Algeria is moving to deepen its energy partnership with the United States while tensions over the Western Sahara dispute escalate.
This push reflects Algeria’s effort to use economic diplomacy as it faces international pressure over the long-running territorial issue.
On June 24, Lounes Magramane, Secretary-General of Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, met with U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth Moore Aubin to discuss regional developments and how to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, according to Business Insider.
Both sides confirmed their commitment to closer ties, and Ambassador Aubin highlighted the importance of these talks on her social media.
As the U.S. takes greater interest in the Western Sahara issue, reports suggest Washington may try to revive stalled negotiations before a key UN Security Council meeting in October.
The Trump administration had backed Morocco’s 2007 autonomy proposal for the region, leading Algeria to intensify its diplomatic efforts.
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At the same time, Algeria is opening its energy sector further to U.S. investors.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune recently held meetings with leaders from Chevron and ExxonMobil, alongside Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab and Sonatrach CEO Rachid Hachichi.
This showed Algeria’s clear interest in building strong foreign partnerships.
A key part of this plan is a proposed energy law that would allow foreign companies to own up to 80 percent in new oil and gas projects, a major change from past rules.
Minister Arkab called this proposal a major reform meant to modernize the industry while keeping control of national resources.
Earlier this year, Algeria’s Ambassador to the U.S., Sabri Boukadoum, also shared Algeria’s readiness to explore broad resource deals with Washington, saying “the sky’s the limit.”
With the future of UN talks on Western Sahara uncertain, Algeria’s energy deals could serve as both an economic opportunity and a smart diplomatic move.
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Image Credit: Arab Center Washington DC
