Algeria-Spain Relations: Turning New Page as Spanish FM Visits Algiers
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares announced his upcoming visit to Algiers on Monday, signaling Madrid’s desire to mend ties strained by disagreements over the Western Sahara issue. This visit is seen as a pivotal moment in ending the diplomatic crisis that has cost Spain dearly without yielding significant results. It also marks the culmination of efforts to improve bilateral relations, highlighted by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s evolving stance on the Western Sahara issue.
According to Ahmed Attaf, Algeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, recent statements by Prime Minister Sanchez at the United Nations General Assembly have paved the way for a reassessment of relations between the two countries. Algeria’s appointment of a new ambassador to Madrid in mid-December further signifies efforts to thaw diplomatic tensions. Abdelfattah Daghmoum replaced Aïssa Moussi, who was recalled by Algiers 19 months earlier following Spain’s policy shift on the Western Sahara issue, which led to the suspension of the friendship and good neighborliness treaty between the two countries.
Economic cooperation between Algeria and Spain has also witnessed positive developments, particularly in addressing the halt in import operations, which resulted in a significant decline in Spanish exports to Algeria. Measures have been taken to resume imports of certain products, such as poultry, from Spain. Additionally, air travel between the two countries has resumed, with 25 weekly flights connecting various Spanish and Algerian cities.
During his visit, Minister Albares is expected to meet with Minister Attaf and President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to discuss the revival of the suspended treaty of friendship, cooperation, and good neighborliness. The situation in the Sahel-Saharan region and the Gaza Strip will also be on the agenda.
Analysts attribute the thaw in Algeria-Spain relations in part to Prime Minister Sanchez’s public support for Palestinian civilians amid Zionist aggression. Algeria, a staunch advocate for the Palestinian cause, has actively pursued legal action against the Zionist entity for war crimes in Gaza. In January, Algeria proposed implementing a decision by the International Court of Justice to prevent the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.
The Western Sahara issue is expected to feature prominently in discussions during Minister Albares’s visit, as Algeria seeks a realignment of Spain’s position on the conflict. Algeria’s strategic approach, which includes addressing issues related to migrants and surveillance, has been instrumental in encouraging Spain to reconsider its alignment with Morocco’s positions.
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