ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The President of the Republic of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, received the President of the Republic of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono, on an official visit to the Quirinal Palace, later entertaining her for breakfast. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, was present.
“For the Italian Republic, your presence here in Rome is an honour and for me it is a great pleasure to welcome you to this palace to reaffirm the friendship that binds Malta and Italy,” said Mattarella, addressing Spiteri Debono. “I am sure that I will continue with you the relationship of friendship, of positive exchange of opinions that I have always had with your predecessors and I am very happy to meet you on your first visit to Italy,” added the Head of State. “You have taken office at a time of great prominence for Malta on the international scene, with its presence on the UN Security Council, with the presidency of the OSCE and with the imminent presidency of the Council of Europe. It is therefore a pleasure to speak with you and also to address the many prospects for further increasing our excellent collaboration. Welcome, President”, concluded Mattarella.

Foto: ufficio stampa Quirinale

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Italy, Germany, Austria, Algeria and Tunisia have signed a joint declaration of intent in Rome on the Southern Hydrogen Corridor, an infrastructure project to transport renewable hydrogen for over 3,300 kilometers from North Africa to Italy, Austria and Germany.

The countries have declared their intention to continue work on the development of the “SouthH2 Corridor” during the first Pentaministerial Meeting, organized at Villa Madama by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, and the Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto, chaired the ministerial meeting. The event was attended by the Algerian Minister of Energy, Mines and Renewable Energies, Mohamed Arkab, the State Secretary of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Philipp Nimmermann, the Director General of the Directorate for Climate and Energy of the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology, Jurgen Schneider, the State Secretary of the Swiss Federal Council for Energy, Benoìt Revaz, the Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia in Rome, Mourad Bourehla, on behalf of the Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy, Fatma Thabet Chiboub, and the Director General for Energy of the European Commission, Ditte Juul Jorgensen.

The ministerial meeting was followed by an entrepreneurial forum, in light of the strategic partnership between Europe and Africa. It was opened by Ministers Tajani and Pichetto, which brought together companies from the countries that signed the declaration, and that already showed or are interested in the hydrogen supply project. The forum hosted two sessions, moderated by the Director General for the Promotion of the MAECI Country System Mauro Battocchi and the Head of the Energy Department of MASE, Federico Boschi, provided an overview of “SouthH2”, recognized by the European Union as a Project of Common Interest (PCI), as well as the opportunities created by the new infrastructure for the interested companies.

The event brought together around 130 participants including institutional delegations and representatives of the industrial sector from the countries involved.

“Italy is working towards the objectives of decarbonization and energy independence in a concrete and pragmatic way, pursuing an energy mix in which renewable sources, hydrogen and nuclear energy are adequately developed. Last November 5, we hosted the first meeting of the Global Fusion Energy Group at the Foreign Ministry, in partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency, and today we are adding a further piece to our energy strategy with the development of the Southern Hydrogen Corridor, which will further strengthen the role of our country as a European energy “hub”, Tajani stated.

“This agreement has great political and institutional value, because it reaffirms the commitment to cooperation, aimed at the realization of a decisive work for the future of the energy sector of both continents. Italy is ready with its ‘collaborators’ to play a central role also in the hydrogen sector, a vector project towards a renewable and sustainable future”, underlined Pichetto Fratin

