BY: Hana Saada
Algiers, September 23, 2023 -In a testament to their deepening diplomatic and economic relationship, Algeria and Turkey have intensified their collaborative efforts in preparation for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s upcoming visit to Algeria. The groundwork for this historic visit was laid during Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s productive visit to Turkey in February, which set the stage for an exciting era of cooperation between the two nations.
This month, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf announced the imminent visit of President Erdogan to Algeria, sparking a flurry of meetings between governmental and economic officials from both nations. The primary objective of these meetings is to outline the agenda for President Erdogan’s visit and lay the foundation for sectoral agreements to be signed during his stay. Additionally, preparations are underway for the second session of the high-level Cooperation Council, further solidifying the bilateral relationship.
One significant development in this burgeoning partnership was the visit of Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Oraloglu, to Algeria just two days ago. Minister Oraloglu met with his Algerian counterpart, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructures, Lakhdar Rekhroukh, with a focus on joint infrastructure projects, particularly in the realm of railway networks.
Minister Rekhroukh unveiled Algeria’s ambitious plans to connect various regions of the country through a comprehensive railway system, bridging the north and south and extending into neighboring African countries. The proposed network would span an impressive six thousand kilometers initially, with long-term goals of expanding it to an impressive 15,000 kilometers. Of particular importance is the plan to extend the railway to Tamanrasset, the southernmost point of Algeria, and from there, into Mali and Niger.
President Tebboune has placed this ambitious railway project at the forefront of his priorities, seeking international collaboration to bring it to fruition. Algeria has already secured approvals from China and Qatar for their participation in this transformative initiative.
In another stride towards bolstering economic ties, the Algerian-Turkish Business Forum, focusing on the infrastructure and construction sector, was convened. The forum played host to directors of public companies and Turkish economic institutions engaged in construction and infrastructure. Its goal was to showcase opportunities for Turkish companies and businessmen to participate in Algeria’s infrastructure development projects. Algeria also highlighted its robust incentives and privileges for foreign investors, aiming to foster increased intra-national investments and expedite the completion of vital projects.
Furthermore, Ministers from Algeria’s fishing and transportation sectors engaged in discussions with their Turkish counterparts, exploring potential partnerships in areas such as vessel construction and maintenance, red tuna farming, marine fishing, and aquaculture. Meanwhile, the Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure held talks with Algeria’s Minister of Transport to explore opportunities for collaboration in expanding the Algiers metro system.
The recent Algerian-Turkish meetings were preceded by the second session of the Algerian-Turkish Joint Planning Committee, which convened in Ankara. The committee, co-chaired by Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf and his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, involved twelve ministerial sectors from both nations, including industry, pharmaceutical production, energy, mining, transportation, maritime affairs, agriculture, trade, finance, public works, culture, and higher education.
These strategic meetings between President Tebboune and President Erdogan, coupled with the concerted efforts of government officials and industry leaders, underscore the strengthening of Algerian-Turkish relations. The future visit by President Erdogan to Algeria holds immense promise for deepening cooperation and fostering a robust partnership between the two nations, paving the way for mutual prosperity and development.
