11/16/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/16/2023 12:53
On the 16 November 2023, the second session of the Strategic Dialogue between the United Kingdom and Algeria was held in London.
The Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, His Excellency Ahmed Attaf, met in London on 16 November 2023, in the framework of the second session of the Algeria-United Kingdom Strategic Dialogue.
The Ministers held constructive talks aimed at deepening existing bilateral cooperation. They praised the longstanding relationship between Algeria and the United Kingdom, which dates back to the sixteenth century and the appointment of the first British Consul in Algiers in 1580 and the signing in 1682 of a bilateral Treaty of Peace and Trade.
The two sides noted with satisfaction the progress in implementing the recommendations of the first session of the strategic dialogue held in 2020. They emphasised the warm and extensive links between the UK and Algeria, praising the depth of diplomatic, defence, security, economic, trade, scientific research, education and cultural cooperation. The UK and Algeria agreed to strengthen the bilateral partnership in those fields, including through regular official-level engagement.
The Ministers also discussed regional and multilateral issues of common interest. The two sides shared their assessments of the situation in the North Africa and Middle East, as well as the Sahel region.
The UK congratulated Algeria on its election earlier this year to both the UN Security Council and the UN Human Rights Council. The UK looked forward to supporting Algerian priorities during its upcoming tenure at the Security Council and beyond on issues of concern, including shared aims of stability, security and human rights, stability in the Sahel and non-constitutional change of government there. The UK and Algeria expressed concern about non-constitutional changes of government, including in the Sahel, and the importance of addressing the root cause of instability. The deteriorating security situation in Mali, and the need for a resolution to the Niger crisis, were particular areas of concern.
The Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to regular political dialogue and high-level exchanges to deepen understanding and strengthen cooperation on regional and global issues of mutual concern. They also undertook to promote peace, security and stability in their respective regions as well as globally, through close coordination and collaboration within international organisations and fora.
With regards to the current situation in the Middle East, the two sides expressed their deep concern at the loss of civilian lives and the deteriorating humanitarian situation. The two parties called for the protection of civilians and the facilitation of access for humanitarian aid. Both sides reiterated their support for a two-state solution based on 1967 borders as the only viable solution to the Middle East conflict.
On the issue of Western Sahara, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment for a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, based on compromise, which provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations. The two sides reaffirmed their full support to the efforts of the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, Mr Staffan de Mistura as well as MINURSO. The two countries expressed their concern at the humanitarian situation in the Tindouf refugee camps and reiterated the need for further humanitarian support.
The UK and Algeria then discussed existing and planned bilateral cooperation. The sides reaffirmed their desire to further strengthen and enhance partnership and cooperation in all fields and explore new avenues of cooperation based on mutual interest. They recognised the potential for further economic cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, energy and technology. Both countries committed to facilitate and promote trade and investment, identify opportunities for business partnerships, and create an enabling environment for increased economic engagement.
On defence and security, the two sides:
On trade and investment, the two sides:
On consular affairs, migration and justice, the two sides:
On education and culture, the UK welcomed Algerian government's initiative to increase the teaching of English language in schools and as a language of tuition in higher education establishments. The UK reiterated its willingness to lend its support in this regard through increasing inter-universities cooperation. Elsewhere, the two sides:
The UK also congratulated the Algerian side on the decision to set up a Cultural centre in London to promote and expand cultural ties between the two countries.
On parliamentary cooperation, the two sides welcomed the dynamics of political dialogue and committed to encouraging parliamentary cooperation through exchange of visits of members of parliament particularly through reinvigorating the Algerian-UK Friendship Parliamentary Group.
On the exchange of high level visits between the two countries, the UK looked forward to Algeria's participation at the Africa-UK Investment Summit which will be hosted by the UK Prime Minister in London on April 2024.
The two sides agreed to convene for follow up talks at Ministerial level in Algiers in one year's time.
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