Eni gains new contracts in Algeria

Executive Director of Italy’s Eni Claudio Descalzi has paid a secret visit to Algeria for the fourth time. Public authorities did not reveal details about it although a meeting was held between the Italian official, the Algerian energy minister Noureddine Bouterfa and Sonatrach’s CEO Amine Maazouzi. Contracts were signed in favour of Eni.

Eni said in a release that the Algerian energy minister Nourredine Bouterfa and Sonatrach’s CEO met on June 21st with Eni’s Executive Director Claudio Descalzi. Similar meetings were held in January 2015, November 2015 and April 2016 respectively.

According to the same document, Maazouzi and Descalzi signed a contract to extend production licences in ROD field.

It also said partnership between Eni and Sonatrach will lead to the establishment of a huge program to boost productive operations which will use very sophisticated technologies.

It is not yet clear why the Algerian government keeps silent over visits paid by Eni’s officials.