"Our governments signed a bilateral cooperation agreement in the energy sector, in addition to the agreement between Eni (the Italian hydrocarbons company) and Sonatrach (Algerian) to increase gas exports to Italy," the Italian prime minister said.

The Italian government's goal is to reduce its dependence on Russia, which today accounts for 40% of Italy's total gas imports, he explained at a press conference.

Algeria is today, behind Russia, the second largest supplier of gas to Italy, which is transported via the Transmed pipeline.

"Italy is ready to work with Algeria to develop renewable energy and green hydrogen. We want to accelerate the energy transition and create opportunities for development and employment," Dhaghi further stressed.

Source: Lusa