Algeria and Belgium are exploring avenues to strengthen their partnership in the healthcare sector. Minister of Health, Professor Mohamed Sidik Ait Mesoudane, received the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Algeria, John-Jacques Kiria, at the ministry headquarters on Monday. Senior officials from the central administration were also present at the meeting.
Discussions focused on bolstering health cooperation between the two nations. Both parties acknowledged the friendly and distinguished relations between Algeria and Belgium, rooted in mutual respect and shared benefit. They also highlighted the humanitarian and historical dimensions of this relationship. The Minister recalled Belgium’s solidarity during the Algerian liberation revolution and its support for the Algerian people’s right to freedom and independence.
Ambassador Kiria used the meeting to discuss ways to enhance institutional cooperation. This includes launching twinning projects between Belgian institutions and the National Institute of Public Health, as well as the National School of Management and Health Administration. The possibility of signing a cooperation agreement and establishing a joint committee in 2026 was also explored.
The Minister proposed expanding cooperation to include vital specialties such as pediatric cardiac surgery. He emphasized Algeria’s health policy of caring for this vulnerable population, while leveraging European expertise in the field. He also referenced the policy of establishing hospital centers as health hubs and developing the capabilities of medical and paramedical staff, in line with the directives of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to identify key points for studying ways to enhance joint cooperation. This will be achieved through both in-person and virtual meetings, paving the way for the signing of a memorandum of understanding to strengthen the Algerian-Belgian partnership in the health sector.
This partnership aims to improve healthcare outcomes and knowledge sharing between Algeria and Belgium. Further details will be released as they become available.
