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On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with his Algerian counterpart Abdelmajid Tebboune, during which the heads of state addressed the development of bilateral strategic cooperation in various fields.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboun signed a declaration on an in-depth strategic partnership of the two countries following talks at the Kremlin.
The declaration suggests deepening military cooperation, exchange of experience in the areas of energy and food security, increasing the number of direct flights between the countries, as well as cooperation in exploration and production of hydrocarbons and petrochemicals.
In addition, Algeria and Russia have agreed to cooperate in the development of nuclear technology, to promote the study of the languages of the two countries, and to exchange intelligence and information about threats to national security, as follows from the declaration, published on the Kremlin’s website.
The adoption of the declaration will mark the beginning of a new, even more advanced stage of bilateral relations, the Russian president pointed out.
Along with the declaration, the heads of state signed a number of other joint documents, including a convention on mutual extradition, as well as an agreement on cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.
According to Putin, the signing of a solid package of interstate, intergovernmental, and interdepartmental documents testifies to the productivity of the talks.
The Russian leader also called on the countries to more intensively apply the practice of settlements in national currencies, as this would secure the economies of the two countries.
“Of course, it is important to work together to expand the practice of settlements between our countries in national currencies, which will make it possible to secure countertrade from the influence of third countries and the negative situation in the world currency markets,” Putin stressed.
According to the Russian leader, relations with Algeria are of special importance to Russia and are of a strategic nature, and interaction is multidimensional and has considerable potential for further development.
The Russian head of state also called Algeria a major partner of Russia in the Arab world and Africa.
“Algeria is a key partner for us in the Arab world and Africa. Russian-Algerian relations are truly constructive and mutually beneficial, based on respect and consideration of each other’s interests, and continue to develop steadily in a spirit of friendship and mutual support,” Putin said.
Apart from that, the Russian president invited the Algerian leader to the Russia-Africa Summit.
“Looking ahead, we will be glad to see you in St. Petersburg at the end of July for the second Russia-Africa summit,” Putin remarked.
The talks also covered the situation in Ukraine, Libya, Sudan, Western Sahara, as well as the Palestinian-Israeli settlement.
Putin added that he had explained to Tebboune the Russian understanding of the key reasons for the conflict in Ukraine and an assessment of the current situation.
In addition, the Russian president thanked his Algerian counterpart for his willingness to mediate on the situation in Ukraine.
For his part, the president of Algeria noted that pressure from foreign states will not affect Algeria’s relations with Russia.
Putin concluded that Russia’s contacts with African countries are as intense as ever.
“I would like to mention separately that this year can really be described as a special one for the development of Russia’s relations with the African continent. Our contacts with African countries are as intense as ever,” the Russian head of state said.
Abdelmajid Tebbune arrived in Moscow on June 13, where he held talks with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and with the chairmen of the Russian parliamentary chambers, in addition to joining in the Russian-Algerian business forum.
Algeria is one of Moscow’s three biggest trading partners in Africa. In 2022, bilateral trade turnover totaled $1.7 billion, and in January-March 2023, it grew by 73.7%, said Yuri Ushakov, aide to the Russian president.
