Alwaght- In setting the foreign policy, full understanding of the national power and the atmosphere governing the international order is an influential factor that guides governments to cooperation with others.
Meanwhile, its economic capacities and also its role in the regional political developments incentivize other countries to boost their relations with Iran as a powerful actor. After administration of President Sayyed Ibrahim Raeisi announced readiness to engage with the whole world diplomatically, Tehran has become a center of regional diplomacy. The latest actor interacting with Tehran is an important country from Africa.
On Saturday, Iran's Foreign Minister Hussein Amir-Abdollahian in a meeting with his Algerian counterpart Ahmad Attaf discussed bilateral and international issues.
“We agreed to take steps towards removing political and service visas as the first step. And then we will remove ordinary visa in an agreed-upon manner,” Amir-Abdollahian said when he commented on his talks with the Algerian FM.
According to the Iranian FM, the two sides agreed to increase cooperation in science and technology, technology enterprises, medical products, tourism, and renewable energy, and to continue high-level bilateral exchanges and consultations.
“In the near future, we will establish follow-up committees in the capitals of both countries. It is necessary to accelerate cooperation between the two countries in the fields of environment, agriculture, medicine, industry and mining,” he went on.
The Algerian top diplomat sounded upbeat about the discussions. He said: “We seized the opportunity to discuss fast-moving developments of the region and the world. I am really happy about the results of today's talks that were positive. These results can inject liveliness into bilateral ties. The relations of the two countries are great and have the capacity for further development in economic, commercial, and investment fields. The relations between Iran and Algeria are extensive in all areas and we are trying to move forward with cooperation in a way that is in the interest of both countries.”
The two countries also discussed regional developments, especially Palestinian cause and North Africa, with their stances looking consonant. Unlike some Arab countries that cut off ties with Iran following Saudi Arabia in recent years, Algeria was one of the Arab countries that continued relations with Tehran, and after the progress following détente agreement between Tehran and Riyadh in March, Algeria is trying to strengthen the level of cooperation with the Islamic Republic in all areas. Iran and Algeria are among the largest holders of oil and gas reserves and are trying to improve their economic relations to the highest level.
Their last year's trade volume was over $15 million, and according to Iran's customs officials, this year, over $1.134 million worth of Iranian non-oil goods were exported to Algeria, showing a 109 percent growth compared to the year before.
Although their trade volume does not suit the level of their political relations, given the strategy of President Raisi’s administration to develop relations with allies and also because of the resolve shown by the Algerians to strengthen relations with Tehran, the level of cooperation will increase significantly in the future. Algeria has a lot of capacities in energy and agriculture sectors, and by entering this prosperous market, Iran can benefit while at the same time helping this country's infrastructural development.
Common regional and international stances
Aside from bilateral relations, there are some common issues that push the two countries to further cooperation. Tehran and Algeria are among the greatest supporters of the Palestinian cause and liberation against the Israeli regime and have always defended the Palestinians in the international organizations. During the meeting of the two FMs, backing for the Palestinians was highlighted. Algeria has made a lot of efforts in the Arab League to stop Arab-Israeli normalization and to unite the countries against Tel Aviv, and it has succeeded to some extent. Therefore, the strong positions of Iran and Algeria in support of the Palestinians in international organizations can deal a severe blow to Tel Aviv's usurping policies in the region.
North Africa is another area where Iran and Algeria have common positions. North Africa has been one of the most insecure regions in the world last decade, and one of the disputes that can ignite war in North Africa is the existing tensions between Algeria and Morocco, which are growing day by day.
Moroccan officials always accuse Algeria of backing Polisario Front, a militant organization fighting Rabat, and this is the cause of their tensions. Morocco has resorted to the Israeli regime to press Algeria in response. Israelis have provided numerous military aids to Morocco in order to strengthen the foundations of the normalization of relations with the Arabs. Recently, Tel Aviv officials announced they will establish a weapons manufacturing plant in Morocco, a move aimed at strengthening Rabat’s defense base against Algeria.
Therefore, seeing Israeli toehold gain in North Africa as a threat to its national security, Algeria is seeking to make partners to get assistance in case of crisis. One possibility is that Algeria intends to use Iran's military capabilities to boost its military foundations in opposition to the Israeli moves.
Iran is now a big name in missile and drone technologies and shines among the top countries in these areas. Western media acknowledge in their numerous reports that Iran will become one of the exporters of UAVs in the world in the coming years and Algeria is a potential market for its defense technologies.
In his meeting with his Algerian counterpart, Amir-Abdollahian pointed to Algeria's aids to Tehran during Saddam’s imposed war on Iran and appreciated the positions of this friendly country. In addition to political support, Algeria had also mediated between Iran and Iraq to end the war. Amir-Abdollahian said that Tehran would never forget Algeria's services and efforts.
Since Iran and Algeria are against the Israeli presence in North Africa, they have a reason to bolster their ties. Due to its anti-imperialist spirit and policy, the Islamic Republic has always supported Muslim nations against the Israeli regime and Western imperialism. Indeed, in any escalation of tensions with Tel Aviv, Algeria counts on Tehran's assistance.
In recent years, the Israeli regime has made extensive efforts to gain observer membership in the African Union, but Algeria has blocked Tel Aviv's entry into Africa by lobbying in this union. That is why Israeli officials are angry with Algeria, while Tehran supports Algerian policy.
Internationally speaking, Iran and Algeria share many views. After Ukraine war, Tehran and Algeria continued cooperation with Moscow and refused to adopt Western sanctions on Russia. They even signed energy deals with it, to the US and allies’ frustration.
Relying on Europe economically, Algeria is seeking ways to do away with this dependence. It has taken new steps to this end, among them broadening partnership with BRICS states that include Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It also can expand ties with Iran in areas where Tehran needs investments.
Recently, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune stressed the need for his country to join the BRICS and quit trade with the dollar and the euro to insulate the country's economy against foreign pressures. This official position can lead the two countries to greater cooperation, because both sides are against the American unilateralism and the cruel Western sanctions against other nations.
With administration of President Raisi specially eyeing relations expansion with Africa, Algeria can make Iran's gate for powerful entry into Africa, and their common international interests can pave their partnership way.
