Algeria takes a significant step towards mending relations with Spain by appointing a new ambassador, signaling the end of a 19-month diplomatic rift. Discover the implications for trade and political relations between the two nations.
Algeria to Reinstate Ambassador in Spain, Signaling End to Diplomatic Freeze
In a move that marks the thawing of a prolonged diplomatic standoff, Algeria is set to send a new ambassador to Spain, potentially concluding a 19-month period of strained relations. This development comes after Algeria withdrew its ambassador in response to Spain’s support of Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony.
The decision to re-establish diplomatic ties was preceded by a series of high-level discussions aimed at resolving the crisis. Reports suggest that the two nations are on the cusp of normalizing relations, a sentiment echoed by senior Algerian political figures.
The diplomatic tension had led Algeria to halt foreign trade in products and services with Spain and suspend a two-decade-long friendship treaty that facilitated cooperation on migration control. However, Algeria has expressed its readiness to resume trade and reinstate the treaty, contingent on Spain maintaining a neutral position on the Western Sahara dispute. The fulfillment of this condition remains unconfirmed, despite the recent moves towards diplomatic reconciliation.
Spain’s El Confidencial revealed that Algeria is prepared to fully restore diplomatic relations, a significant step since the recall of Said Moussi, the former Algerian ambassador to Spain. Moussi was later appointed as Algeria’s ambassador to France, leaving the Madrid position vacant until now.
In a strategic diplomatic reshuffle, Algeria has appointed Sabri Boukadoum, a former foreign minister, as ambassador to Washington. Concurrently, Abdel Fattah Daghmoum, previously ambassador to Guinea, has been designated as the new Algerian envoy to Madrid.
Djamal Eddine Bouabdallah, head of the Algerian-Spanish Circle of Commerce and Industry (CCIAE), attributes the breakthrough to the effective dialogue between delegations from both countries during the UN General Assembly in New York last September.
The gradual restoration of bilateral relations has been influenced by several factors, including the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s UN speech, which marked a pivotal moment for Algeria. Sanchez advocated for a “mutually acceptable political solution” to the Western Sahara issue, aligning with the UN’s efforts and continuing Spain’s support for the Sahrawi population.
The Algerian President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has noted Spain’s shift towards a more European stance on the Sahara issue, aligning with the UN’s political process to find a fair and lasting solution acceptable to all parties involved.
The diplomatic rift has inflicted substantial economic losses, estimated at around one billion euros, affecting various sectors in both countries. Despite the freeze in economic exchanges, gas supplies under long-term contracts remained unaffected.
As Algeria and Spain move towards mending their relations, the resumption of economic activities is anticipated, which could alleviate the material shortages in Algeria and benefit Spanish industries reliant on Algerian trade.
For more detailed insights and the latest updates on the evolving Spanish-Algerian relations, visit dzwatch.net.
