By Bisola Adeyemo
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi has signed an agreement on an energy cooperation deal with Algeria to reduce its dependence on natural gas from Russia.
Draghi announced this during a press conference meeting on Monday in Algiers.
According to data from Draghi’s office, Russia supplied Italy with 29 billion cubic meters of gas per year, accounting for around 40 percent of the country’s total usage.
The data also listed Algeria as the second country on the list supplying 21 billion cubic meters per year via the Trans-Mediterranean pipeline.
Under the terms of Monday’s agreement, Algeria will provide an additional nine billion cubic meters of gas, allowing Italy to reduce imports from Russia and moving Algeria to the top spot.
Speaking with newsmen after the meeting, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, said the two governments signed a broad declaration of intently focused on bilateral cooperation on energy-related issues along with the deal to export more gas to Italy.
Monday’s agreement is “a significant response” to Italy’s strategic goal of reducing dependence on Russian gas, Draghi said, adding “other agreements will follow.”
The technical aspects of the gas agreement will be carried out by Italian energy giant Eni and Algeria’s Sonatrach.
Quality journalism costs money. Today, we’re asking that you support us to do more. Support our work by sending in your donations.
The donation can be made directly into NatureNews Account below
