Algeria, Oman Cement a Strategic South-South Axis Amidst a Fragmented Arab World

✍️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

The State Visit of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq to Algiers Signals a Historic Diplomatic Shift, Anchored in Shared Principles, Economic Ambition, and Geopolitical Integrity

Algiers, Algeria | May 7th, 2025 — In a diplomatic event of profound geopolitical significance, the State Visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman to Algeria marks a watershed moment in the evolution of relations between two steadfast Arab nations, bound for over five decades by mutual respect, strategic patience, and principled diplomacy.

Welcomed with the full honors of the Algerian Republic, the Sultan’s visit to Algiers is widely regarded by experts in international affairs as a pivotal step toward constructing a new Arab alignment rooted not in transient interests or normalization deals with the Zionist entity, but in shared values, sovereignty, and resistance to foreign hegemony.

Appearing on the national radio program L’invité du matin on Channel I, political analyst and international relations expert Hamza Houssem underscored the far-reaching strategic implications of this Omani-Algerian rapprochement. According to him, the encounter between Algiers and Muscat is not merely ceremonial—it is a substantive diplomatic realignment that echoes across the Arab world.

Shared Red Lines and a Unified Stance on Palestine

At the heart of this deepening alliance lies an unflinching convergence on core Arab causes, foremost among them the Palestinian struggle for liberation and statehood. The joint final communiqué, issued following high-level discussions, unequivocally reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to international law and their categorical rejection of any deviation from the unified Arab position on Palestine.

“This visit is not happening in a vacuum,” noted Hamza Houssem. “It is a principled response to the growing normalization wave sweeping across some Arab capitals—an alarming trend that threatens to fracture Arab unity and undermine regional security.” Against this backdrop, the Algeria-Oman partnership emerges as a steady, reasoned counterbalance—an axis of moderation that refuses to trade historic obligations for short-term gains.

Their diplomatic tone may be calm, but the message is firm: any erosion of the Palestinian cause is a red line. As other regimes rush into normalization agreements with the Zionist entity, Algiers and Muscat are reinforcing a different path—one of moral clarity, regional responsibility, and historical fidelity.

A Strategic Economic Partnership Anchored in Sovereignty and Ambition

While politics and shared ideology are key, the real depth of the bilateral relationship lies in its robust and future-oriented economic vision. “A lasting partnership requires more than statements,” emphasized Hamza Houssem. “It demands concrete projects, continuous exchange of expertise, and institutional dialogue.”

Among the standout initiatives is the landmark investment by Oman in a major fertilizer production facility in Arzew, western Algeria. Valued at an estimated $2.8 billion, the project symbolizes Muscat’s long-term commitment to Algeria’s industrial ecosystem and energy sovereignty. It is not just an investment—it is a strategic vote of confidence in Algeria’s economic future.

Other high-potential sectors identified for cooperation include automobile manufacturing—specifically through a potential tripartite collaboration with Hyundai—as well as renewable energy, Saharan agriculture, tourism, and agro-industrial transformation. These are not symbolic ventures; they represent a blueprint for a resilient, diversified, and sovereign economic model shared between two Arab nations determined to chart an independent path.

Institutional Agreements: Building the Pillars of a South-South Axis

In concrete terms, the visit witnessed the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and executive programs across critical sectors:

A MoU was signed between Algeria’s National Office for Geological and Mining Research (ORGM), a subsidiary of Sonarem Group, and Oman’s Minerals Development Oman (MDO). The agreement was formalized by Sonarem CEO Belkacem Soltani and MDO’s Executive President Mattar bin Salim Al Badi.

Another agreement was signed between Algeria’s oil giant Sonatrach and Oman’s Abraj Energy Services. The preliminary framework was endorsed by Sonatrach’s CEO Rachid Hachichi and Abraj’s Executive Director Saif Said Al Hamhami, laying the groundwork for future energy collaborations.

In the pharmaceutical sector, a MoU was concluded between Algeria’s Ministry of Pharmaceutical Industry and Oman’s Ministry of Health. The document was signed by Algerian Minister Ouacim Kouidri and his Omani counterpart, Dr. Hilal bin Ali Al Sabti, opening doors to strategic cooperation in drug manufacturing and biotechnological research.

In the domain of agriculture and fisheries, a scientific and technical cooperation agreement was signed between Algeria’s National Center for Fisheries and Aquaculture Research (CNRDPA) and Oman’s Aquatic and Marine Science Center. Ministers Youcef Cherfa and Saud bin Hamood Al Habsi also signed executive agreements related to phytosanitary protection, animal health, and agricultural development.

The visit also yielded key accords in labor inspection and employment policy. An executive program for 2025–2027 was signed by Algerian Minister of Labor, Employment and Social Security Fayçal Bentaleb and Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. Moreover, a cooperation framework in higher education and scientific research for the period 2026–2028 was signed between Minister Kamel Baddari and the Omani Foreign Minister.

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