War in Ukraine: Algerian President Tebboune Takes Charge of Mediation Efforts
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Algeria has emerged as a key player in mediating the ongoing Ukrainian-Russian conflict, following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s acceptance of the Algerian proposal. With renewed vigor and credibility on the international stage, Algerian diplomacy has been actively engaging with various countries, particularly in Europe, to facilitate an end to the year-and-a-half-long war.
Last week, Algeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Ahmed Attaf, embarked on a successful diplomatic tour, visiting three “friendly” nations—Italy, Serbia, and Germany. Building upon this progress, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune himself is now poised to intensify Algeria’s efforts to resolve the Ukrainian-Russian crisis.
In two press releases issued by the Presidency of the Republic, it was revealed that President Tebboune is scheduled to meet with the Presidents of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and Italy, Sergio Mattarella. High on the agenda will be discussions surrounding the Russian-Ukrainian file. During a recent telephone conversation with his Portuguese counterpart, President Tebboune highlighted the need to bolster bilateral relations in various domains, while also emphasizing Algerian mediation in the Ukrainian-Russian dossier.
The press release further disclosed that President Tebboune and President De Sousa have agreed to arrange a future meeting, the date of which will be determined later. Additionally, President Tebboune engaged in a telephone conversation with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, during which they discussed the robust and deep bilateral ties between Algeria and Italy. The press release highlighted the possibility of President Tebboune attending two important meetings in Italy in July and November. Both leaders also reviewed regional and international issues of mutual interest, focusing on the stability of the region and Algeria’s mediation in the Ukrainian-Russian conflict.
It is worth noting that President Tebboune proposed Algerian mediation during his state visit to Russia in mid-June. In a joint statement, he expressed gratitude to President Putin for accepting Algeria’s involvement in mediating the conflict, reaffirming Algeria’s commitment to fulfilling this entrusted role. President Putin, in turn, expressed appreciation to Algeria and President Tebboune for their willingness to contribute to resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
With Russia’s confidence in Algeria’s mediation efforts, the country possesses a strong advantage in the ongoing process. Furthermore, Algeria benefits from the support of a wide network of friendly nations, both within and outside of Europe, which can serve as instrumental allies in ensuring the success of Algerian mediation.
As President Tebboune assumes the mantle of mediation in the Ukrainian-Russian conflict, hopes for a peaceful resolution are high. The international community eagerly awaits further developments, anticipating that Algeria’s diplomatic prowess will contribute to ending the protracted war and restoring stability in the region.
