Summary:

On 3 March 2025, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Antonio Tajani, conducted his first visit to Algeria where he met with his Algerian counterpart, Ahmed Attaf, and Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune. 

During the visit, Tajani emphasized Italy’s willingness to strengthen cooperation on economic, political and cultural issues, mentioning a desire to support teaching Italian in Algeria and developing student exchanges programs.  

Algeria’s role in securing stability in the Mediterranean region was also discussed with a focus on the fight against human trafficking in cooperation with Tunisia. 

Tajani’s visit coincided with Algerian-Italian Business Forum which included a meeting of a delegation from Italian energy firm, Eni, with the Algerian Minister of Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energies and the CEO of the Algerian National Oil Company, Sonatrach. 

The two parties explored new avenues for investment and collaboration in exploration, research, and renewable energy projects. 

Meanwhile, Algeria’s Foreign Ministry summoned the French Ambassador, Stéphane Romatet, to formally object to a joint military exercise between the Moroccan and French armies set to take place in September near the border with Algeria. Algerian diplomats identified the planned military exercise as a provocative act and stated that it may increase current tensions. 

Outlook: 

Visits by Italian government and private sector representatives to Algeria and discussions with Algerian officials are likely to promote the cooperation between the two countries at all levels.  

Amid growing tensions between Algeria and France, these diplomatic initiatives may indicate efforts by Italy to take advantage of in-roads in the Algerian market, previously cornered by the French. 

Italian investments in Algeria are likely to help the North African country balance the economic repercussions of losing French aid and investments while maintaining its current diplomatic position toward France which is proving to be a matter of national pride on both sides.  

Increasing collaboration with Italy on joint projects, including renewable energy and hydrocarbons, also potentially creates new access to European markets and opportunities to bolster interdependency which will increase diplomatic and economic leverage. 

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