– Photo xi2/Italpress –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RIMINI (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Underway at Rimini Expo Centre until January 22, the 46th edition of SIGEP World – The World Expo for Foodservice Excellence. The event, curated by Italian Exhibition Group, is a beacon for international Foodservice, showcasing key sectors such as ice cream, pastry, bakery, coffee, chocolate, and pizza. With participants from 33 countries, SIGEP World 2025 is the largest and most international edition yet: a showcase of technological innovation, with over 40 talks and 60 speakers from around the world, ready to share the latest trends that are revolutionising the industry. Over 3,000 buyers from 79 countries have flocked to Rimini Expo Centre, fostering business encounters and networking opportunities. SIGEP World stands as a crossroads for the Out-of-Home industry, cementing Italy’s position as a leader in international Foodservice excellence.
Saudi Arabia, the Guest Country of SIGEP World 2025
This edition makes its mark with the presence of Saudi Arabia as a Guest Country. The country, set to host Expo 2030, is rapidly emerging as a strategic market in the hospitality and foodservice industry. With its economic growth and demand for innovative technologies, SIGEP World offers exhibiting companies and brands a unique opportunity to forge partnerships with key players in the Saudi market. A delegation of Saudi top buyers, including big names like Barn’s, a coffee shop chain with over 800 locations, Elite Hospitality/Al-Nahla Group, a leading hospitality company, and Al Tazaj, a quick service restaurant chain with over 120 locations, has brought a burst of energy to the event, opening up new horizons for the global Foodservice industry.
The meeting on the Vision Plaza and the statements
On the opening day of SIGEP World 2025, the Saudi delegation from the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and the Culinary Arts Commission – Ministry of Culture took to the main stage of the Vision Plaza for the official greeting and welcoming ceremony by the leaders of Italian Exhibition Group, including CEO Corrado Peraboni: “The main goal of SIGEP 2025 was to be an international touchstone. Therès a reason why we called it SIGEP World – it marks the grand finale of our global journey with SIGEP, which has already taken us to Shenzhen and Singapore. This event has truly blossomed on the international stage, as evidenced by this year’s host country, Saudi Arabia, a market brimming with potential for our exhibitors. Wère eagerly anticipating visitors from over 160 countries, making this a truly global event”.
“I am personally delighted to join other delegations at this event: SIGEP World 2025 brings together major companies with shared interests in food safety and agricultural products” remarked Bandar Bin Saleh Alhedayuah, Director General of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture in the Northern Border Region of Saudi Arabia. “This marks a significant starting point for the future of our relations: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as envisioned by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman for 2030, holds great potential for future collaboration between our two countries across all food industries and in ensuring the sustainability of these products in all their forms.
According to Francesco Santa, international business development director of IEG – Italian Exhibition Group, “venturing abroad and organising SIGEP World on other continents is likely the most powerful and significant marketing and promotional tool for the event. Hosting a well-organised SIGEP in countries like China or Singapore, which encompass the entire Southeast Asia region, allows us to showcase SIGEP World to the world and effectively means wère organising the world’s most significant trade show in Rimini, giving local exhibitors the chance to attend this event as well. The ultimate goal of organising events around the world, such as SIGEP Asia and SIGEP China, is to promote SIGEP World and attract exhibitors and buyers from two of the world’s most influential markets.
– photo IEG –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALY) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The “smart agriculture” project enters the Mattei Plan for Africa with the signing of an agreement that strengthens the existing collaboration between Leonardo and BF Spa for agricultural and technological development in particular in the African continent.
It was signed by Fabrizio Saggio, coordinator of the Mission Structure for the implementation of the Mattei Plan of the Presidency of the Council, together with the president of Leonardo, Stefano Pontecorvo, and the CEO of BF Spa, Federico Vecchioni. In Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Republic of Congo, Ethiopia and Kenya and, in perspective, with the additional countries identified by the Government for 2025, projects will be launched for the protection of biodiversity and sustainable development, for which financing opportunities will be identified within the Mattei Plan, whose implementation will take place with the full involvement of local entities. The planning and implementation of agro-industrial development projects and related training programs will always be shared at every stage with the countries involved. Furthermore, it will take into account the priority of contributing to the growth path of African partners by offering them technical and management skills through specific training activities.
The president of Leonardo, Stefano Pontecorvo, underlined: “Leonardo with its digital and satellite technologies to monitor crops, soils, water resources from space and to improve land yields can help respond to the security needs of changed environmental scenarios, characterized by climate change, soil erosion and inefficient resource management. Through the company’s skills in the field of cyber security, those of Telespazio and e-Geos, developed in the geo-information sector, combined with advanced technological solutions, such as the application of AI, the collection and analysis of big data and the cloud – he added – the company is able to deliver enabling factors to manage crucial aspects related to smart agriculture and climate transition”.
These skills will be integrated with the agricultural and agribusiness activities of the projects underlying the internationalization of BF Spa, a path managed through the subsidiary BF International Best Fields Best Food Ltd.
“The goal of BF Spa – observed Federico Vecchioni, CEO of BF Spa – is to replicate at a global level, the agro-industrial infrastructure, with the control of the genome – food product supply chain, developed by BF Spa in Italy on over 11 thousand hectares of SAU through the development of modern model farms, BFuture farms. An innovative, sustainable and inclusive agro-industrial farm model that adapts to the needs of each country and community and will represent the largest high-tech agricultural management network ever created in the world”.
BF Educational will be the BF Spa company that, within the model farms, will be responsible for creating training and research paths applied to agriculture and agribusiness with the aim of training the professionals of the future of the reference communities.
(ITALPRESS).
-Photo: Leonardòs press office-

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Defense Ministry continued with its commitment to the civil population in the Gaza Strip. A ship left the port of Monfalcone, and is heading towards Cyprus with over 50 tons of basic necessities collected by the “Confederazione Nazionale delle Misericordie d’Italia”.

As soon as the ship arrives at the port of Limassol, in Cyprus, the humanitarian aid will subsequently be transferred to Gaza.

