Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto embarked on an official visit to Algeria, emphasizing the importance of the partnership between Italy and Algeria for the security of the Mediterranean and the Sahel region. Crosetto held a meeting with General Said Chengriha, the Chief of Staff of the Algerian National People’s Army, in Algiers.
The defense minister highlighted the strong commitment to expanding cooperation between Italy and Algeria across various domains, including energy, industry, defense, and training. He described the partnership as fundamental for the security of the Mediterranean and the Sahel.
General Chengriha emphasized that military cooperation between Algeria and Italy is exceptional, and the visit is part of the countries’ efforts to strengthen and diversify their collaboration. He stated that their cooperation spans various sectors and benefits both nations, highlighting the historical ties between the two countries, from the War of Liberation to their joint fight against terrorism in the 1990s.
Chengriha expressed Algeria’s readiness to enhance bilateral cooperation programs, considering the region’s instability and the shared responsibility to contribute to peace in crisis-afflicted countries.
During his visit, Crosetto paid respects at the Monument of Martyr of Algiers, a commemorative site of the Algerian War of Independence. The monument, standing at 92 meters tall, symbolically represents Algeria’s history and the struggles against occupation and colonization.
The visit underscores the significance of Italy-Algeria relations and the commitment of both countries to deepening military cooperation to address regional challenges and promote stability in the Mediterranean and Sahel regions. It reflects their shared history and the importance of collaborative efforts to foster peace and development in the region.
