The Italian chief was scheduled to go to Angola and Congo for talks on switching power provides from Russia.
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi has scrapped a go to to oil-rich Angola and the Republic of the Congo after testing optimistic for COVID-19, his workplace has mentioned.
A press release from his workplace on Monday mentioned Draghi, 74, who was to fly to Luanda on Wednesday and Brazzaville on Thursday for talks on switching power provides from Russia, is “asymptomatic”.
He can be changed by international minister Luigi Di Maio and the minister accountable for ecological transition, Roberto Cingolani.
Final week, Italy and Algeria signed agreements to strengthen power ties and enhance the North African state’s power exports to Italy. Draghi introduced the offers in Algeria on April 11, including that they have been a big step in Italy’s drive to cut back its dependency on Russian fuel.
Italy, which is closely depending on international fuel, purchased some 29 billion cubic metres (bcm) from Russia final 12 months, about 40 p.c of its whole fuel imports.
The prime minister mentioned the fuel take care of Algeria had been signed by the 2 international locations’ dominant power gamers, Eni and Sonatrach. Particulars of the deal weren't instantly out there.
As a part of a broader declaration of intent, Draghi mentioned Italy was able to work with Algeria to develop renewable power and inexperienced hydrogen.
Rome and Algiers already had a contract for fuel deliveries up till 2027.
There have been debates about whether or not different international locations – in Africa and past – can step as much as present various fuel provides to Europe since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24.
Italy has additionally reached out to make preparations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Azerbaijan and Qatar, amongst others.
The Russian invasion has triggered sweeping Western sanctions that threaten to disrupt power flows, elevating the potential of fuel shortages.
Ecological transition minister Roberto Cingolani mentioned earlier this month that Italy anticipated to get an additional 10 bcm of fuel from pipelines from Algeria, Libya and Azerbaijan this 12 months.
Post a Comment