“Italy also on this occasion shows that it is at the side of those who suffer and will continue to do everything possible to give hope to those who, like in Gaza, are experiencing very difficult times”, said the Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, who authorized the initiative. He added, “The Defense Ministry, through the Italian Armed Forces, has once again demonstrated extraordinary competence and great humanity. I heartily thank all those who, with dedication and promptness, have made this intervention possible. It is thanks to them that Italy continues to be a point of reference, a country that believes in dialogue, peace and help for those who are most fragile”.

The Defense Ministry has guaranteed technical and operational support to the activity, with the loading and transport of the humanitarian aid, under the coordination of the Joint Operations Command (COVI). This operation is in addition to a series of initiatives already undertaken by the Defense Ministry in favour of the Palestinian population, including the transportation of basic necessities using Air Force aircraft, health care provided by the Navy’s Vulcano ship, as well as the transfers to Italy of Palestinian children in need of hospital care using Defense air-naval assets.

– Photo press office Ministry of Defense –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A new air route has started operating between Malta and Benghazi in Libya as a result of an agreement between MedSky, a Libyan airline, and Malta MedAir, a company registered in Malta.

The two airlines said that this new route marks an important step towards improving connectivity between Libya and Malta and Europe because it creates opportunities for business and tourism.

The inaugural flight of MedSky Airways, in partnership with Malta MedAir, departed at 9.15 am from Benina International Airport, and arrived in Malta at 10.45 a.m. on Thursday.

The vision of strengthening connectivity between Libya and Europe began with the first flights from Misrata to Malta in September 2022. It then expanded with new routes from Tripoli to Malta and Rome. And now, with flights connecting Benghazi with Malta.

MedSky Airways Chairman Fauzi Ashour Khallefah said that the agreement between the two airlines created a foundation for continuous growth and deep ties between Libya and Malta.

“For sure we are deeply grateful to the Maltese government and to our partners MedAir, and to all the people that helped. There was was no flight from Libya to Europe for a long time. However, with the help of our partners, MedAir and the Maltese Governement, this is the third destination from Libya,” Fauzi Ashour Khallefah remarked.

Malta MedAir Executive Chairman, Paul Bugeja, said that this route will reduce many of the inconveniences of long-term travel, especially for those who travel for particular reasons. “These offer opportunities, both to Maltese who can go Benghazi, as well as to businesses, but more so to Libyans who wish to come to Malta, both from a cultural, medical, educational and business point of view. For us it is a special honour and occasion”.

MedSky Airways, the first Libyan airline to operate to Europe in partnership with Malta MedAir, is planning to fly to other destinations in Europe.

– Photo Medsky Airways –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – “We reiterate that Italy wants to be the bridge between Tunisia and the European Union, strengthening collaboration with the European Commission to ensure that the North African country becomes a primary interlocutor”. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, at the end of a meeting at the Italian Foreign Ministry with Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti.

“In the last two years, relations with Tunisia have made a qualitative leap in the economic, migratory and political fields, thanks also to Italy’s efforts to enhance the partnership between Tunisia and the EU”, he added.

“We want to strengthen the economic partnership” with Tunisia, since “1,000 Italian companies operate in the country. This is why we have agreed to organize a new business forum in Tunis”, Tajani underlined. Even “with regard to the energy sector, Tunisia represents a fundamental hub for the growth” of both countries and “presents great potential”, he recalled.

“The agreements with Tunisia are also an example for the rest of the African continent,” the deputy prime minister explained. During the meeting, “two agreements were signed,” one on the mutual recognition of driving licenses, also in light of the need to align with national and European legislation on the management of personal data, and an agreement on the energy transition, with the aim of promoting Italian investments in the production of renewable energy in Tunisia and the development of energy interconnection infrastructures between Italy and Tunisia, in full harmony with the principles and objectives of the Mattei Plan for Africa.

“We also signed a Joint Declaration on development cooperation” between Italy and Tunisia for the period 2025-2027, which includes the commitment by Italy to finance projects of up to 400 million euros. “A constructive and fruitful meeting” between Tunisia and Italy, “a very important opportunity that allowed us to address several common issues, which also concern the international situation. We want our relations to be steadily advanced and stronger”, said Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti.

“We are ready to celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations between Tunisia and Italy, for which many diplomats have worked in recent years, in the interest of our peoples and the Mediterranean region”, he stressed.

“We will work to strengthen this bond, to share a common benefit, following the win-win principle in various sectors, including education: Italian universities have become a popular destination for thousands of Tunisians who want to come and study in Italy”.

