Algerian President to visit China
Saudi signing a strategic partnership with China in 2022 paved the way for countries in the region to warm up ties with the East.
After a strategic trip to Russia, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, President of Algeria Abdelmadjid Tebboune will pay a state visit to China from 17-21 July 2023.
In his visit to Russia, Tebboune reached multiple agreements regarding issues of common concern. Russia iterated its support for Algeria regarding Western Sahara. The pair also expressed common vision for the resolution of the Palestinian snd Libyan conflicts.
More importantly, Russia discussed Algeria's membership in BRICS and committed to helping Algeria build its civilian space programme. The pair flirted with the ideas of nuclear cooperation and dedollarisation as well.
By visiting China, Tebboune is seeking to broaden his non-western alliances. Algeria is particularly concerned about Israel's presence in Morocco and its involvement in the Western Sahara issue on the side of Morocco. As Morocco rises as a hub for western and Israeli investments, Algeria is seeking to balance the power dynamic in North Africa. Algeria is also seeking Chinese investments in its mining sector alongside investments in advanced technologies. Deepening of military ties is also on the agenda.
The visit comes shortly after the Palestinian President visited China and signed a strategic partnership in a pivot away from the West. Overall, Saudi signing a strategic partnership with China in 2022 paved the way for countries in the region to warm up ties with the East.