Major potential exists to boost bilateral ties between Italy and the Republic of Congo, especially in the energy sector, premier Mario Draghi and president Denis Sassou N’Guesso agreed during phone talks on Wednesday.
"The two leaders concurred that bilateral relations have ample potential, particularly in the energy sector and they agreed to soon meet in person," said a statement from Draghi's office.
The phone talks took place ahead of a visit to Congo and Angola by foreign minister Luigi Di Maio and energy transition minister Roberto Cingolani aimed at sealing new energy deals as Italy seeks to end its dependence on Russian gas imports within two or three years.
Draghi had been due to lead this week's Africa 'gas tour' but was forced to stay in Italy after he tested positive for COVID-19.
