Good afternoon everyone.
It is an immense pleasure to be here today in Algiers.
I wish to thank President Tebboune, Prime Minister Benabderrahmane and the Algerian Government for their warm welcome.

Relations between Italy and Algeria are deep-rooted.
Later this afternoon, I will be greeting the Italian community, whose presence here dates back to the nineteenth century.
Algeria is Italy’s largest trading partner on the African continent, and trade between our countries is growing significantly.
The President of the Italian Republic visited here in November, when the ‘Enrico Mattei’ garden was inaugurated.
Mattei played an important role in the cooperation between our countries; today, we are strengthening this cooperation further.

Our governments have signed a Declaration of Intent on bilateral energy cooperation.
In addition to this, an agreement has been signed between ENI and SONATRACH to increase gas exports to Italy.
Italy is ready to work with Algeria to develop renewable energy and green hydrogen.
We wish to speed up the energy transition and create development and employment opportunities.

Immediately after the invasion of Ukraine, I announced that Italy would move fast to reduce its dependence on Russian gas.
Today’s agreements are a significant response to this strategic objective, and others will follow.
The Government is working to defend citizens and businesses against the consequences of the conflict.
I wish to thank Minister Di Maio, Minister Cingolani and ENI for their commitment on this front.

Italy and Algeria also wish to strengthen cooperation in other fields.
Today’s meeting will be followed by the fourth Intergovernmental Summit which, I am pleased to announce, will be held here in Algiers on 18 and 19 July.
Before the Intergovernmental Summit, it will be my great pleasure to meet again with President Tebboune during his state visit to Italy at the end of May.

Thank you.

[Courtesy translation]