Algeria seeks an ally to replace Spain
This week began with a state visit by the Algerian president, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to Portugal in search of a new alliance on the Iberian peninsula after the diplomatic crisis that has existed for almost a year with Spain. The Algerian president was accompanied by a large delegation of members of the government and directors of government economic institutions. The two sides hope to conclude agreements in the energy sector, economic cooperation, migration and trade. The Portuguese Foreign Minister, Augusto Santos Silva, considers it "important to maintain bilateral relations with Algeria, particularly with regard to energy supplies", since the Portuguese also receive Algerian gas. Lisbon will undoubtedly take advantage of the 'vacuum' left by Madrid's change of position on Western Sahara in favour of Morocco.
In June 2022 Algiers unilaterally broke the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation with Spain because 'the attitude of the Spanish government was contrary to the international legitimacy imposed by its status as an administering power and to the efforts of the United Nations and contributes directly to the degradation of the situation in Western Sahara', Algiers declared in a communiqué after Spain communicated its support for Morocco's autonomy plan. This reduced cooperation between the two nations by more than 80% compared to previous years, with Spain estimating numerous losses in its export companies at 733 million euros. For its part, Algerian trade was affected in terms of supplying the local market, which resulted in higher prices and a search for new suppliers.
Despite the fact that in July 2022 the Professional Association of Banks and Financial Institutions reported that "the precautionary measures with respect to Spain at the commercial level were no longer necessary", the relationship has not been the same. However, Algerian experts hope that the legislative and local elections, scheduled for the end of May, will bring about a change in Spain's position, although in the meantime they emphasise the improvement of relations with Portugal.
Lisbon has more than 80 companies on Algerian territory, so it will take advantage of the coolness between Madrid and Algiers, but without taking positions that could jeopardise its relations with Morocco. The Portuguese are trying to be neutral and not position themselves in favour of one state or the other, reiterating their support for the UN-run Western Sahara process. However, just a fortnight ago, the meeting 'Morocco and Portugal: Confirmation of an Exemplary Strategic Partnership' took place, where both countries signed a series of agreements aimed at favouring bilateral political dialogue. This is another reason that has motivated the Algerians to improve ties so as not to encourage the Portuguese to move closer to the Alawite kingdom, their great regional rival.