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“As part of his official visit to Italy, at the invitation of Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Italian Chief of Defence Staff, Army General Said Chanegriha, ANP Chief of Staff, was received this Thursday, October 3, 2024, by the Italian Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto, in the presence of Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Italian Chief of Defence Staff,” the same source said.

During the meeting, the two sides “welcomed the excellent level of bilateral military cooperation between the two friendly countries, which reflects the understanding and great trust that mark Algeria-Italy relations in more ways than one.”

The two sides also focused on “the development of the situation and the geopolitical changes prevailing in areas of common interest.”

The Army General warmly thanked his host “for the welcome and hospitality he received, before conveying to him the greetings of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who attaches particular importance to efforts aimed at boosting Algeria-Italy relations, particularly in areas linked to bilateral military cooperation.”

The Army General also reviewed “the areas of bilateral cooperation, which is experiencing positive momentum and tangible results under the firm determination of the leaders of both countries to raise it to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership”.

For his part, the Italian Defense Minister expressed “his great satisfaction at receiving the Algerian military delegation, and his confidence in the ability of the two friendly countries to build a solid and mutually beneficial partnership, primarily in the fields of security and defense”.

At the end of the meeting, both parties exchanged symbolic gifts.

Subsequently, Army General Said Chanegriha paid a visit to the Italian company Leonardo SPA, “one of Europe's leading companies in the defense industry and advanced technologies, offering a wide range of military solutions, notably in the fields of aeronautics, aerospace and land and naval defense systems.”

The Army General received “extensive explanations of the modern defense technologies and systems offered by the Italian company, whose managers expressed their interest in enhancing the partnership with Algeria in various areas of military industries.”

The Army General also visited the headquarters of Fincantieri, “specialized in the naval military industry”, where he received “a presentation tracing the history of the naval partnership between Algeria and Italy, before enquiring about the company's production capacities in the construction of warships and naval military equipment, as well as the modern techniques it offers.”

Both sides expressed their wish to “consolidate bilateral cooperation.”

The company's CEO, Biagio Mazzotta, affirmed that Algeria was “a reliable and serious partner at the regional and international levels.”

Both officials discussed “ways of transferring technology and intensifying the exchange of expertise between military engineers and technicians from the two countries.”[/ecr]