The head of the Italian government Giorgia Meloni went this Thursday, July 31, 2025 to Tunis, where it was received by President Kaïs Saïed.
According to An official press release from the Italian Council Presidencythis mission is part of the strengthening of Tunisian-Italian relations, with a particular emphasis on the implementation of Mattei plan for Africamigration issues and energy cooperation.
Development cooperation: water, agriculture and training at the heart of exchanges
The meeting made it possible to take stock of the progress of joint projects launched in the wake of the declaration of cooperation signed last January. A particular emphasis was placed on The Tanit projectwhich aims to reuse wastewater in agriculture, as well as on The upcoming creation of a regional agricultural training center.
These initiatives testify to the common desire to include cooperation in a sustainable and inclusive approach, especially in the sensitive sectors of water and food security.
Migration: convergence on the fight against milking networks
Meloni and Saïed also discussed the migratory issue, reaffirming their commitment to Fighting criminal trafficking networks of human beingswhile encouraging legal migration pathsin connection with the Rome process.
This convergence of views confirms the role of Tunisia as a key partner in the management of migratory flows in the central Mediterranean.
Energy: Elmed, strategic pillar of the Africa-Europe link
Another major axis of discussions was another major axis. The Italian Prime Minister stressed the strategic importance of the project Elmeda power line to connect Tunisia to Italy, and by extension to Europe.
Rome sees in Tunis a Regional hub for renewable energycapable of transporting the green energy produced in Africa to the European market. The project also mobilizes Italian private investments in Tunisian infrastructure.
Back to the April visit 2024
The previous visit of Giorgia Meloni in Tunis dates back to April 2024accompanied by three members of his government: the Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi, the Minister of Universities Anna Maria Bernini, and the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Edmondo Cirielli.
After his interview with President Saïed, Meloni had reaffirmed that Tunisia is one of Italy’s “main strategic priorities”. Three agreements were then signed as part of the Mattei plan ::
- Direct budget support 50 million euros for the energy transition;
- A credit line of 55 million euros to support Tunisian SMEs;
- A university understanding protocol Between the research ministries of the two countries.
To read also: Giorgia Meloni promises 105 million euros in Tunisia
