Spain PM Sanchez visits Algeria for first time in four years as ties thaw
Summary
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited Algeria for the first time in four years to improve relations between the two countries. The visit followed a dispute caused by Spain’s support of Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara, which angered Algeria. Both leaders discussed energy, migration, and investment as they worked to restore ties.Key Facts
- Pedro Sanchez visited Algeria on July 20, 2026, marking his first visit in four years.
- Relations soured in 2022 when Spain shifted from neutrality and supported Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara.
- Algeria backs the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara.
- Algeria had suspended a 2002 friendship treaty, recalled its ambassador, and froze some banking operations with Spain due to the dispute.
- Algeria is Spain’s largest natural gas supplier this year.
- During the visit, Algeria reactivated the friendship treaty and began restoring commercial ties.
- Leaders discussed energy cooperation, encouraging Spanish investment in Algeria, migration issues, and Western Sahara.
- Both leaders described talks as positive and saw the visit as a step toward rebuilding partnership.
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