Russia and Algeria have maintained friendly and mutually beneficial relations for decades, grounded in mutual respect and trust. Today, this cooperation spans a wide range of areas from political dialogue and economic ties to humanitarian collaboration and cultural exchange.
– Your Excellency, how would you assess the current state of Russian-Algerian relations?
– Russia and Algeria have historically maintained friendly ties and a partnership based on equality and mutual respect. The progressive development of these relations continues, which was clearly reflected in the signing of the Declaration on Enhanced Strategic Partnership between our countries in 2023 during the visit of the President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to the Russian Federation.
We consider Algeria a reliable partner, with whom we maintain productive and trust-based cooperation both bilaterally and within multilateral frameworks. On many key international issues, our positions are either close or fully aligned. At the same time, I am firmly convinced that we must not rest on our achievements; further consistent work is required to strengthen our relations. There is both solid potential and favourable opportunities for this.
– How would you identify the priority areas in the development of economic cooperation between Russia and Algeria?
– At present, active efforts are underway to promote Russian products, primarily agricultural, on the Algerian market. Despite the current challenging environment, Russian and Algerian companies continue to find effective ways to overcome emerging obstacles and protect their interests.
Projects are being developed in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, banking, transport and others. I am confident that our two countries still have much to offer each other, and a significant number of bilateral initiatives will be implemented in the foreseeable future.
– Are any new agreements in the fields of energy and agriculture expected to be signed in the near future?
– Russia and Algeria are consistently working to improve and update the legal and contractual framework of bilateral relations. In January of this year, on the side-lines of the 12th session of the Joint Russian-Algerian Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation held in Algiers, a number of agreements and memoranda were signed.
Previously, important agreements had been concluded in the areas of agriculture, veterinary cooperation, consumer rights protection, media cooperation and others. Intensive work continues on bilateral documents in such sectors as energy, transport and urban development. The signing of these documents requires thorough preparation, which can sometimes be time-consuming.
– What steps are being taken to enhance cultural and educational exchange between our two countries?
– In the humanitarian field, primarily in education, we already have a strong foundation for advancing our cooperation. This January, an agreement on the mutual recognition of diplomas and academic qualifications was signed, which opens new doors for students of both countries and allows for more comfortable and seamless employment after graduation.
The Russian government allocates a substantial number of scholarships annually to Algerian citizens (more than 350 for the academic year 2025/26), and this quota increases every year. Direct institutional ties have been established between Russian and Algerian universities, whose representatives take part in internships and exchange programmes.
Speaking of cultural cooperation, it is worth noting that Algerians are fairly well acquainted with Russia. Many prominent figures in Algerian cultural circles studied at Russian universities, not only receiving an excellent education, but also retaining warm memories of our country and seizing every opportunity to invite Russian performers and artists to Algeria.
Russia traditionally participates in international festivals of symphonic music and contemporary dance, which are held annually in Algeria with great success. This year, with support from the Moscow House of Compatriots and the Government of Moscow, the musical group ‘Posle 11’ performed as part of events marking the 80th Anniversary of Victory Day. Earlier, the State Dance Company ‘Cossacks of Russia’ visited Algeria as part of a Russian-Algerian business mission.
Naturally, we will continue our efforts to promote Russian culture in Algeria. There is clear and growing interest on the part of our Algerian colleagues, and we will actively seek opportunities to meet this demand.
– Are there plans to increase tourist flows between Russia and Algeria?
– Tourist flows between our countries have been steadily increasing in recent years. After the lifting of COVID-19-related restrictions, interest among Algerians in traveling to Russia has grown significantly.
Unfortunately, Algeria is not yet a popular destination for mass tourism from Russia. However, its potential is considerable, especially in the field of so-called desert tourism. Algeria offers a unique range of opportunities. Within a few hours’ drive, one can visit the sea, the mountains and the desert. I am confident that this sector will see further development.
– How is Russia’s position on the Ukrainian crisis perceived in Algeria?
