What happened: Italy’s Undersecretary of Defense Matteo Perego di Cremnago visited Tunisia for talks with Tunisian Defense Minister Khaled Shili, in a mission aimed at strengthening bilateral military cooperation.
Why it matters: The visit underscores Italy’s effort to deepen security partnerships in North Africa at a time of rising instability across the Mediterranean, the Sahel and the broader Middle East.
The details: Talks in Tunis focused on expanding an already strong defense relationship, described by Italian officials as a “strategic partnership” built on shared interests and long-standing ties.
- Perego emphasized that cooperation with Tunisia is central to security dynamics in the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Sahel.
- Both sides signaled their intention to further develop collaboration in training, joint exercises and knowledge-sharing between armed forces.
Zoom in: the Italy–Tunisia Joint Military Commission. The visit coincided with the 27th Italy–Tunisia Joint Military Commission, which reviewed ongoing cooperation and set priorities for the coming year.
- Officials highlighted a high level of implementation of joint programs.
- Military training remains a key pillar, with Tunisian personnel regularly attending Italian military academies.
- Discussions also touched on potential expansion into defense industry cooperation.
Behind the scenes: Beyond military coordination, cooperation spans a broader security agenda:
- Counterterrorism and efforts to tackle illicit trafficking.
- Management of irregular migration flows.
- Logistical support and joint initiatives, including projects in southern Tunisia.
Between the lines: The mission comes as Italy intensifies its diplomatic and strategic outreach across Africa amid the ripple effects of the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
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- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently visited Algeria to discuss energy supplies.
- Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Tripodi was in Ethiopia promoting economic partnerships.
- Together, these moves reflect a broader Italian effort to link security, energy and economic diplomacy across the region.
The big picture: Italian officials framed the partnership with Tunisia as part of a wider strategy, including the government’s “Mattei Plan,” aimed at building more equal and structured cooperation with African partners.
The bottom line: Italy is reinforcing its role as a security actor in North Africa, betting on closer defense ties with Tunisia as a pillar of regional stability in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment.
(Photo: X, @matteoperegodic)
