Italy's premier on Monday hailed two "key" accords signed between oil and gas giant Eni and Sonangol, saying it signalled the expansion of Eni's operations in Angola and its development of a joint energy strategy with Angola's state oil company.
"The choice of Angola as the first leg of my visit to West Africa is not fortuitous but stems from our longstanding relations," Gentiloni told reporters in Luanda at a press conference with Angola's president Joao Lourenco.
"We have signed two key agreements between Eni and Sonangol. The first forges a joint strategy in the energy field with respect to oil, refining and gas."
"The second agreement concerns onshore blocks," Gentiloni stated.
He was referring to the deal signed Monday in Luanda between Eni and Sonangol, under which Eni will operate the Cabinda North onshore block located in a little explored oil basin in the north of Angola.
Besides their "historic cooperation" in the fields of energy and defence, Italy and Angola have potential to do business in the food and agriculture sectors, Gentiloni said.
"The many Italian companies operating in Angola should now aim expand their cooperation," he said
Gentiloni is visiting Angola, Tunisia, Ghana and Ivory Coast on his five-day African trip which concludes on Wednesday.
