With a view to reducing dependence on Russia, which has been in crisis with all its European partners since the beginning of its war with Ukraine, Italian Prime Minister Mario

Draghi visited Algeria, where he reached an agreement with President Abdel Majid Tebun to increase gas imports.

After Russia, Algeria is Italy's second gas supplier, importing about 95 percent of the gas it consumes. It is one of the European countries most dependent on Russian gas for about 45 percent of its needs.

are supplied by Algeria provides about 30 percent.

The Italian Prime Minister reached an agreement with President Abdel Majid Tibon to increase the quantities of gas that Rome imports from Algeria with a view to reducing dependence on Russian gas.

The Italian Prime Minister and the Algerian President held "private talks," following which the Italian Prime Minister assured journalists: "Our two Governments have signed a Declaration of Intent on Bilateral Cooperation in the Energy Sector, as well as an Agreement between Aini and Sonatrack to increase gas exports to Italy."

On the other hand, a statement by Sonatrick explained that it had signed an agreement with ENI to accelerate the development of natural gas production projects and increase the volume of gas exported using the capabilities of the Transmid pipeline. " The statement included: "This Convention also allows the two companies to set price levels for natural gas sales in line with market data for the year 2022-2023 in accordance with the contractual provisions for price review."

According to a statement by the ENI Group, gas additions will gradually increase to 9 billion cubic metres per 2023-2024. He added that "Italy is ready to work with Algeria to develop renewable energies and to exploit green hydrogen.

We also seek to accelerate the transition in energy and create opportunities for development and employment. "

Draghi asserted that immediately after the start of the Russian War in Ukraine, she announced that Italy would move quickly to reduce reliance on Russian gas. Today's conventions are an important response to this strategic objective. " He announced a forthcoming visit by the Algerian President to Italy at the end of May.

The war in Ukraine and the economic sanctions package against Moscow have led Italy to intense diplomatic activity to seek other resources, especially since gas accounts for 42 percent of the country's energy consumption.