– Photo Agenzia Fotogramma –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETA (MALTA) (MNA-ITALPRESS) – Maltàs Justice Minister Jonathan Attard tabled a motion in parliament to amend the criminal code and reform the way citizens can request a magisterial inquiry. The amendment was tabled after Prime Minister Robert Abela announced the government’s intention to implement the legislative change. The Maltese government is also planning to revise the law to protect civil servants from being taken to court. Without providing specifics, the Prime Minister said the intention was to ensure civil servants investigated for alleged crimes carried out in the course of their professional duties would only be subject to prosecution in their professional rather than personal capacity. However, the Nationalist Opposition immediately declared it would be voting against the proposed amendments describing the government’s move as “a reform that would give public officials immunity from corruption.” The Nationalist Party has branded the proposed reforms as “irresponsible and dangerous,” particularly highlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding the unpublished 17 Black inquiry, which reportedly recommends criminal charges against senior government figures. Former Chief-of-Staff at the Office of the Prime Minister, Keith Schembri and former Minister Konrad Mizzi are set to face criminal charges over plans to receive payments from 17 Black, a secret offshore company owned by Yorgen Fenech, the alleged mastermind behind the assassination of Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. The prime minister’s controversial proposal has drawn further fierce criticism from the civil society. A protest is to be held in front of the Valletta law courts this evening as a call for citizens to come out in defense of accountability and the rule of law. The protest will coincide with the 88th month since the assassination of Caruana Galizia.(ITALPRESS).
Photo: Agenzia Fotogramma

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The European Union has called for the withdrawal of foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libya, as a key step to ensure Libyàs stability and sovereignty. This was highlighted during a meeting in Tripoli between an EU delegation and Libyàs acting Foreign Minister, Eltaher Elbahour. Both sides discussed the ongoing dialogue between the EU and Libyàs 5+5 Joint Military Committee, which plays a key role in maintaining the fragile ceasefire and addressing security concerns. The EU said the presence of foreign forces in Libya had increased tensions and prevented Libya from charting its independent political course. Both sides agreed to unite efforts to improve control of Libyàs southern border, which has long been a conduit for illegal immigration, trafficking and smuggling. The EU also reiterated its full support to UNSMIL, which is working to relaunch the political process.
(ITALPRESS).
-Photo: Agenzia Fotogramma-

Source: medNews

ABU DHABI (UAE) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; Her Excellency Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy; and His Excellency Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania, the UAE, Italy, and Albania have signed a landmark tripartite strategic partnership framework to enhance cooperation in renewable energy and energy infrastructure.
The framework was signed by His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar; His Excellency Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Italian Minister of the Environment and Energy Security; and Her Excellency Belinda Balluku, Albanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy.
Announced on the sidelines of the High-Level Dialogue on Grid Interconnectivity at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the tripartite strategic partnership framework marks a significant step towards enhancing energy security, promoting sustainable development, and accelerating the transition to clean energy in the Mediterranean region.
It outlines key areas of cooperation between the UAE, Italy, and Albania, including the deployment of gigawatt-scale renewable energy projects in Albania, focusing on solar photovoltaics, wind, and hybrid solutions with potential battery storage. A significant portion of this renewable energy will be transmitted to Italy. Additionally, the partnership will oversee the implementation of a cross-border electricity transmission interconnection linking Albania and Italy.
HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President, and Chairman of Masdar, said: “The new era of global interconnectivity is essential for meeting the commitment to triple renewable energy, drive decarbonisation, increase energy access, and boost economic growth. By leveraging the UAE’s world-class expertise in renewable energy, Albaniàs abundant natural resources, and Italy’s sophisticated energy market, we are connecting nations in far-sighted collaboration for the development and sharing of renewable energy capacity across the Mediterranean. The UAE is proud to be, once again, at the forefront of the global energy system transformation”.
HE Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Italian Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, commented: “We are very pleased to be part of the tripartite strategic partnership framework aimed at strengthening cooperation with countries with great potential to develop cost-effective renewable energy, which will further increase Italy’s role as an energy and renewables hub in the Mediterranean. The partnership also elevates our collaboration with Balkan countries in the energy sector, which is relevant for Italy and the European Union, thereby reinforcing regional cooperation. Thistripartite strategic partnership framework demonstrates that reaching the ambitious climate objectives set in Dubai during COP28 is only possible through global coordination and green energy cooperation”.
HE Belinda Balluku, Albanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, added: “This strategic partnership is a momentous step for Albania as we move forward with our renewable energy ambitions. By joining forces with the UAE, a global leader in renewable energy innovation, and Italy, with its advanced energy infrastructure and market expertise, we are unlocking immense potential for sustainable growth. Albaniàs abundant natural resources, coupled with the strengths of our partners, will not only drive the green energy transition but will also create long-term economic and job opportunities. Together, we are laying the foundation for a greener, more resilient energy future for the Mediterranean region and beyond”.
(ITALPRESS).
-Photo credit www.pexels.com-

Source: medNews