Lead

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez arrived in Algiers on Monday for his first visit to Algeria in four years, a signal that the two countries are working to mend relations after a dispute over Western Sahara. Sánchez told reporters the visit held "particular importance" for Spain, which regards Algeria as "not only a neighbouring country but also a strategic partner," according to coverage by Africa News and France 24 — English.

Coverage

Both Africa News and France 24 — English reported that Sánchez travelled with senior Spanish energy executives, underlining Algeria's role as Spain's largest supplier of natural gas this year. Their accounts highlighted the economic focus of the visit, including discussions on energy, investment, migration, and the Western Sahara dossier. The two outlets also noted that ties had soured in 2022 when Spain backed Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, reversing decades of neutrality on the issue.

Key Claims

  • Sánchez described Algeria as a strategic partner and said the visit was essential for strengthening political dialogue and building a "mutually beneficial economic partnership."
  • Algeria is Spain's largest supplier of natural gas this year, according to both sources.
  • Talks covered energy, investment, migration, and the Western Sahara dispute, as confirmed by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in a news conference.
  • In 2022, Algeria suspended a friendship treaty with Spain, recalled its ambassador, and froze banking operations linked to trade after Madrid supported Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara.
  • Algeria restored commercial ties last year and reactivated the friendship treaty in March this year, as noted by both reports.
At the news conference, President Tebboune described the talks as "fruitful" and "frank," saying the visit gave bilateral ties "new impetus." Sánchez and his delegation emphasized the need to strengthen political dialogue and economic cooperation. The visit, the first in four years, signals a gradual re-invigoration of a relationship that had been strained by the Western Saharan issue.