Algeria’s Minister of Relations with Parliament Holds Meeting with Iranian Ambassador, Emphasizing Strong Bilateral Relations
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The Minister of Relations with Parliament, Basma Azouar, welcomed Today, at the headquarters of her department, His Excellency Mohammad Reza Babaei, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Algeria. The meeting marked an important milestone in strengthening the already robust relations between the two countries.
During the meeting, Minister Azouar showcased Algeria’s parliamentary experience and highlighted the activities and responsibilities of her ministerial department. She emphasized the significance of fostering a functional relationship between the two chambers of Parliament and the government, underscoring the importance of effective collaboration.
Ambassador Babaei expressed his satisfaction at the meeting, acknowledging the profound ties between the two nations. He provided an overview of bilateral relations, particularly at the parliamentary level, and recalled the establishment of the parliamentary friendship committee on February 15, 2022. The committee symbolizes the commitment of both countries to foster closer ties and coordination between their respective legislative authorities.
Furthermore, Ambassador Babaei emphasized the need to enhance cooperation on regional issues of mutual interest, particularly the Palestinian cause. He called for concerted efforts from parliamentarians of both nations to work together to address these shared challenges.
The meeting also facilitated a discussion on the unique characteristics of the two parliamentary systems. Despite their differences, both parties recognized the similarities, particularly in procedural aspects. They stressed the importance of exchanging experiences and expertise, as well as exploring avenues to enhance cooperation in various fields. This included the exchange of parliamentary delegations to further strengthen ties.
In concluding the meeting, both parties celebrated the depth and solidity of bilateral relations between Algeria and Iran. They reiterated the importance of reflecting upon further avenues to strengthen these ties, particularly in areas of common interest, with a focus on parliamentary collaboration.
The meeting between Minister Azouar and Ambassador Babaei serves as a testament to the special relationship between Algeria and Iran. It highlights the commitment of both countries to bolster cooperation, enhance parliamentary exchanges, and work together for the betterment of their respective nations and peoples.
Algeria and Iran Forge Stronger Bonds, Advancing Historical Ties and Expanding Multifaceted Cooperation
Algeria and Iran, two countries with a shared history and revolutionary spirit, are committed to strengthening their historical ties and promoting multifaceted cooperation. With common principles of independence, opposition to oppression, and the fight against colonialism and injustice, these nations have found a strong foundation for collaboration across various domains.
Politically, Algeria and Iran have maintained excellent relations, marked by a convergence of positions on key regional and international issues. Both countries advocate for the Palestinian cause and emphasize the need for political solutions in conflicts such as Yemen, Syria, and Libya. They also recognize the importance of stabilizing the oil market. Algeria’s principled stance has been evident in its opposition to granting the Syrian opposition a seat in the Arab League and its refusal to engage in military action in Syria. Additionally, Algeria has resisted classifying Hezbollah and Hamas as terrorist organizations.
The friendship between Algeria and the Islamic Republic of Iran is built on mutual respect, trust, shared views, and a collective commitment to the well-being of their respective peoples. Algeria aligns with Iran on numerous issues, particularly in terms of their political outlooks, contributing to a robust alliance. Regular talks between the two countries take place to discuss bilateral, regional, and international matters, reinforcing the deep-rooted brotherhood that dates back to the 1960s.
The establishment of diplomatic ties between Iran and Algeria occurred soon after Algeria gained independence from France in 1962. Iran was among the first nations to recognize Algeria as an independent state, opening an embassy in Algiers in 1964. To commemorate Algeria’s independence, Iranian scholars organized celebrations in the country’s mosques, and Iranian TV channels frequently screened the movie “The Battle of Algiers,” which portrayed the Algerian revolution. Iranian poets also composed Persian poems highlighting the significance of the revolution.
Ayatollah Khomeini, following his return from Paris, encouraged Muslims to unite and draw inspiration from the Algerian revolution. He viewed the revolution as a representation of both the lesser jihad against colonialism and the greater jihad against backwardness, emphasizing the struggle against sinful behavior. These sentiments further strengthened the bond between Iran and Algeria.
After the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, the bilateral relationship between the two nations deepened, resulting in shared positions on numerous international issues. Over 70 agreements have been signed between Iran and Algeria, covering various areas of cooperation. Distinguished Algerian figures, including Naît Belkacem and Ahmed Hamani, were warmly received by Ayatollah Khomeini, further solidifying the friendship between the two countries.
Although the relationship faced ups and downs, diplomatic ties between Iran and Algeria were restored in 2000. Algeria played a significant role in mediating an accord between Iran and the United States during the US Embassy takeover in Tehran. Recent years have witnessed an increased focus on bilateral cooperation, with both countries actively working towards enhancing economic ties. President Sayyid Ebrahim Raïssi of Iran has expressed a strong commitment to removing obstacles and expanding economic cooperation between the two nations, while President Tebboune of Algeria has shown eagerness to further strengthen collaboration in diverse areas.
The historical ties and shared values between Iran and Algeria have laid a solid foundation for multifaceted cooperation. As both nations seek to advance their interests and contribute to a just world order, their partnership is poised to thrive and bring about mutual benefits for their people.
