Attaf in Brussels: “Concrete Actions Identified to Elevate Algeria–Belgium Cooperation to a Higher Level”
By Dr. Hana Saada
In a diplomatic engagement marked by clarity of intent and a structured vision for advancement, Algeria’s Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, announced from Brussels that a series of concrete actions have been identified to elevate the level of cooperation between Algeria and the Kingdom of Belgium. The statement came following high-level talks with Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Prévot, within the framework of an official visit carried out at the behest of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
The discussions, as outlined by Attaf, were not confined to reaffirming existing ties but were directed toward operationalizing a forward-looking partnership grounded in measurable outcomes. At the core of these exchanges lies a shared ambition to recalibrate bilateral relations in line with evolving economic, political, and strategic realities.
Central to this agenda is the expansion of economic exchanges. With bilateral trade currently estimated at approximately 1.5 billion US dollars, Attaf underscored the untapped potential for growth, advocating for enhanced access of Algerian products to Belgian and broader European markets. Particular emphasis was placed on sectors with established and emerging competitiveness, including agricultural and agri-food products, steel and construction materials, as well as pharmaceuticals. This approach reflects a broader effort to reposition Algeria not merely as a supplier, but as a diversified economic partner capable of integrating into complex value chains.
Equally pivotal is the reactivation of institutional mechanisms governing bilateral cooperation. Attaf highlighted the importance of revitalizing the Joint Economic Commission and the Joint Business Council, describing them as essential instruments for structuring dialogue, facilitating investment, and ensuring continuity in economic engagement. Their reactivation is expected to inject renewed momentum into a partnership that increasingly seeks to move beyond declaratory diplomacy toward structured implementation.
The modernization of the legal framework underpinning bilateral relations also featured prominently in the discussions. Both sides acknowledged the necessity of updating existing agreements and concluding new ones capable of accommodating emerging sectors and contemporary challenges. This legal recalibration is intended to create a more conducive environment for investment, innovation, and long-term collaboration.
Beyond economic considerations, Attaf pointed to a broader diplomatic convergence that continues to shape Algeria–Belgium relations. The regularity of political consultations, including the anticipated sixth session scheduled for September in Brussels, reflects a sustained commitment to dialogue at the highest levels. This continuity, he noted, serves as an indicator of mutual trust and a shared willingness to engage constructively on issues of common interest.
Sectoral cooperation, meanwhile, has been steadily gaining depth across a range of domains. From air and maritime transport to shipbuilding and maintenance, from healthcare partnerships to judicial cooperation, as well as environmental initiatives and migration management, the bilateral relationship is evolving through practical, results-oriented collaboration. These developments point to a gradual consolidation of ties that extend beyond traditional diplomatic channels into operational sectors of mutual relevance.
The visit also provided an opportunity to address broader regional and international issues. Both ministers exchanged views on developments in the Middle East. In this context, Attaf reiterated Algeria’s longstanding position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable pathways to durable conflict resolution. He further stressed the centrality of the Palestinian cause, describing its just and lasting resolution as indispensable to achieving stability in the region.
In parallel, discussions touched upon Algeria’s partnership with the European Union, which Attaf described as requiring a renewed trajectory grounded in balanced interests and mutual recognition of priorities. This perspective aligns with Algeria’s broader diplomatic approach, which seeks to recalibrate its external partnerships on the basis of equity, reciprocity, and strategic coherence.
Attaf concluded his remarks by expressing confidence in the ability of both countries to translate this renewed momentum into tangible outcomes. The convergence observed at political, sectoral, and economic levels, he suggested, provides a solid foundation upon which a more ambitious and structured partnership can be built. The task ahead, he implied, lies not in defining objectives, but in implementing them with consistency and precision.
— 𝐄𝐍𝐃 —
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