Qatar and Algeria have close relations on various political and economic levels. The roots of these historical relations between the two countries go back many years.
The Qatari-Algerian relations have refined decades of cooperation and synergy between the leaderships of the two countries, as the State of Qatar is one of the countries that supported the struggle and revolution of the Algerian people since its inception and stood with all its weight on the side of Algeria, which indicates the depth of the close relationship, deep brotherhood and mutual trust that unite the two countries.
Relations between the two sides were strengthened through a series of mutual visits between the leaderships of the two countries. The Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, visited Algeria in 2014 and 2016 during the rule of the late President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, then his last visit was in February 2020 after the arrival of the President Abdel Majid Taboun to the presidency.
Yesterday, Saturday, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune arrived in Doha on a "state" visit to Qatar at the invitation of its Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The Algerian presidency said that Tebboune's visit to Qatar falls within the framework of "strengthening brotherly relations between the two peoples, and pushing forward the frameworks of bilateral cooperation, in a manner that embodies the strength and rootedness of relations between the leaderships and peoples of the two countries."
The Emir of Qatar (right) discusses with Tebboune today, Sunday, bilateral relations and regional developments (Qatar News Agency)
durability of relationships
For his part, the Qatari Amiri Diwan said that the Emir of the State of Qatar will receive Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune today, noting that the two sides will discuss bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries and ways to support and enhance them, as well as the latest developments on the regional and international arenas of common interest.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's visit to Doha reflects Qatar's position on the map of Algerian diplomacy, as it is the first visit by the Algerian president to a Gulf country since he came to power at the end of 2019.
The visit also reflects the importance of the role played by the State of Qatar in its Arab and international surroundings at all levels, especially on the political and economic levels. It will also constitute a shift and add to the strong brotherly relations existing between the two countries, and will enhance coordination and mutual understanding between the leaderships of the two countries towards the future and prospects of bilateral relations and their advancement, and on various issues. The current Arab, regional and international levels.
Certainly, the Qatari-Algerian summit constitutes an opportunity to continue what the two countries have achieved and what they aspire to on the path to improving cooperation and coordination between them in all fields to serve the interests and aspirations of their peoples, and will establish a new stage and station in the relations between the two countries.
Gas and Arab issues
Taboun's visit to Doha acquires an exceptional dimension in terms of its timing, as it comes before the convening of the Arab summit to be hosted by Algeria, and coincides with the sixth summit of heads of member states of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, which will be held in Doha this week.
The relations between the State of Qatar and Algeria are distinguished at the political level, as they are based on mutual respect and continuous consultation and coordination on issues of common interest. of cooperation and synergy between the leaderships of the two countries.
In addition to the bilateral relations between the two countries, the Palestinian file, the upcoming Arab summit hosted by Algeria, and the Libyan conflict will be at the top of the agenda of the files that will be discussed at the Qatari-Algerian summit.
Ambassador Mustafa Boutoura says the visit is an opportunity to coordinate on gas-related issues (Qatari Press)
gas market stability
Algeria's Ambassador to Doha, Dr. Mustafa Boutoura, says that Taboun's visit to the State of Qatar is of great importance at all levels, and will give a strong impetus to bilateral relations between the two countries.
And Boutoura added, in a press statement, that the visit is expected to culminate in the signing of a set of agreements and memoranda of understanding to open new horizons for bilateral cooperation to include all fields, reflecting the great potential available in the two countries.
The Algerian ambassador noted that Tebboune's visit comes on the eve of Doha's hosting of the Sixth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Member States of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum on February 22, and it will be an opportunity for coordination between leaders on gas-related issues.
The visit, according to Boutoura, will also be an occasion to discuss the latest recent political developments, and to reaffirm their continued support for the forum's objectives, which are mainly to build a dialogue mechanism between gas producers and consumers in order to ensure the stability and security of supply and demand in the global natural gas markets.
Biggest Investor
With regard to the economic aspect, Qatar is the largest Arab investor in Algeria. It is one of the investment destinations that receive the attention of Qatari businessmen. In recent years, a number of Qatari investment projects have been established in Algeria.
The most prominent of these projects was the "Algerian Qatari Ballara Steel" project in the state of Jijel, northeast of Algiers, on an area of about 216 hectares, and at a cost of approximately two billion dollars, in addition to the Qatari "Ooredoo" group for communications, which has achieved and is achieving remarkable success in Algeria.
There are also dozens of joint Qatari-Algerian companies operating in the Qatari market, and it is expected to increase their numbers in the coming period, especially with the availability of many investment opportunities in various economic sectors, especially small and medium industries, in light of the capabilities and capabilities of the two countries.
The head of the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tayeb Chabab, says that the recent period has witnessed a significant increase in the volume of trade exchange between Algeria and Qatar, explaining that there is a desire to expand the volume of investments between the two countries, especially in the field of petrochemicals.
Shabab explained, in a press statement, that there is a great similarity in the investment climate between the two countries, which would create strong medium and long-term partnerships, pointing out that the first half of this year will witness a number of meetings between the Qatari and Algerian sides, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation. Giving the Qatari-Algerian partnership a strong impetus.
Gharib describes the relations between Qatar and Algeria as historic (Al-Jazeera)
close relationships
For his part, Qatari journalist Saleh Gharib says that the relations between the State of Qatar and Algeria are historical, and over the past decades have witnessed great growth and development at all levels, whether political, economic, sports or social.
Gharib indicates, in a statement to Al Jazeera Net, that the State of Qatar has supported the struggle of the Algerian people and their revolution since its beginnings, and from here we see the depth of the close relationship between the two countries, which is based on mutual trust.
He added, "There is no doubt that Algeria's position during the Gulf crisis was admired and appreciated by the Qatari people for this position. Hence, relations were strengthened, expanded and further consolidated through a series of mutual visits between the leaderships of the two countries."
He explained that the Algerian president's visit to Doha comes within the framework of holding a meeting of gas exporting countries, considering that Qatar and Algeria are among the largest exporters of natural gas in the world, in addition to their pivotal role within the framework of the League of Arab States and in the regional environment. Towards bilateral and national interests, Arab and international issues, and security and peace in the world.
Gharib also noted that Qatari investments in Algeria have risen significantly in recent years and have witnessed qualitative leaps, pointing out that the exchange of visits, especially at the level of the leaderships of the two countries, will contribute to an increase in projects and investments between the two countries.