Algerian Radio
The Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the National Community Abroad, and African Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Attaf, highlighted on Sunday Algeria's commitment, under the leadership of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to strengthening joint African action.
In a speech delivered during the celebration of World Africa Day at the Ministry's headquarters, Mr. Attaf stated that this event is an opportunity to "recall the political, strategic, and civilizational project uniting African states and peoples since the creation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), based on liberation, the building of nation-states, and the strengthening of the continent's position as a partner, initiator, and responsible actor on the international stage, enjoying the same rights and duties as others."
The Minister indicated that the renewal of Algeria's African policy has been embodied through the dynamic injected by the President of the Republic into Algerian diplomacy in its African dimension, at the bilateral, regional, and continental levels.
In this context, he specified that the number of Algerian embassies accredited to African countries has increased from 29 to 38, following the opening of 9 new embassies in recent years. He also recalled the opening of four (4) new embassies by African countries in Algiers, while four (4) other countries are preparing to do the same.
Regarding air connectivity, Mr. Attaf highlighted the expansion of the Air Algérie network across the African continent, with the number of destinations growing from "only a few routes to 12 currently, with the goal of reaching 20 routes in the near future."
In the field of human resources development, the Minister noted that Algeria has increased its annual contribution to training the continent's youth, rising from 5,000 to 8,000 scholarships per year, covering higher education, vocational training, and technical internships.
On the economic front, the Minister underscored Algeria's commitment, "out of conviction," to efforts aimed at achieving continental economic integration. This is notably seen through major structural projects such as the Trans-Saharan Highway, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline project, and the study on extending the Algerian railway network to the Sahel countries.
He also highlighted Algeria's contribution to increasing the volume of intra-African trade, recalling that the 4th edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), organized in Algeria, resulted in the conclusion of contracts worth a total of $23 billion.
Politically and in terms of security, Mr. Attaf reaffirmed "Algeria's attachment to the founding principles of joint African action, chief among them the right of peoples to self-determination, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and the primacy of political and diplomatic solutions."
Regarding the Western Sahara issue, he indicated that the latest developments in this file "confirm the relevance of what Algeria has constantly called for over the past five decades, namely the holding of direct negotiations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Polisario Front." He welcomed, in this regard, the negotiation process launched earlier this year under the joint auspices of the United Nations and the United States of America.
In this respect, he expressed Algeria's hope to see these negotiations lead to a "just, lasting, and definitive" solution guaranteeing the Sahrawi people their right to self-determination, in accordance with United Nations resolutions.
Concerning Libya, the Minister reaffirmed Algeria's support for the efforts deployed by the United Nations to advance the political settlement process, emphasizing "the need for various international initiatives to contribute to supporting UN efforts."
Evoking the situation in the Sahel, particularly in Mali, Mr. Attaf called on all parties to "prioritize the logic of dialogue and the approach of a consensual and inclusive political settlement, capable of preserving the unity and territorial integrity of Mali."
He also reiterated "Algeria's support for the unity and territorial integrity of Somalia," while condemning the opening by "Somaliland" of a purported embassy in occupied Al-Quds.
Regarding the situation in Sudan, the Minister called for reason to prevail and for a show of responsibility in order to restore security and peace and preserve Sudan's unity, stressing that ending foreign interference is "an absolute requirement."
Addressing the Palestinian issue, Mr. Attaf denounced "the crimes committed by the Israeli occupation authority in Gaza and the West Bank," considering that these are part of a project aimed at eradicating any prospect of establishing a Palestinian state.
Furthermore, the Minister welcomed the steps aimed at consolidating the ceasefire in the Gulf and praised Pakistani mediation, while reaffirming Algeria's solidarity with Arab countries affected by the repercussions of the crisis.
Concluding his speech, the Minister welcomed the African Union's choice of water resource sustainability as the central theme for 2026, considering that "such a choice effectively reflects a growing awareness that the water issue is no longer just an environmental or developmental challenge, but a matter closely linked to peace, security, and stability in Africa and around the entire world."
