The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, advocated, on Monday 13 March at the end of a two-day visit to Algiers, for a strengthening of the partnership between the EU and Algeria.
“We already cooperate a lot, closely, in sectors that are of common interest, and I am (in Algeria) to discuss the best way to advance our relationship, to do more together, making the most of all the potentials of this relationship which is cultural, political and economic”, he explained in a statement to the media.
Mr Borrell spoke about trade relations between the EU and Algeria, recalling that trade with the Member States represented 56% of the country’s exports and 43% of its imports. He hoped that solutions would be found to end the current trade limitations, citing the barriers introduced since June 2022 to trade with Spain and the constraints on European investment. According to Mr Borrell, this has “a direct impact on the implementation of the Association Agreement“. “Finding a solution to all this is in our common interest”, he said.
The High Representative also explained that the EU and Algeria wanted to develop their energy relationship - 90% of Algerian gas exports go to Europe - by favouring European investments in the renewable energy sector, in which the country has enormous potential, according to him.
The head of European diplomacy announced, as well, an agreement with his Algerian partners to relaunch the high-level dialogue on security. The first meetings are expected to be held before the end of the year. “Algeria is a trusted partner and a key actor against terrorism in our common neighbourhood”, the High Representative stressed. He added: “We want to develop a global and strategic view of threats, support security actions and join efforts to support stability” in their common neighbourhood, in particular the Sahel.
The High Representative also expressed his belief in the need to strengthen cooperation in the fight against corruption and money laundering. Mr Borrell also stressed the Algerian government’s willingness to work on ill-gotten assets.
The head of European diplomacy also welcomed Algeria’s election to the UN Human Rights Council, recalling that membership of the Council carries particular responsibilities for the protection of human rights, including fundamental rights such as freedom of the press and expression.
During his trip, the High Representative also discussed the situation in the Maghreb, the instability in the Sahel region and in the Gulf of Guinea, the Near East peace process and the violence in the region, as well as the war in Ukraine. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)