Council of Nation President Discusses Swiss Asset Recovery
Azouz Nasri, President of the Council of the Nation, recently welcomed Marion Weichelt Krupski, the Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Algeria, for a courtesy visit at the Council of the Nation headquarters. Nasri extended congratulations to Ambassador Krupski on her new appointment and commended the established friendship and mutual respect between Algeria and Switzerland. He also recalled Switzerland's historical support for Algeria during the National Liberation Revolution, emphasizing the unique historical legacy in their bilateral relations. This meeting highlighted the sustained positive dynamic in Algerian-Swiss relations over the past two years, signaling a shared resolve to elevate political dialogue and broaden cooperation.
A key point of discussion was the notable level of judicial cooperation between the two nations. President Nasri specifically praised the mutual legal assistance that has already facilitated the recovery of over $110 million in embezzled funds, which had been frozen in Switzerland. He conveyed a strong desire for this cooperation to continue and expand, particularly regarding international letters rogatory and the restitution of national assets that were illicitly transferred. This ongoing effort underscores Algeria's commitment to recovering national wealth.
Economically, Nasri presented the positive trajectory of the Algerian economy, driven by ongoing reforms and an improved business climate. He highlighted significant national projects in sectors such as rail transport, manufacturing, mining, renewable energy, and seawater desalination, which he identified as promising investment and partnership avenues for Swiss enterprises. The discussions also covered international affairs, with Nasri reaffirming Algeria's foreign policy approach rooted in dialogue, peaceful resolutions, respect for international law, and multilateral cooperation. He reiterated Algeria's unwavering support for the Palestinian people's right to an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital, and for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination. Ambassador Krupski, in turn, expressed appreciation for the "excellent" level of relations and affirmed Switzerland's commitment to their further development and enhancement. The two sides also noted their coordination as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council in 2024, particularly on humanitarian issues.
