Forging Bilateral Bonds: Moscow’s Diplomatic Endeavor to Establish the Russian House in Algeria
BY: Hana Saada
Algiers- August 20, 2023– In a move that underscores the deepening strategic partnership between Russia and Algeria, the foreign cooperation agency Rossotrudnichestvo, also known as the Russian House, is actively negotiating the establishment of a representative office in Algeria. This initiative comes as a result of talks held in June between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, during which a declaration on enhanced strategic cooperation was signed, paving the way for increased collaboration in various spheres.
Rossotrudnichestvo’s Deputy Head, Pavel Shevtsov, recently shared insights with Sputnik regarding the agency’s plans for a representative office in Algeria. He stated that the North African nation has shown enthusiastic support for this endeavor, expressing a strong willingness to host the center. “We are currently conducting active talks on the matter with Algeria. It is the country where we are interested in opening the Rossotrudnichestvo center,” Shevtsov affirmed. He further emphasized that Algeria’s positive attitude and readiness to establish the office underscore the mutual commitment to fostering deeper ties between the two nations.
The groundwork for this significant step was laid during the talks between Presidents Tebboune and Putin in Moscow earlier this summer. The signing of a joint declaration highlighted the shared commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation. The Declaration on Enhanced Strategic Cooperation between Russia and Algeria outlines a comprehensive framework for collaboration in multiple sectors.
Notably, the declaration underscores the intention to develop direct contacts between national financial and banking institutions of both countries. This move is aimed at fostering stronger economic ties and promoting cooperation that encourages the use of national currencies in trade transactions. By creating secure and independent cross-border banking channels, Russia and Algeria seek to streamline trade processes while enhancing financial stability.
President Putin lauded the declaration as a pivotal moment in the history of the bilateral relationship between Russia and Algeria, one that would usher in a new era of advanced cooperation. The scope of collaboration outlined in the declaration encompasses various facets, including energy, infrastructure development, technology transfer, cultural exchange, and educational partnerships.
The prospective establishment of the Russian House in Algeria aligns perfectly with the broader vision of deepening ties and promoting cultural exchange. This move has the potential to facilitate people-to-people connections, educational interactions, and artistic collaborations, fostering a greater understanding between the citizens of both nations.
