Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf and his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares have reaffirmed the need for a just and permanent resolution to the Palestinian issue, advocating for a two-state solution as the path to lasting peace in the Middle East.
The two ministers met on Friday on the sidelines of the G20 meetings in Johannesburg, South Africa, where they also discussed strengthening bilateral ties after a period of strained relations.
According to a statement by the Algerian Foreign Ministry, both officials stressed the importance of international efforts in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and reiterated their commitment to a a two-state solution that ensures the rights of the Palestinian people.
Beyond discussions on the Palestinian issue, the meeting also marked a step towards improving diplomatic relations between Algeria and Spain. The two nations experienced a severe political crisis in 2022 after Madrid supported Morocco’s proposal for resolving the Western Sahara conflict, prompting Algeria to suspend economic and trade ties with Spain.
During the talks, Attaf and Albares explored ways to rebuild mutual trust and strengthen cooperation. The Spanish minister expressed gratitude to Algerian authorities for their role in securing the release of Spanish citizen Navarro Canada Joaquim, who was kidnapped by an armed gang and taken to northern Mali earlier this year.
Albares also reaffirmed Spain’s support for Algeria’s efforts in maintaining stability and development in the Sahel-Sahara region, recognising its strategic influence in tackling security and economic challenges in the area.
While the meeting signals a potential thaw in Algeria-Spain relations, it remains to be seen whether the two countries will fully restore their economic and diplomatic ties in the near future.
