Algeria and Spain Aim to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation Amid Renewed Ties
ALGIERS / ISTANBUL – Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf met with Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares in Algiers on Thursday to explore ways to enhance bilateral cooperation. The meeting reflects improving relations between the two countries following a diplomatic dispute in 2022.
Key Areas of Cooperation
During the talks, the two ministers highlighted growing collaboration in the energy sector and other economic areas. Both Attaf and Albares expressed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation to generate further benefits for Algeria and Spain.
The ministers also discussed regional and international developments, focusing on the Middle East, the Sahel region, and Mediterranean affairs.
Context of Diplomatic Tensions
The visit underscores the progress in overcoming the diplomatic rift that began in 2022, when Algeria withdrew its ambassador from Madrid and suspended economic ties after Spain supported Morocco’s proposal for autonomy in Western Sahara.
This marks the second high-level Spanish visit to Algeria since the dispute. Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska visited Algeria in October 2025.
Western Sahara Issue
The Western Sahara conflict remains a long-standing source of tension between Algeria and Morocco. Morocco advocates for extensive autonomy for Western Sahara under its sovereignty, while the Polisario Front demands a referendum on self-determination, a position supported by Algeria, which also hosts refugees from the region.
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