Algeria’s blueprint for strengthening regional and international cooperation within the hydrocarbons market, alongside reinforcing its standing as a secure and dependable supplier to energy markets, was presented during the 5th edition of the “Towards the South” International Mediterranean Forum hosted in Italy.
In an address delivered on behalf of the Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons, during the international symposium held May 15-16 in Sorrento, Italy, the ministry’s General Secretary, Miloud Medjelled, reaffirmed “Algeria’s pledge to advance the expansion of the hydrocarbons sector through a balanced strategy, merging energy security, investment incentives, and carbon footprint reduction, with a particular focus on methane emission mitigation initiatives.”
The General Secretary, who took part in multiple dialogue and debate sessions centered on energy dynamics and supply safety, also highlighted the reforms enacted by Algeria to upgrade the investment environment in the sector. He pointed specifically to the regulatory framework governing hydrocarbons activities, as well as the recent launch of the “Algeria Bid Round 2026” auction, designed to bolster international alliances. This step aligns with the Algerian state’s strategic roadmap to boost the hydrocarbons sector’s appeal and maximize national assets, thereby anchoring Algeria’s position as a dependable destination for energy funding, according to the official.
The minister’s representative at this international gathering—held under the banner “Towards the South: A European Strategy for a New Geopolitical, Economic, and Sociocultural Era in the Mediterranean,” which convened government figures, corporate and energy executives, and analysts from various Mediterranean and European countries—actively participated in debates focused on security of supply and energy evolution.
On the sidelines of the forum, Mr. Medjelled held talks with the Chief Executive Officer of the Italian corporation Edison, Nicola Monti. This meeting allowed both entities to review the status and outlook of cooperation between Sonatrach and Edison within the oil and gas industry, notably in the natural gas segment, while exploring avenues to strengthen the bilateral alliance to serve mutual interests.
Algeria’s involvement in this summit forms part of the nation’s broader push to cement dialogue and cooperation with its Mediterranean and European peers, with a view toward shared economic expansion and the fortification of energy stability, the source added.
The forum aims to establish a framework for exchange and consultation regarding growth potential in southern Italy and the Mediterranean Basin nations. It further serves to build a platform uniting public and private entities at domestic and global tiers, alongside key institutional, economic, academic, and research organizations in the Mediterranean area under a “Think Tank” initiative.