Algerian Radio
ADDIS-ABEBA, The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, addressed the participants of the 2nd Italy-Africa Summit, held on the eve of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Summit.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Prime Minister, President Tebboune praised this initiative, which falls within the framework of the "Enrico Mattei" Plan for Africa. This plan immortalizes the name of a historical figure associated with defending the independence of decision-making and respecting the sovereignty of peoples, who was also a loyal friend of the Algerian Revolution.
The President affirmed that Algeria invokes this symbolism as an embodiment of a visionary approach to international relations, based on mutual respect and shared interest.
President Tebboune considered the second summit an opportunity to assess what has been achieved since the launch of the "Mattei" Plan and to collectively and constructively define future priorities. He emphasized that Algeria is an active partner in this plan, stemming from its conviction that Africa no longer accepts being a mere subject of policies, but rather a fully sovereign actor in their formulation and implementation.
He highlighted the depth of Algerian-Italian relations and their decades-long experience, which today constitutes a practical pillar for the "Mattei" Plan. This reflects that the availability of political will and mutual trust allows for achieving tangible results that serve the interests of both peoples and enhance regional stability.
He pointed out that the strategic partnership in the energy sector serves as a successful model of bilateral cooperation. Algeria views energy cooperation as a long-term partnership based on mutual interest and respect for national sovereignty. Furthermore, Algeria is a key supplier of natural gas to Italy, contributing effectively to enhancing its energy security, alongside strategic joint projects between Sonatrach and Eni in exploration and production.
He added that cooperation between the two countries has expanded to include other vital sectors, including the integrated agricultural project in Timimoun, aimed at boosting food security and creating local added value, and the "Enrico Mattei" Center for Agricultural Training, Research, and Innovation in Sidi Bel Abbès. With its African dimension, this center reflects the shared commitment to investing in human capital and knowledge transfer.
The President of the Republic affirmed that such projects make the "Mattei" Plan an effective practical framework when based on structural projects, respecting the development priorities of our countries, and framed within an African context in both conception and implementation.
He also reviewed the African continent's priorities, foremost among them building balanced partnerships based on equality, trust, and long-term shared interests, far from situational or unilateral approaches. He explained that the success of the Italian-African partnership requires making economic and social development in Africa the axis of any cooperation, while respecting national sovereignty and development choices, enhancing coordination with the African Union Agenda 2063, and ensuring sufficient funding and effective implementation of projects.
The President of the Republic reiterated Algeria's readiness to continue contributing to the success of the African-Italian partnership in a responsible and constructive spirit, looking forward to a new phase of the "Mattei" Plan that is more ambitious, comprehensive, and effective, allowing for the building of a prosperous shared future serving both Africa and Italy.
