Algerian Prime Minister Ahnir Arabawi appeared to implore Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to visit Algeria, despite previously issuing threats of economic sanctions against Madrid for supporting the Moroccan autonomy initiative regarding Western Sahara.
In a recently circulated video, Arabawi emphasized the need for Sánchez’s visit to strengthen bilateral relations, noting that such a visit reflects the wishes of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
The relationship between Algeria and Spain deteriorated significantly in 2021 when Algeria suspended its friendship treaty with Spain in protest of Madrid’s support for Morocco in the Sahara issue. The diplomatic crisis intensified in 2022 when Spain publicly endorsed the Moroccan autonomy plan for the region, which Algeria viewed as a violation of its ongoing commitment to support the self-determination of the Sahrawi people.
During the crisis, Algerian media hinted at potential economic sanctions against Spain, threatening to limit business activities and gas supplies. Facing difficulty in shifting Spain’s stance, Algeria has now chosen to accept the situation and is attempting to leverage economic factors in hopes of persuading Madrid to reconsider its position on the Sahara issue, which remains a priority for Algerian diplomacy.
Source
