Arkab, Italy’s Environment and Energy Security Minister discuss strengthening cooperation
The Algerian Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, held discussions Thursday, in Algiers, with the Italian Minister of Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, on prospects to strengthen cooperation and partnership between the two countries, the Ministry said in a statement.
The meeting took place as part of the visit carried out by the Italian Minister and his delegation to Algeria to participate in the high-level conference entitled “North Africa: Connecting Continents and Enhancing Opportunities,” organised by the Bank of Algeria in cooperation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The discussions were attended by the CEO of Sonatrach Group, Noureddine Daoudi, President of the National Agency for the Valorization of Hydrocarbon Resources “ALNAFT”, Samir Bekhti, and several senior officials.
Both parties reviewed the current state and future prospects of cooperation and partnership between Algeria and Italy, hailed as excellent, particularly in the oil and gas industry, through the existing partnerships between the Algerian and the Italian companies, including Sonatrach Group and ENI Company, while affirming the importance of reinforcing these partnerships and expanding their scope.
The participants explored the investment and business opportunities, as well as means of exchanging experiences and expertise between the two countries’ companies, particularly in the hydrocarbon sector, knowledge and technology transfer, reducing the carbon footprint and emissions in the oil and gas industry, in line with the shared goals in the sustainable development and energy transition fields, according to the statement.
The officials also addressed Italy’s Mattei Plan, aimed at boosting cooperation with African countries through supporting their natural resources development, especially in energy, oil and gas industry, infrastructure, and diversification of supply chains, contributing thereby to ensuring energy security and achieving sustainable economic growth.
In this regard, Arkab praised Italy’s efforts to strengthen partnerships based on mutual respect and shared interests with African countries, notably in the energy sector, regarded as an essential pillar in continental social and economic development.
Algeria’s pivotal role as a reliable gas supplier in the Mediterranean region, particularly to Italy, was highlighted, emphasizing the Algerian efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially methane, as well as the environmental programs launched by Sonatrach Group, including reforestation initiatives, and measures to reduce the carbon footprint.
He also highlighted the challenges facing a successful energy transition, particularly regarding investment levels and technological mastery, stressing the importance of increasing European, especially Italian, company participation in natural gas development, the gas industry, phosphate extraction and processing, and carbon emission reduction projects, the source added.
