Russia Supports Western Sahara Self-Determination, Algerian Partnership

Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed Algeria as a strategic partner to Russia and expressed the country's support for a resolution of the Western Sahara issue. This declaration was made in Moscow on Thursday, October 29, during the visit of Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb. Prime Minister Ghrieb represented President Abdelmadjid Tebboune at various international engagements in Moscow, including conveying a message from the President at the 8th Summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), which was organized in Moscow on October 27.

President Putin underscored Russia's backing for a solution to the Western Sahara question that is founded on the Charter of the United Nations and the right to self-determination. This position aligns with the long-standing UN reference framework for addressing the diplomatic matter. The Russian President's remarks highlight a consistent approach to the issue on the international stage.

During the GECF summit, President Tebboune's message, conveyed by Prime Minister Ghrieb, emphasized Algeria's commitment to enhancing cooperation with Russia and other African nations. The message advocated for partnerships built on mutual respect, equality, and a focus on the developmental priorities of the African continent. It also reiterated Algeria's significant role as a gas producer and supplier, outlining projects such as the Trans-Saharan gas pipeline and the SoutH2 corridor for hydrogen development, designed to strengthen its energy capacities and international market access. These discussions collectively illustrate the multi-faceted nature of the cooperation between Algiers and Moscow, spanning political, energy, and international diplomatic domains.