[REGNUM] Algerian leader Abdelmajid Tebbun confirmed that he would arrive in Russia in May at the invitation of Vladimir Putin. Relations between Moscow and a key player in North Africa are not cloudless, but there are far more questions about neighboring Morocco, which is transferring tanks to Ukraine. Boris Dolgov, a political scientist and orientalist, told REGNUM news agency about the benefits of relations with Algeria for Russia and whose competition we may face here.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboun is going to visit Moscow in May at the invitation of his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin - this visit is already included in the schedule. The Algerian leader also suggested in an interview with Al Jazeera: in the future, his country could become a mediator in resolving the Ukrainian conflict. Algeria is one of the few states that has sufficient international credibility to fulfill this function, Tebboune said.
At the end of February, Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev met with the Algerian president. He assured Tebbun that Moscow views his country as a key foreign policy partner, especially since the positions of the two countries coincide on most issues of the international and regional agenda. Earlier, on January 31, Putin spoke with the President of Algeria by phone. The presidents confirmed their readiness to work in the OPEC+ format and within the framework of the gas exporters forum.
About why it is important for Russia to maintain a good level of relations with Algeria and how this will affect our positions in the global arena, Boris Dolgov, a leading researcher at the Center for Arab and Islamic Studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, told REGNUM.
IA REGNUM: Boris Vasilyevich, let's start with a short historical digression. How have Russian-Algerian relations developed recently and at what level are they now?
Boris Dolgov: Relations between Russia and Algeria have recently, and even earlier, developed quite positively. Algeria is an Arab state friendly to Russia. This was also evident in his attitude towards the Ukrainian crisis. Of course, the official position is neutral, but Algeria has managed to maintain very good relations with Russia.
I regularly communicate with representatives of the Algerian media, and they show that we are treated with great sympathy there. Moreover, the Soviet Union played an important role in the country's struggle for independence from France, which provided Algeria with support in all areas. I was then in Algeria and saw this support with my own eyes. Up to 30,000 of our specialists helped create entire sectors of the national economy there. Now one of the areas of cooperation with Russia is military-technical.
BakuToday: But there are difficulties, aren't there?
B. D: Although they are insignificant, they, unfortunately, exist. Algeria does not quite understand Moscow's position on Algerian-Moroccan relations. We are talking about the confrontation over Western Sahara. This is a longstanding conflict that has been going on for decades. Morocco, as you know, adheres to a pro-Western orientation and follows a pro-American course. Recall, for example, the Moroccan tanks , which are now in the Czech Republic, are being modernized and then will be sent to support the Ukrainian regime. There are not so many of them (about three dozen), but still.
BakuToday: The global alignment is more or less obvious. And how interesting is North Africa in itself for Russia? Why should we strengthen ourselves in this region?
B. D: For Russia, this direction of foreign policy is very important. Algeria is the most significant state in North Africa. And the historically established friendly relations between Russia and Algeria must be developed. Algeria seriously influences the situation in North Africa, and the further policy of this Arab state is determined by its relations with Russia.
If we talk about the economic sphere, then we should not forget that Algeria is an oil-producing country, also rich in gas. In addition, an important aspect is cooperation in the field of modern technologies, for example, in nuclear energy. And here Russia could succeed.
But the main thing is the global political aspect, since not many Arab countries adhere to a friendly position towards Russia. Take, for example, the situation with the return of Syria to the League of Arab States. At the recent Arab League summit, Algeria clearly expressed its position on the need for representatives of Bashar al-Assad , although some of the Arab states opposed it. And on many other issues, Algeria takes a position close to the Russian one.
BakuToday: Algeria is a serious player in the EU gas market, the very one from which we, if not completely gone, are leaving. Will this situation, which is fraught with competition, overshadow Russian-Algerian relations?
BD: In my opinion, no. Algeria, of course, fills those niches that are freed up after Russia's departure. However, the most important thing is not competition on individual economic issues.
The global politics and national-state interests of Russia must prevail over the interests of individual Russian businessmen and companies. And in terms of geopolitics, Algeria is an important player.
BakuToday: Then a logical question - is the influence of Algeria in North Africa great?
B. D: This is the most influential country in the region when compared to Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt or Libya. Of course, all its neighbors listen to the opinion of this state. And after the departure of Algerian President Abdel Aziz Bouteflika from power and the arrival of a new leadership, the role of this country is increasing. Both in North Africa and globally.
REGNUM: Algeria is a candidate for joining the BRICS group. Should we expect that in the foreseeable future he will become a full member of this organization?
B. D: Algeria is in line to join the BRICS. How soon he will enter this alliance depends on many factors. The first, and also the most important of them, I would call the Ukrainian conflict. How it will end, what will be the result - this is the most important question for Russia's relations with many countries, including Algeria. Algeria's membership in the BRICS also depends on this.
BakuToday: If Algeria joins the BRICS, is it likely that other North African states will follow suit?
B. D: Absolutely right. Following him, not only North African, but also other Arab (and not only) countries will rush there. Syria, definitely. In addition, we can talk about the interest of Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain. And also Iran. And if all these states join the BRICS, then this will be a completely different configuration, more favorable for Russia.
BakuToday: But not only Russia, but also America and China are probably eyeing North Africa. How do you see such a confrontation between major players in this region and will Moscow outplay Washington and Beijing here?
B. D: The US and its allies are trying to steer the countries of North Africa into a pro-Western policy. In some cases, they succeed (think of Morocco). And Algeria is also under pressure. For example, after he announced the need to return Syria to the League of Arab States, the United States began to threaten him. There was even talk of imposing sanctions.
BakuToday: Does America have a strong position in North Africa?
B. D: Here the US prefers to influence through its allies. First of all, through France, a country that has its own interests in this region.
BakuToday: And China?
B. D: He also has interests in North Africa. The PRC is a rapidly developing country, a powerful military power with aircraft carriers that Russia does not have. And Chinese expansion is directed to almost all regions of the world. Particularly in North Africa. When I was in Algiers, I saw there the most modern factories built with the help of China. So China is a powerful player in Africa.
BakuToday: But China does not invade our territory? Will we have a confrontation with him over spheres of influence in North Africa?
B. D: No. There can be no confrontation here . Especially now. Our countries work in different areas, and there will be no rivalry with the Russian side.
March 22, 2023
Ivan Zhurenkov