The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, is due to travel tomorrow, 26 March, to Algeria, where he will hold a working meeting with his counterpart, Ahmed Attaf, with the aim of conducting a comprehensive review of the main issues in relations between the two countries and giving fresh impetus to the bilateral agenda, as well as addressing the international situation.
On the first day of the trip, which will take place in Algiers, in addition to meeting his counterpart Ahmed Attaf, Minister Albares is scheduled to hold a meeting with the Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab. In 2025, for the third consecutive year, Algeria was Spain’s leading supplier of natural gas.
In the Algerian capital, Albares will also meet with Spanish companies established in the country to gain first-hand insight into their experience and activities. Trade relations, which constitute another fundamental pillar of the bilateral relationship, have experienced strong growth over the last two years. In 2025, Spain exported goods worth €2.133 billion to Algeria, representing a 270% increase compared to 2024.
In addition to the political and economic-business aspects, the visit will have a significant human and cultural dimension. On 27 March, the second day of the visit, which will take place in Oran, the Minister for Foreign Affairs will preside over the official opening of the Cervantes Institute in the city. These close human and historical ties reflect the growing interest in the Spanish language and culture. It is estimated that some 40,000 Algerian pupils are currently studying Spanish within the country’s formal education system (primary and secondary education) and some 3,500 at university.
The Minister plans to conclude the visit with a ceremony commemorating the historical and democratic legacy of the Republican exile, held before the monument dedicated to the British merchant ship Standbrook in Oran.
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