.
Among the signed deals is a MoU to establish the “Enrico Mattei Center” for training, research, and innovation in agriculture in Algeria, along with another agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, and food processing.
In the security sector, the two sides signed an agreement to boost cooperation in combating terrorism and cutting off its funding sources through the exchange of expertise and information.
In the cultural domain, a joint film production agreement was signed to support cultural output.
The two countries also inked an executive program for scientific and technical cooperation in heritage protection and an operational plan for coordinating maritime search and rescue operations within each side’s regional area of responsibility.
In the field of investment, a MoU was signed between the Algerian Agency for Investment Promotion and Italy’s state-owned development agency “Invitalia” to strengthen cooperation in attracting investments and supporting economic partnerships.
The meeting also witnessed the signing of an agreement between Algeria’s state-owned oil company Sonatrach and Italy’s energy group Eni to deepen their partnership in the energy sector.
Tebboune arrived in Rome on Tuesday for a three-day official visit. On Wednesday, he held bilateral talks with his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Meloni.
Earlier the same day, an Algerian-Italian business forum opened in Rome, bringing together more than 500 participants, including business leaders, company executives, and experts.
President Tebboune Showcases Algeria’s Economic Progress in Rome @ Algeria Italy Business Forum
Tebboune: ‘My Visit to Italy Marks a New Milestone in Our Exemplary Relations’
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune stated on Wednesday in Rome that his visit to the Italian Republic signifies a new milestone in the exemplary relations between the two friendly nations and represents a crucial step toward strengthening and expanding their partnership.
In a joint statement to the press alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, President Tebboune emphasized that his official visit to Italy constitutes “a new milestone in the edifice of exemplary relations between Algeria and Italy” and marks “an important phase of ongoing efforts and coordination aimed at reinforcing and broadening the partnership between our two friendly nations.”
Regarding the fifth session of the high-level Algerian-Italian intergovernmental summit, the President noted its objective is to “materialize practical steps reflecting a deep political will to enhance our historical ties and build further bridges of cooperation in promising sectors such as water resources, sustainable agriculture, industry, transportation, and cultural and scientific diversity.”
He also highlighted that this session serves to “confirm the reliable relationship with Italy, a friendly country, in the fields of energy and renewable energies.”
Moreover, he urged the international community to “assume its political and moral responsibility to end the genocide and ongoing violations against the Palestinian people.” He expressed concern over the overall situation in the Middle East, which he believes urgently requires efforts to prevent escalation and instability in the region.
The discussions also facilitated an exchange of views on the situation in the Sahel, focusing on mechanisms to strengthen collective efforts aimed at ensuring security and development, as well as combating terrorism in this vital region, the President revealed.
Algeria Italy $15 Billion Business Exchange Take the Two Countries into a New Phase of Partnership
Concerning the Western Sahara issue, the President reaffirmed, “We have reiterated our unified support for the Personal Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General in seeking a just political solution in accordance with international legality, enabling the Sahrawi people to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination.”
Additionally, the President expressed confidence that the outcomes of this summit, including the signed sectoral agreements and the conclusions from the Algerian-Italian Business Forum, “open broad prospects for a strategic and exemplary partnership between Algeria and Italy, reflecting the depth of our historical relations and the strong bonds of friendship between our two countries.”
Relations Between Algeria and Italy Continue to Strengthen, Says Meloni
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated on Wednesday in Rome that Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune possesses “great competence,” asserting that the relationship between Algeria and Italy is “constantly strengthening.”
In a joint press statement alongside President Tebboune during his official visit to Italy, Meloni emphasized that the President of Algeria enjoys “considerable expertise” and highlighted that “the ties between Algeria and Italy continue to grow stronger.”
Reflecting on the historical connections between the two countries, Meloni remarked, “Just as Italy has stood by Algeria during difficult times, Algeria has always supported Italy.”
She also referenced the “Enrico Mattei” project, which she noted is “bringing the two countries closer than ever.”
Regarding bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, the Italian Prime Minister affirmed that her country “aspires to become an energy distribution hub in Europe through the strategic partnership it is developing with Algeria.”
