Abdelmadjid Tebboune addressed the escalating tensions in the Middle East during Algeria Italy gas talks on Wednesday, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities while hosting Giorgia Meloni in Algiers, as both leaders also focused on strengthening energy cooperation between their countries.
Speaking at a joint press conference following their meeting at the Presidential Palace, President Tebboune emphasized the importance of diplomacy. He urged all parties involved in the Middle East crisis to prioritize dialogue and respect for state sovereignty and civilian security.
The Algerian president noted that discussions with the Italian prime minister revealed a “notable convergence of positions” on several regional and international issues. Both leaders agreed on the urgency of de-escalation and the need to avoid further instability in an already volatile region.
The visit by Giorgia Meloni, though brief, came at a critical time marked by heightened geopolitical tensions. Since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran on February 28, global energy markets have experienced sharp fluctuations, with oil prices surpassing $100 per barrel for the first time since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Natural gas markets have also been severely impacted. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy transit route, alongside Qatar’s decision to reduce production, has significantly tightened supply. These developments have raised concerns across Europe, where countries remain heavily dependent on imported energy.
In this context, Algeria Italy gas talks took on added importance. Italy, which relies on natural gas for approximately 44% of its electricity generation, has been particularly affected by disruptions in supply. The Gulf region, especially Qatar, previously accounted for around one-third of Italy’s liquefied natural gas imports.
Faced with uncertainty in Gulf supplies, Italy has increasingly turned to Algeria as a reliable alternative partner. Algeria has strengthened its position as a key energy supplier to Europe in recent years, leveraging its geographic proximity and existing infrastructure.
In 2025, Algeria supplied approximately 20 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Italy, reinforcing its role as one of the country’s primary energy partners. More broadly, Algeria accounts for around 12% of the European Union’s total gas imports, highlighting its strategic importance in the continent’s energy security framework.
The discussions between Tebboune and Meloni are expected to pave the way for increased gas deliveries in the near future, as both countries seek to deepen their economic and strategic ties. Energy cooperation remains a cornerstone of Algeria-Italy relations, particularly in times of global uncertainty.
As geopolitical tensions persist and energy markets remain volatile, the outcome of these talks could have wider implications for Europe’s energy stability. Observers will be closely watching whether Algeria can further scale up its gas exports to meet rising demand while maintaining its commitments to other partners.
Sami B. is the founder and editor of Algeria News Gate, an independent English-language platform covering Algeria’s political, economic, and business developments. Based in Europe, he reports on official announcements, economic trends, and international relations involving Algeria.