The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement: “At the beginning of his official visit to the Russian city of Sochi to participate in the work of the first session of the Ministerial Conference for the African-Russian Partnership, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf, yesterday held bilateral talks with his Russian counterpart, Mr. Sergey Lavrov.”
The statement added: “The meeting allowed for a review of the reality and prospects of the strategic partnership relations between Algeria and Russia, within the framework of following up on the implementation of the outcomes of the state visit made by the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to Russia in June 2023 and the results of his talks with the President of the Russian Federation, Mr. Vladimir Putin.”
The Algerian Foreign Ministry indicated in its statement that “the two parties exchanged views on the most important issues raised at the regional and international levels, especially developments in the situation in the Middle East and Sahel Sahel regions.”
The Algerian Foreign Minister arrived, earlier yesterday, Friday, in the Russian city of Sochi, to participate in the work of the first session of the Ministerial Conference for the African-Russian Partnership, scheduled to be held on November 9 and 10.
In mid-June 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune held talks in the Kremlin and signed a declaration regarding the deep strategic partnership between the two countries.
The package of documents included a declaration on strengthening strategic cooperation between Russia and Algeria, which President Putin said would “open a new, more advanced phase” in bilateral relations between the two countries.
In the announcement, the two presidents pledged to develop direct communications between their national financial and banking institutions, and to enhance cooperation aimed at increasing reliance on national currencies in trade, and creating banking channels for safe and independent cross-border transactions.
It is noteworthy that the ministerial conference, which will be held on November 9 and 10 in Sochi, is expected to continue developing the decisions of the second Russian-African summit, which was held in the summer of 2023 in St. Petersburg.
The foreign ministers of the Russian Federation and the countries of the African continent, the African Union Commission, as well as the executive bodies are scheduled to meet in the Russian city of Sochi.
Source: RT
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**Interview with Dr. Leila Benali, Middle Eastern and North African Affairs Expert**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Benali. Let’s start with the recent meeting between Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Sochi. What does this meeting signify for the relationship between Algeria and Russia?
**Dr. Benali**: Thank you for having me. The meeting is quite significant as it highlights the ongoing efforts by both countries to strengthen their strategic partnership. Since President Tebboune’s visit to Russia last June, there has been a clear intention to deepen bilateral relations, and such high-level discussions signal that commitment.
**Interviewer**: The statement from the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentions a review of the realities and prospects for this partnership. What are some of the key areas where Algeria and Russia are likely to cooperate further?
**Dr. Benali**: They are likely to focus on several key areas: energy cooperation, defense collaboration, and trade enhancement. Russia is an important partner for Algeria in terms of defense procurement, and they also have significant energy interests, especially in oil and gas, which is critical for Algeria’s economy. Additionally, they may look into expanding trade relations beyond the traditional sectors.
**Interviewer**: The statement also indicates that they addressed regional issues during their discussions. Can you elaborate on what these regional issues might be?
**Dr. Benali**: Certainly. Both countries are likely to be concerned about conflicts and stability in the Sahel region, the situation in Libya, and broader continental security challenges. By collaborating on these issues, Algeria can leverage its position within the African Union, while Russia may see this as an opportunity to expand its influence on the continent.
**Interviewer**: How do you see the future of the Algerian-Russian partnership evolving in light of current global geopolitical dynamics?
**Dr. Benali**: Given the shifting geopolitical landscape, particularly with Western sanctions on Russia and growing relations between Russia and some African countries, I believe that Algeria’s relationship with Russia will get stronger. Russia is looking for allies who can balance Western influence, and Algeria fits that role. We can expect enhanced cooperation, although it will depend on how both nations navigate their own internal and external challenges.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Benali, for your insights on this important diplomatic development.
**Dr. Benali**: Thank you for having me. It’s a fascinating topic with implications that extend well beyond bilateral relations.
