Spain and Algeria restart diplomatic dialogue as energy ties deepen
The Spanish Prime Minister met President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to discuss energy cooperation, investment, and political stability, signalling a thaw in ties after Algeria suspended a key friendship treaty in 2022.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has visited Algeria for the first time in four years, initiating a high-level diplomatic effort to mend relations that were severely strained by Madrid’s shift in policy regarding Western Sahara. Accompanied by senior energy executives, Sanchez met President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Algiers to discuss deepening political dialogue, energy cooperation, and investment frameworks.
The visit underscores Spain’s recognition of Algeria as a strategic partner, particularly given that Algeria is currently the country’s largest supplier of natural gas. Sanchez told reporters that the trip held particular importance for Spain, noting that the two nations are working to build a mutually beneficial economic partnership. The presence of energy sector leaders highlights the commercial imperative driving the diplomatic reset, with discussions focusing on encouraging Spanish companies to invest in Algeria.
Diplomatic ties between the two nations deteriorated significantly in 2022 when Spain abandoned its decades-long neutral stance on Western Sahara and backed Morocco’s sovereignty claim. This policy reversal angered Algiers, which supports the pro-independence Polisario Front. In response, Algeria suspended a 2002 friendship treaty, recalled its ambassador, and froze banking operations linked to trade with Madrid.
The process of normalisation began last year when Algeria reactivated the suspended treaty, a move formally announced in March this year. During Monday’s press conference, President Tebboune described the talks with Sanchez as fruitful and frank, stating that the visit gave bilateral relations a new impetus. The leaders addressed a range of issues, including migration, energy security, and the ongoing Western Sahara conflict.
Sanchez emphasised the necessity of strengthening political dialogue between the two governments. The meeting represents a significant step in restoring stability to the relationship, moving beyond the diplomatic freeze that characterised the period following Spain’s 2022 policy shift. Both leaders indicated that the foundation has been laid for continued cooperation across political and economic spheres.
