(15-04-23) ADDIS ABABA – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced plans to strengthen energy cooperation with Africa during her visit to Ethiopia on Friday. Named the “Mattei Plan” after Enrico Mattei, the founder of Italian energy group Eni, the initiative aims to transform Italy into a major energy hub, distributing gas from North Africa and the Mediterranean to the rest of Europe. Meloni plans to host a summit with African nations in October to present the plan.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Italy on February 9, 2023, to discuss diplomatic, academic, scientific, and economic cooperation between the two nations. The Somali Head of State met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, President Sergio Mattarella, and other government officials.
Prime Minister Meloni confirmed Italy’s support for Somalia’s institutional, economic, and security framework, regional integration processes, and the fight against terrorism. President Sheikh Mohamud expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality during his visit and emphasized the mutual benefits of cooperation between the two nations.
President Sheikh Mohamud highlighted the importance of economic and social development in Somalia and across Africa for international balance. He called for Italy and the EU to contribute to programs that build essential infrastructure and create jobs in Somalia.
The Somali president also noted the long-standing relationship between Italy and Somalia, including centuries-old cultural interchange and cooperation. He nominated Professor Ali Abukar Hayo as a special envoy to Italy to explore issues of common interest.
The meeting was part of Italy’s broader diplomatic effort across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) area, or the Enlarged Mediterranean. The Mattei Plan, encompassing energy, defense, training, and cooperation, aims to create opportunities for shared development across the region. This week, Prime Minister Meloni and President Mattarella met with Ethiopian President Abyi Ahmed and discussed strengthening mutually advantageous relations. Additionally, Minister Guido Crosetto attended defense-related talks in the United Arab Emirates.
Experts see Italy’s efforts to strengthen relations with privileged interlocutors as a strategic move to adjust to new dynamics of globalization affecting both Rome and Brussels. With the Mattei Plan, Italy seeks to turn historical relationships into tangible policies and decisions that benefit all parties involved.
