Malta is exploring the possibility of importing gas from Algeria and cooperation in renewable energy following talks between government officials in Algiers.
Energy is one of the topics discussed between Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and his counterpart Abdelkrim Aouissi, during a recent visit to Algeria.
Algeria has become a country of interest for the EU as the bloc seeks to rein in its gas imports after the war in Ukraine.
Algeria is Africa’s largest gas producer and accounted for 10% of Europe’s gas imports before the Ukraine conflict, when it was the third largest supplier after Russia and Norway. It exports gas through pipelines to Spain and Italy and LNG carriers through two LNG terminals.
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Maltese and Algerian officials discussed bilateral energy cooperation focusing on LNG and renewable energy. Cutajar was accompanied for this meeting by Abigail Cutajar, advisor within the Energy Ministry.
Cutajar also held talks with other Algerian government officials during which ways to strengthen trade relations between the two countries were explored.
The talks focused on regional and international issues, with both sides reaffirming their joint commitment to a stable and secure Mediterranean region.
During his visit, Cutajar was accompanied by the Ambassador of Malta to Algeria Philo Meli and other members of the diplomatic corps.