– Our Algerian partners fully understand the causes of the conflict in Ukraine as well as our position. While officially maintaining neutrality, Algeria has repeatedly offered its mediation efforts to help resolve the crisis.
However, as we all understand, this requires, above all, the readiness and political will of all parties involved. Given that Ukraine has effectively lost its sovereignty and is being governed externally, its authorities are not in a position to make independent decisions. Meanwhile, it is, regrettably, in the interest of its Western sponsors to prolong the conflict for as long as possible.
– Considering Algeria’s neutral stance, do you see any role for the country in resolving the conflict?
– As I mentioned earlier, Algeria proposed a mediation initiative back in 2023, though it did not gain traction at the time. Russia, for its part, has consistently expressed its willingness to engage in negotiations, even without third-party mediation.
– Has the situation surrounding Ukraine affected Russia’s cooperation with African nations, particularly Algeria?
– The Ukrainian conflict has exposed the true nature of what is often referred to as the ‘Collective West’. Our African partners have seen this for themselves. An increasing number of countries now clearly understand that the era of the unipolar world dominated by the West has come to an end, and that a new multipolar world order is emerging.
Russia is offering all interested states equal and respectful cooperation based on mutual interests. In this regard, I believe the Ukrainian crisis has, in some ways, even accelerated the development of our relations with African countries.
– How was Victory Day celebrated at the Russian Embassy in Algeria? Were there any joint events with the Algerian side?
– This year marked the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Together with the Russian community in Algeria, the Embassy organised several traditional patriotic events, including the ‘Immortal Regiment’, ‘Memory Garden’, ‘Windows of Victory’ and more.
Embassy staff laid wreaths at the grave of Soviet soldier I. Ostapchenko at the capital’s military cemetery. A formal reception was held for compatriots and foreign guests, as well as a screening of the film ‘Blinzhazh’ at a local cinema. The Russian school at the embassy and compatriot associations also organised festive concerts.
– In your view, how important is historical memory in uniting the peoples of Russia and Algeria?
– Historical memory is undoubtedly a vital component for both the Russian and Algerian peoples. In Algeria, history is remembered well. May 8th is a significant date not because of World War II, but due to the massacre committed 80 years ago by the French colonial authorities in Sétif, Guelma and Kherrata.
Despite attempts by France to make Algerians turn the page, people here continue to honour the memory of those who perished both then and later during the struggle for national liberation. Thus, historical memory remains an essential element of cultural identity in both nations.
– What is Russia’s position on the current crisis between Algeria and France?
– As any nation that respects the sovereignty of its partners, Russia considers this an exclusively bilateral matter between Algeria and France. Algeria’s relationship with its former colonial power is complex and involves unresolved historical issues. We do not interfere in these bilateral relations.
– Could Russia be seen as an ‘alternative partner’ for Algeria amidst strained ties with Paris?
– Russia has never positioned itself as an ‘alternative partner’ in its relations with other countries. We never encourage others to develop ties with us at the expense of their relations with third countries. Our approach is based on equal and mutually beneficial cooperation that respects the interests of all parties, without excluding collaboration with others.
– What impact could the conflict between Algeria and Mali’s transitional government have on regional security? Can Russia play a mediating role?
– Even though it is currently a diplomatic conflict, it poses serious risks of escalating instabilities in the Sahel-Sahara region. We are already witnessing increased activities by terrorist groups, which could lead to a dangerous military escalation.
In 2024, Russia and Algeria established a working group on Mali and the Sahel. Bilateral consultations are held regularly with the participation of both Foreign Ministries and defence departments. We seek to convey the concerns of both Algeria and Mali to their respective leaderships. We hope that, through joint efforts, a political and diplomatic solution can be found to this major crisis threatening to plunge the region into chaos.
– Dear Alexey Vladimirovich, thank you for this interesting conversation!
Alexey BOLSHAKOV, Africanist, international journalist
