'Strengthening cooperation' - Meloni in Algiers to deepen gas ties amid global energy crisis

"Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived in Algeria on Wednesday for an official visit focused on energy cooperation, as Rome seeks to secure alternative gas supplies amid the emerging global energy crisis. Footage shows Meloni being received at El Mouradia Palace in Algiers, where she met President Abdelmadjid Tebboune before holding a joint press conference. “I would like to emphasise Algeria’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations as a strategic and reliable partner to the Italian Republic and to Europe in general, in light of the challenges related to supply security and the stability of international oil and gas markets,” Tebboune stated. Meanwhile, Meloni said the two countries would deepen cooperation in the energy sector. “We have decided to strengthen our already very solid cooperation, which also involves our national champions, Eni and Sonatrach, while working on new areas such as shale gas and offshore exploration. This will, of course, also help to further enhance the flow of gas supplies from Algeria in the future,” she said. Italy is seeking to offset disruptions to liquefied natural gas supplies from Qatar, with production reportedly halted at the Ras Laffan facility, which accounts for around 10 percent of its needs. Algeria is already a key supplier, providing roughly 36 per cent of Italy’s total gas imports. According to Italy’s NOVA news agency, trade between the two countries reached €12.98 billion in 2025, including €3.2 billion in Italian exports, up 13.8 per cent year-on-year. The visit comes as tensions escalate following joint military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, carried out during ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at limiting Tehran’s nuclear and missile programmes. Tehran has since launched retaliatory strikes targeting Israeli territory and US military assets across the region, with explosions reported in several Gulf countries. Iran later confirmed the killing of its Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, after which his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, assumed leadership. The conflict has expanded to include Hezbollah in Lebanon, while disruptions to shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, have pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel, increasing pressure on global markets."

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