Algeria and Italy Deepen Strategic Energy Partnership Amid Presidential Visit
By Dr. Hana Saada
In a significant diplomatic stride toward reinforcing energy cooperation, Algeria and Italy reaffirmed their strategic alliance on Wednesday during high-level bilateral discussions held in Rome between Algerian Minister of State for Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energies, Mohamed Arkab, and his Italian counterpart, Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin. The talks took place on the sidelines of the 5th Algerian-Italian High-Level Intergovernmental Summit, co-chaired by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
At the heart of the discussions was the shared ambition to deepen cooperation in the field of renewable energy and green hydrogen—areas that both nations recognize as critical to ensuring a sustainable global energy transition. The expansion of renewable energy infrastructure and the development of an integrated hydrogen value chain emerged as focal points of the dialogue, with both ministers emphasizing the importance of coordinated technological exchange and joint investments.
A major highlight was the revisiting of the ambitious project to transport electricity generated from renewable sources in Algeria to Europe via a submarine power cable through Italy. This infrastructure endeavor is viewed as a cornerstone of Algeria’s vision to become a regional energy hub and a reliable energy supplier for the European continent.
The meeting, which was described as “constructive and forward-looking,” also reflected the strategic depth of the long-standing partnership between Algiers and Rome. Minister Arkab hailed the bilateral energy dialogue as a model of North-South cooperation, while Minister Fratin reiterated Italy’s support for Algeria’s role as a pivotal actor in Mediterranean energy security.
These deliberations took place within the broader context of President Tebboune’s state visit to Italy, accompanied by a high-ranking ministerial delegation. The presidential visit marked a decisive step toward revitalizing historical ties and expanding bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, particularly energy, which remains a cornerstone of Algerian-Italian relations.
