Relations between Algeria and Spain seem to be returning to normal, marked by a resumption of trade. The sign of this normalization is the imminent export of 150,000 tons of iron by the company Tosyali Algeria to Spain. This information was confirmed by the Minister of Commerce, Tayeb Zitouni.
Speaking on the public television set, the minister affirmed that Algeria was ready to strengthen its economic relations with Spain. “We are open to all requests for economic partnerships with Spain, and we offer all the necessary facilities,” Zitouni said.
This opening is mainly due to the warming of relations after Spain adopted a position described as “sovereign and courageous” about the Palestinian cause, by the principles of Algerian diplomacy, according to the minister.
Mr. Zitouni recalled that trade with Spain was previously normal, but that Algerian economic operators had often taken militant positions without explicit political directives.
“As grandsons of Larbi Ben M’hidi, Algerian operators act as activists. They take positions in favor of Palestine, even without an official decision from Algeria to stop trade with Spain,” he explained.
Zitouni stressed that Algeria could not trade and invest with a country that did not respect the principles of good neighborliness, including support for just causes in the world.
However, he noted that the resumption of trade relations with Spain, following its change of position, should intensify trade and encourage Algerian companies to increase partnerships with their Spanish counterparts.
The minister concluded by specifying that “economic diplomacy follows diplomacy” and that when relations are good, everything else follows. He reaffirmed that Algeria remains faithful to its principles, which it defends, and never gives up.
Back to the crisis between Algeria and Spain
The diplomatic crisis between Algeria and Spain was triggered in March 2022 due to the Spanish government’s decision to support the Moroccan plan for Western Sahara.
This decision led to reprisals from the Algerian authorities, with the recall of the Algerian ambassador to Madrid and the suspension of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Good Neighborliness, as well as the suspension of commercial transactions between the two countries, in June of the same year.
The diplomatic crisis between Algiers and Madrid lasted 19 months (March 2022-November 2023). The process of thawing relations between Algeria and Spain began at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2023, where Algiers and Madrid renewed contact.
The evolution of the discourse of Pedro Sánchez, head of the Spanish government, on the question of the Sahara, played a crucial role in this détente. Sánchez’s statements at the UN, pleading for a solution to the conflict in Western Sahara by the “charter of the United Nations and the resolutions of the Security Council,” were well received in Algiers.
Spain’s position in favor of the creation of a Palestinian state has also contributed to the thawing of relations, as evidenced by Pedro Sánchez’s inauguration speech calling on Israel to end the “indiscriminate killing” of Palestinians.
In November 2023, Algeria appointed a new ambassador to Spain, in the person of Abdelfetah Daghmoum.
The restoration of diplomatic relations between Algeria and Spain has paved the way for the resumption of trade relations between the two countries. Between January and February, Algeria authorized the import of poultry inputs and fresh red meat from Spain.
