Leaders aim to rebuild relations after diplomatic dispute over Western Sahara
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for stronger ties with Algeria as both countries work to repair relations following a major diplomatic dispute over Western Sahara.
During his first visit to Algiers in four years, Sánchez described Algeria as a strategic partner and highlighted the country’s importance as Spain’s largest supplier of natural gas this year.
The Spanish leader arrived with senior energy executives, signalling a focus on strengthening cooperation in energy, trade and investment.
Energy cooperation at centre of talks
Sánchez said Spain wants to deepen economic links with Algeria and expand political dialogue between the two countries.
Energy remains a key area of cooperation, with Algeria playing a crucial role in supplying natural gas to Spain amid wider global energy challenges.
The Spanish prime minister said closer cooperation would benefit both nations and help create new opportunities for businesses and investors.
Algeria welcomes renewed dialogue
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune described discussions with Sánchez as productive, saying the two sides addressed important issues including energy, investment, migration and Western Sahara.
The meeting marked another step in efforts by both governments to move beyond recent tensions and restore a stronger partnership.
Diplomatic dispute over Western Sahara
Relations between Spain and Algeria deteriorated in 2022 after Madrid shifted its position on Western Sahara and backed Morocco’s autonomy proposal for the disputed territory.
The decision angered Algeria, which supports the Polisario Front’s call for independence in Western Sahara.
Following Spain’s policy change, Algeria suspended a friendship treaty with Spain and introduced restrictions on trade between the two countries.
However, both sides have gradually worked to repair relations, with the friendship treaty being reactivated earlier this year.
A new chapter for bilateral relations
The latest meeting signals a willingness from both governments to reopen cooperation after years of diplomatic strain.
Analysts say rebuilding trust will depend on progress in areas such as energy security, migration management and continued discussions over Western Sahara.
For Spain, maintaining a strong relationship with Algeria is strategically important because of the country’s role as a major energy supplier.
For Algeria, closer economic ties with Europe could provide new investment opportunities and strengthen its regional influence.
As Sánchez and Tebboune seek a fresh start, both countries appear focused on moving forward while managing the complex political issues that previously divided them.
