Italian PM visits Algeria to seek more gas amid Middle East

ALGIERS, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni conducted an official visit to Algeria on Wednesday, seeking to secure expanded energy partnerships, as Europe seeks stable gas supplies amid disruptions tied to the war in Iran and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation by working on new prospects such as offshore exploration to increase gas supplies from Algeria to Italy, Meloni said at a joint press conference following her meeting with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

She added that the TransMed pipeline, also known as the Mattei pipeline, which has linked the two countries since the 1980s, reflects their long-standing role as pioneers in energy cooperation.

The Italian prime minister also noted that both countries expressed concern over military escalation in Lebanon and called on the international community to work toward regional stability and a two-state solution.

Tebboune stated that Algeria's reliable gas exports make it a key partner for Italy and other European nations seeking energy security.

Both sides agreed to accelerate the establishment of an Algerian-Italian Chamber of Commerce to strengthen economic ties, he said.

Tebboune reaffirmed Algeria's condemnation of abuses against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and called for intensified global efforts to achieve a just and lasting solution guaranteeing their legitimate rights, particularly their right to establish an independent state in accordance with international law.

Both sides also agreed that the solutions to the Western Sahara issue should be in accordance with the UN resolutions.

Meloni's visit comes amid growing European demand for Algerian natural gas, as regional instability in the Middle East and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted global energy supplies.