President Tebboune Strengthens Bilateral Ties with Qatar: Promising Talks with the Emir
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In a significant move to foster stronger diplomatic relations, the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, embarked on a two-day working visit to Qatar. The visit culminated in a productive working session on Sunday between President Tebboune and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, in Doha. These talks marked a crucial step towards deepening ties between the two nations.
The meeting between President Tebboune and the Emir of Qatar exemplified the commitment of both leaders to bolstering cooperation across various sectors. The highly anticipated discussions focused on strategic partnerships, economic collaboration, and regional stability. By engaging in dialogue on these critical areas, Algeria and Qatar are poised to explore new avenues of cooperation that will bring about mutual benefits and regional progress.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1908099229569485&t=0
These talks were extended to both countries’ delegations, fostering a more inclusive and comprehensive dialogue between the nations. By involving the delegations, the discussions became enriched with diverse perspectives and expertise, ensuring a well-rounded approach to addressing the pressing issues at hand.
Algeria-Qatar: Economic Relations in Good Shape
Algeria and Qatar have solidified their economic ties through a series of strategic partnerships and investment initiatives, as highlighted during the recent visit of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to Qatar. The two nations have demonstrated a shared commitment to enhancing their economic cooperation, capitalizing on investment opportunities, and fostering mutual growth. With the implementation of favorable investment regulations, both countries have paved the way for remarkable advancements in various sectors, underscoring the exceptional nature of their economic relations.
One of the notable collaborative projects between Algeria and Qatar is the construction of the Algerian-Qatari-German hospital. In November last year, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Sheikh Tamim Ben Hamad Al-Thani jointly launched this ambitious project, which aims to build a world-class hospital adhering to international standards. With a capacity of 400 beds, the hospital will revolutionize healthcare in Algeria by providing advanced medical facilities and addressing the need for medical treatments previously requiring overseas transfers. This milestone reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance healthcare infrastructure and services.
In addition to the healthcare sector, Algeria and Qatar have signed several agreements to expand their economic cooperation. Notably, a memorandum of understanding was signed in February 2022 for the extension of the Algerian-Qatari steel company’s complex in the Bellara region (Jijel). This extension project is set to double the plant’s annual production capacity from 2 million to 4 million tons, thereby boosting the steel industry in Algeria and contributing to its economic growth.
The partnership between Algeria and Qatar has also extended to the tourism sector. In January 2022, the two nations signed a framework agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation and investment in hotel management and tourism. The agreement signifies a commitment to elevate Algerian hotels to international standards and enhance service quality. As part of this agreement, Retaj Hotels and Hospitality, a prominent Qatari company, will provide management expertise, rehabilitation support, and service improvements to Algeria’s public hotel group HTT, encompassing 73 hotels across the country. This collaboration will undoubtedly elevate Algeria’s tourism industry and enhance its appeal as a destination for global travelers.
Furthermore, Qatar’s interest in the agri-food sector has led to significant investment in dairy production in Algeria. Baladna, a renowned Qatari company specializing in dairy production and animal husbandry, has expressed keen interest in establishing a large-scale project in the wilaya of El Bayadh. The Qatari experts who visited El Bayadh expressed satisfaction and enthusiasm for the project’s implementation. Baladna aims to provide fodder and cows to expand its parent company’s business in Qatar and export milk to international markets, further bolstering Algeria’s agricultural sector and promoting economic diversification.
The Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Algeria, Abdulaziz Ali Al-Naama, emphasized the positive impact of Algeria’s new investment law on bilateral economic relations. The Qatari League of Businessmen welcomes the wealth-creating opportunities presented by this legislation, paving the way for increased investments and economic growth for both nations. The contours of Qatari investments in Algeria will continue to evolve in the coming period, fostering mutually beneficial collaborations and contributing to the economic prosperity of both countries.
The increasing presence of Qatari businessmen in Algeria signifies a growing interest in accessing the country’s production and industry market. Through successive visits, these entrepreneurs have been diligently working towards establishing the necessary arrangements to facilitate their ventures. This proactive approach is a testament to the strong determination of Qatari investors to seize opportunities in Algeria.
Notably, the Qatari diplomat highlighted several examples of successful investments already undertaken by Qatar in Algeria. One notable project is the construction of the Algerian-Qatari-German hospital, which showcases the collaboration between multiple countries to enhance healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, Qatar has made significant strides in the dairy production markets, gaining access and making its mark in this sector.
The Qatari investments extend beyond healthcare and dairy production. The Algerian-Qatari steel company has expanded its activities in the industrial zone of Bellara, demonstrating a commitment to strengthening the industrial sector in Algeria. Moreover, the Qatari diplomat emphasized that there are more investments on the horizon, particularly in areas like air and maritime transport, railways, and various other sectors. These forthcoming endeavors reflect the breadth of Qatar’s investment ambitions and their intention to contribute to Algeria’s economic growth and development.
The recent developments in economic relations between Algeria and Qatar showcase the strength and potential of their partnership. The commitment to expanding cooperation and seizing investment opportunities in various sectors highlights the shared vision for sustainable economic growth. As both nations continue to deepen their ties, the future looks promising for the advancement of Algeria-Qatar economic relations, setting the stage for mutually beneficial progress and prosperity.
