Algiers – The Tunisian Minister of Defense has firmly stated that military cooperation with Algeria is a strategic imperative, dismissing recent speculation surrounding the defense agreement between the two nations.
Minister Khaled Esseheli addressed parliament during a general debate on the national defense budget for 2026, clarifying that the recently signed agreement is not a new pact but rather an evolution of an existing agreement dating back to 2001. He emphasized that this update responds to the rapidly changing security landscape in the region.
“Our defense partnership with Algeria is purely strategic, serving regional security and stability, and carries no political or partisan dimension,” the Minister asserted.
The updated agreement aims to bolster the capabilities of both countries in countering terrorism, organized crime, and securing their shared borders. It focuses on enhanced coordination in training, information sharing, and field operations.
Ibrahim Boudarbala, Speaker of the Tunisian Parliament, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, affirming that the agreement aligns with the constitution and the Maghreb orientation enshrined within it. He stressed the importance of conveying a clear message, both domestically and internationally, that Tunisian-Algerian cooperation is rooted in national sovereignty and strategic vision, not external dictates.
These statements come in response to campaigns by certain political and regional actors who have attempted to portray the military agreement as an alignment with a specific axis in the region. Observers believe the firm stance taken by the Tunisian government aims to put an end to such interpretations and reaffirm the strategic importance of its cooperation with Algeria.
The agreement, signed during Minister Esseheli’s visit to Algeria last month, seeks to expand cooperation in training, information exchange, and field coordination, particularly in counter-terrorism efforts and border security enhancement.
