Qatar, Algeria Enjoy Growing Historic Relations

Qatar and Algeria flags

The state visit of HE President of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria Abdelmadjid Tebboune to the State of Qatar comes within the framework of the distinguished historical relations between the two countries and the joint and continuous keenness to support and advance them towards deeper and more comprehensive horizons, in a manner that serves the common interests, goals and aspirations of the two countries and their peoples.

HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will receive at the Amiri Diwan on Sunday HE the President of Algeria to discuss bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries and ways to support and enhance them, in addition to the latest regional and international developments of common concern.

The talks that will take place during the visit will contribute to the development of relations between Doha and Algiers in various fields, and to supporting the Arab and international issues about which the two countries share common visions.

HE the Algerian President's visit is also gaining an exceptional dimension in term of its timing, as it comes before the Arab Summit that will be hosted by Algeria. The visit also coincides with the 6th summit of the heads of member states of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum that will be held in Doha this week, given that the two countries are among the largest producers and exporters of natural gas in the world. They are also pivotal countries within the framework of the League of Arab States and the region, united by common visions, common positions and firm principles towards bilateral and national interests, Arab and international issues, and world peace and security.

Relations between the Republic of Algeria and the State of Qatar are distinguished at the political level, as they are based on mutual respect and continuous consultation and coordination on issues of common interest. The bilateral relations between the two countries are historic and growing, and have been established through decades of cooperation and synergies between the leaderships of the two countries, in addition to the fact that the State of Qatar is one of the countries that has supported the struggle of the Algerian people and its revolution since its inception. This, in turn, reflects the depth of the close relationship, deep brotherhood and mutual trust that unite the two countries.

The relations of the two countries have been strengthened and expanded through a series of exchanged visits between their two leaderships. The multiple visits made by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani to Algeria, as well as the mutual visits of ministers, delegations and senior officials in the two countries confirm the great keenness of the two countries to strengthen these relations in all aspects, and upgrading them to wider horizons for the good, prosperity and development of the two countries to serve the aspirations and interests of the two brotherly peoples.

The historic visit of HH the Amir to Algeria in February 2020 contributed to the consolidation of cooperation between the two countries at all levels, especially at the economic and investment levels, which are witnessing steady and rapid growth at the governmental level or at the level of businessmen.

There are many agreements, MoUs and protocols singed between Qatari and Algeria, which include cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, industry, energy, mining and investment, agriculture and tourism, health and sports, customs, maritime transport, agriculture and military cooperation, as well as the sectors of culture, media, sports, urban planning. In addition, there is cooperation in the legal and judicial fields, economic control, combating commercial fraud, avoidance of double taxation, fishing, water resources and natural reserves. These agreements strengthened and consolidated the brotherly relations between the two countries, elevating them from the stage of bilateral cooperation to an ambitious strategic partnership.

Algeria 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, most notably the "Algerian Qatari Steel (AQS)" project in the Bellara industrial zone in Jijel, northeast of Algiers, which is established on an area of about 216 hectares at a cost of approximately $2 billion, and has a production capacity of 5 million tons of steel. The project is designed to produce pure quality iron using direct reduction technology that depends on gas, which made the factory gains a global reputation and concludes agreements with international companies for export.

The project is considered one of the most important strategic partnership projects in the economic field between the two countries, as well as the pioneering project of Ooredoo Group in the telecommunications sector, which has achieved a remarkable success in Algeria. There are also many important investments for Qatari businessmen in several fields such as agriculture, tourism, services, environment and other fields. Qatar is considered one of the largest investors in the Algerian market, as it is a promising market with many opportunities that attract investors.

The efforts of the chambers of the two countries contributed to opening new areas of cooperation between the private sector, in order to establish partnerships and alliances that serve the economy of both parties. The first meeting of the Qatari-Algerian Business Council last April was an important event that would positively reflect on the volume of trade and investment exchange between the two countries.

There are dozens of Qatari-Algerian joint companies operating in the Qatari market, and the number is expected to increase in the coming period, with the availability of many investment opportunities in various economic sectors, especially small and medium industries, in light of the capabilities of the two countries.

Algeria is considered the gateway to Africa, given its important geographical location between the European and African continents. It has distinguished relations with the countries of the two groups, and the Algerian market enjoys natural potentials ranging from climatic diversity and agricultural lands, in addition to the availability of specialized and skilled Algerian labor, which provides many possibilities and investment opportunities in various sectors such as mining, medicine, tourism, industry, services and agriculture.

The Algerian community in Qatar works in various sectors of economic, social and cultural activity, especially oil and gas, aviation, sports and media. This contribution is appreciated by the Qatari leadership, as it contributes to the development process in light of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the preparations for the 2022 World Cup. (QNA)