Algerian Interior Minister Ibrahim Murad began an official visit to Spain on Monday, marking the first such visit since a 2022 diplomatic crisis froze high-level contact between the two nations. The crisis erupted after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez publicly backed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara in a letter to King Mohamed VI. Algeria, a staunch supporter of the Polisario Front’s push for Western Saharan self-determination, viewed this move as a betrayal and a shift in Spain’s long-standing neutral position.
The subsequent fallout led to a near cessation of trade between the two countries, with the exception of crucial natural gas exports from Algeria to Spain. This gas trade, vital for Spain’s energy needs, likely served as a key factor in prompting renewed diplomatic engagement.
Murad’s visit follows a recent meeting between the Algerian and Spanish foreign ministers at the G20 summit, signaling a thaw in relations. However, this rapprochement with Spain comes amid heightened tensions between Algeria and France. Algerian President Tebboune recently warned of an “irreparable rupture” with France, citing lingering resentment over France’s colonial past and disagreements on issues like immigration. France’s own support of the Moroccan autonomy plan has also fueled the diplomatic friction.
This complex web of relationships highlights the delicate balance Algeria must strike in its foreign policy. The renewed engagement with Spain suggests a pragmatic approach, prioritizing national interests while navigating regional rivalries. The long-term implications of this thaw for Mediterranean cooperation and stability remain to be seen.