(ANSA) - ROME, FEB 28 - Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio visited Algiers on Monday as part of the effort to boost alternative energy sources and reduce Italy's reliance on Russian gas after Moscow decided to invade Ukraine.
    "Italy is engaged in increasing gas supplies from various international partners," Di Maio said.
    "Of these, Algeria, which has always been a reliable supplier, has a fundamental role.
    "The aim is to protect Italian families and businesses from this atrocious war".
    Di Maio visited Algiers with Claudio Descalzi, the CEO of Italian energy giant Eni.
    The minister added that Italy was ready to push for the economic sanctions imposed on Moscow to be stiffened further.
    "We will continue to support the Ukraine government economically and militarily with out G7 partners," he said.
    "Within the EU sphere, we are committed to supporting effective and incisive sanctions against the Russian government and we are ready to do more, in agreement with our European and Atlantic partners.
    "Italy is by the side of the Ukraine people. For all of us, the people of Ukraine are a European resistance (movement)". (ANSA).