Algeria redirecting its foreign policy towards middle east
Algeria is redirecting its foreign policy towards the Middle East in an effort to strengthen its communication and relationship with countries in the region. The country has long been apathetic towards its relationship with Arab nations, leaving it isolated. Recently Algeria also formally applied to join the BRICS block.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has received an invitation to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which represents an opportunity to strengthen relations between the two countries and to boost Algeria’s relations with countries in the Middle East and Gulf region. Additionally, the head of the Saudi Shura Council visited Algeria to strengthen bilateral relations and praised the country’s efforts to support Arab causes, particularly the Palestinian cause.
The visit is seen as a positive step towards overcoming apathy in bilateral relations, following Algeria’s exclusion from the Jeddah meeting to discuss Syria’s membership of the Arab League, which annoyed the North African country.
The Algerian Army is also taking steps to strengthen military cooperation with Middle Eastern countries. Morocco and Algeria are currently involved in an arms race and their foreign ties are means to secure contract and build alliances. The Chief of Staff of the Algerian Army, Said Chengriha, received the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces on a working visit to Algeria with a large military delegation.
Algeria’s efforts to strengthen its relationship with Middle Eastern countries are also focused on energy issues. Recently, the Algerian government expressed its willingness to address the oil and gas needs of Jordan and Syria, paving the way for the return of warmth in Algeria’s relations with Middle Eastern countries.
Algeria’s change in strategy and redirection of its foreign policy towards the Middle East is significant given the security challenges faced by the region.
