Algerian FM Attaf Embarks on European Tour, Starting with Italy
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Ahmed Attaf, is set to embark on a European tour, commencing with a stopover in the enchanting Italian capital, Rome. The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) made the announcement in a press release, revealing that Attaf’s tour will also include visits to Serbia and Germany.
During his European tour, Attaf will engage in discussions with his Italian, Serbian, and German counterparts, focusing on regional issues of mutual concern. The Sahel region and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine are expected to be key topics of discussion.
Mandated by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Minister Attaf’s bilateral working visits to Italy, Serbia, and Germany are aimed at strengthening political dialogue and enhancing bilateral relations. The Algerian government seeks to foster closer ties and address shared interests and major concerns with its European partners.
The press release emphasized the evaluation of bilateral cooperation across various sectors and the exploration of ways to further improve these relations. Additionally, the tour aims to facilitate the exchange of views on regional and international developments, particularly those pertaining to the Maghreb, Sahelian and Sahara areas, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and the tense global atmosphere influenced by the Ukrainian conflict.
Italian news agency Nova provided extensive coverage of Attaf’s visit to Italy, though it did not provide details about his European agenda. Nova highlighted the significance of Attaf’s visit to Rome, stating, “The Minister is expected to arrive in Rome in the next few hours, with a meeting scheduled tomorrow morning with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani” (today, editor’s note).
While discussing Algeria’s relations with Serbia and Germany, Nova emphasized that “the decision to commence the European tour in Italy reaffirms the strategic partnership between the two countries.” This choice is indeed natural, given the depth of relations and the strong bonds of friendship between Algeria and Italy. Nova delved into these aspects of the Algerian-Italian relationship, emphasizing their significance.
Nova also recalled the previous telephone conversation between Attaf and Tajani on March 29, which aimed to strengthen friendship and collaboration between the two countries. The news agency highlighted the upcoming July meeting within the framework of the strategic dialogue between Italy and Algeria, an essential consultation mechanism. Furthermore, Nova made a connection to the state visit of the Algerian President, scheduled for Italy in November.
As Minister Attaf commences his European tour, the anticipation and expectations surrounding his diplomatic efforts are high. The tour not only presents an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties with Italy, Serbia, and Germany but also underscores Algeria’s commitment to regional stability and international cooperation.
