A meeting recently took place in Moscow between Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria Smail Benamara.
A range of topics came under discussion. These included strengthening trade and economic ties between Russia and Algeria, implementing joint infrastructure projects, and building partnerships in education and culture. Algeria’s participation in major international initiatives taking place in the Russian Federation came under focus, particularly with regards to the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and the Russia—Africa Summit and Forum. The fast-growing trade and economic ties between the two countries was also highlighted. Algeria is one of Russia’s biggest trading partners on the African continent, with trade reaching USD 3 billion last year. In addition, Russia and Algeria work together closely under OPEC+ and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum.
Anton Kobyakov congratulated Smail Benamara on his appointment as ambassador, and noted that the countries were continuing to work together more closely across a range of strategic areas: «Over the past few years, relations between our countries have continued to grow apace across all areas. This is a partnership with a long history, and one which is founded on principles of friendship and trust. A close dialogue is under way between Russia and Algeria’s ministries and government bodies. We are keen on further expanding our partnership, including with regard to joint infrastructure projects. It is also important to establish dialogue at the level of business, and we are delighted to invite members of Algeria’s business community to the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.»
One of the Forum’s guests may be Minister of Energy and Mining of Algeria Mohamed Arkab, and discussions were also held on inviting Algerian provincial leaders in order to hold meetings with Russian regional leaders with the aim of boosting interregional ties. In addition, there are plans for the 25th anniversary edition of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum to serve as a platform for the signing of a range of cooperation agreements between the Roscongress Foundation and Algerian trade and business associations. These will focus on building partnerships in organizing joint business events and exhibitions.
«Algeria is in favour of further building a comprehensive partnership with the Russian Federation. We hope that our participation in this year’s St. Petersburg International Economic Forum will enable us to identify new areas of collaboration, which could include joint investment projects. We are also focusing closely on cooperation in education and research. Our students are expressing a great deal of interest in studying at Russian universities, particularly in the fields of medicine, technology, aviation, etc.» said Smail Benamara.
These developments are of particular significance this year as Russia and Algeria mark 60 years of diplomatic ties. Plans to hold a range of Russian-Algerian themed events to coincide with this anniversary were discussed at the meeting. These included organizing an Algeria Day in Russia and a Russia Day in Algeria.
The 25th anniversary edition of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum will take place on 15–18 June 2022. Registration for media representatives is open until 13 May 2022.
