Algeria's relationship with Arab countries has long been apathetic, leaving the country isolated. Now, the Algerian state is seeking to strengthen its communication with Arab countries, especially in the Middle East and Gulf region, as it understands that its previous approach has been costly. After a period of apathy and silent crises that have led Algeria into semi-isolation in the Middle East, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune was invited to visit the UAE. The invitation, which included a message from Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, represents an opportunity to strengthen relations between the two countries and to boost Algeria's relations with countries in the region.
In a bid to re-establish relations with Arab countries, Algeria also received a visit from the head of the Saudi Shura Council, Sheikh Abdullah bin Muhammad al-Sheikh. 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 head of the Saudi Shura Council visited Algeria to strengthen bilateral relations and praised the Maghreb country's efforts to support Arab causes, especially the Palestinian cause. During his meeting with President Tebboune, they discussed Saudi Arabia's efforts in political and economic terms, and highlighted the ongoing coordination between the two countries in this field. The visit of the head of the Saudi Shura Council to Algeria reflects a better understanding between King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. In addition, 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. During his visit, he met with General Said Chengriha, and discussed security challenges in the Arab region and the African continent. They also exchanged views on various issues of common interest and ways to enhance military cooperation between the two countries. The Algerian Ministry of Defence issued a statement on the meeting, which included the participation of the secretary general of the Ministry of National Defence, commanders of the Armed Forces, heads of departments and central directors of the General Staff of the National People's Army and the Ministry of National Defence.
The Algerian Army expressed its satisfaction with the visit of the Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces and stressed that this visit is an opportunity to consolidate military cooperation between the two countries. The visit comes in the context of bilateral relations between Algeria and Jordan, which have been strengthened in various sectors since the visit of King Abdullah II to Algeria in December 2022. Both countries agreed that the fight against security threats should be the subject of close consultation and military-security cooperation beneficial to all regional actors, and stressed the importance of objectivity and openness in these relations.
Strengthening international relations is fundamental to a country's growth and development. In this sense, the rapprochement between Algeria and Middle Eastern countries is an important step for the region and for cooperation 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. This is significant given the period of apathy that had existed between Algeria and the countries of the region, marked by Algerian-Iranian rapprochement, which had led to some tension in relations.
The fact that the Algerian government has expressed its intention to attend to the energy needs of Middle Eastern countries is a positive sign that can contribute to the strengthening of Algeria's international relations. Moreover, this cooperation in the energy field can generate important economic benefits for the country by creating new business opportunities and encouraging foreign investment.
It is important to mention that this rapprochement with Jordan and Syria comes at a time when the region is facing major security challenges, which makes it necessary for the countries to work together. In this sense, cooperation between Algeria and Middle Eastern countries can contribute significantly to the stability and security of the region.
