A fresh chapter in Algerian-Spanish relations opened officially as President Abdelmadjid Tebboune hosted Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares day before this Friday to confirm the full restoration of bilateral ties.
The headline from the meeting: reactivation of the 2002 Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborliness, and Cooperation, originally signed in October 2002 and suspended in June 2022. This accord will now anchor exchanges between the two nations.
The discussion highlighted a “striking momentum” in strengthening Algiers-Madrid bonds. Far beyond symbolism, the treaty’s revival restores a foundational framework built on key pillars.
First, routine political dialogue, including an annual high-level meeting (HLM) chaired by the prime ministers and regular foreign ministry consultations.
Economic and financial collaboration drives direct investments and joint ventures, especially in energy, water, and infrastructure. Security and defense feature prominently, with commitments to joint action against terrorism, organized crime, and illegal migration—while upholding each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Cultural and human exchanges round out the pillars, boosting university, scientific, and technical ties to deepen civil society connections.
In a statement after his audience with President Tebboune, Mr. Albares said his Algiers visit “once again affirms the privileged nature of our ties with Algeria, a neighbor with whom we share deep bonds.”
“Algeria is a strategic partner and, above all, a friend with whom we maintain human connections and shared interests, particularly in securing the future and stability of the Mediterranean and Africa,” he added, thanking hosts for their “warm welcome and hospitality.”
On economics, Albares hailed the “outstanding” bilateral relations, marked by a “sharp rise” and “steady annual growth” in trade.
“In 2025, exchange volume hit 8.5 billion euros,” he noted, adding that Spanish exports to Algeria “tripled last year from the prior one.”
Highlighting the “vigor” of economic ties, he pointed to over 100 Spanish firms operating in Algeria and announced a Thursday evening meeting with their leaders to “sustain this momentum.”
The treaty’s revival ends a diplomatic chill and signals accelerated trade, especially in energy where Algeria remains a vital partner for the Iberian Peninsula. Next up: an imminent high-level meeting (HLM) in Algiers with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.