In a significant diplomatic move, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez arrived in Algiers on Monday for his first official visit since the two countries restored ties after a bitter dispute over Western Sahara.

The one-day trip, which comes just hours after Sanchez attended Spain’s World Cup final victory over Argentina in New York, signals a concerted effort by both nations to move beyond a diplomatic freeze that began in early 2022 and to reinforce their crucial economic and security partnership.

A Rift Over the Sahara

The breakdown in relations was triggered in March 2022 when Spain shifted its long-standing position on Western Sahara, a sparsely populated but resource-rich territory on Africa’s Atlantic coast. For nearly five decades, Madrid had maintained a neutral stance, backing UN-led peace efforts regarding the territory, which was administered by Spain until 1975.

However, in a move that stunned Algeria, Spain endorsed Morocco’s proposal for limited autonomy for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty. Morocco claims the territory as its own, while the Algeria-backed Polisario Front seeks independence and has declared the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, recognized by some African Union member states. The UN still considers Western Sahara a non-self-governing territory.

Algeria viewed Spain’s policy shift as a betrayal and responded forcefully. It recalled its ambassador, suspended a bilateral friendship treaty, and restricted parts of its trade with the country, plunging relations into one of the deepest crises in their modern history.

Why This Visit Matters Now

Despite the geographical proximity—less than 200 kilometers (125 miles) separate the two countries across the Mediterranean—the relationship is vital for reasons that go far beyond diplomacy.

Spain and Algeria are inextricably linked as close economic and security partners. Algeria is one of Spain’s primary suppliers of natural gas, providing roughly 34% of its gas imports primarily through the Medgaz pipeline and via LNG shipments. The visit underscores Madrid’s urgent need to secure and potentially grow these energy flows, a priority amplified by Europe’s search for reliable alternatives to Russian gas.

The high-level delegation accompanying Sanchez includes Deputy Prime Minister Sara Aagesen, Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, and critically, executives from four major Spanish energy companies: Repsol, Naturgy, Moeve, and Enagas. This heavy corporate presence highlights the centrality of energy cooperation to the trip’s agenda, with discussions expected to explore joint renewable and green hydrogen projects.

Beyond energy, the leaders are set to address migration, counterterrorism, and stability in North Africa and the Sahel. Spain and Algeria have worked closely in recent years to manage irregular migration flows across the western Mediterranean, a shared priority that remains a key pillar of their bilateral cooperation.

With two-way trade topping 8.5 billion euros last year and over 100 Spanish firms active in the Algerian market, the economic stakes are high. Sanchez is expected to hold talks with Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb and President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, followed by a joint statement and an official lunch.

The Spanish premier is due back in Madrid later Monday to receive his country’s triumphant World Cup-winning squad, capping a day of diplomacy that could reset the tone for a vital relationship in the Mediterranean.

Source : Anadolou Agency

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