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Algeria is gradually easing economic sanctions imposed on Spain in spring 2022, a move signaling a thaw in relations following tensions over the Western Sahara conflict. «Reliable sources», as cited by TSA website, confirm this progress, particularly in the poultry sector and imports of certain agricultural inputs.
«It's a logical and predictable development», Djamel Eddine Bouabdallah, president of the Algerian-Spanish Circle of Commerce and Industry, told TSA. «After the appointment of the Algerian ambassador to Madrid and the resumption of Air Algérie flights, we expected a gradual trade revival, and that's precisely what's happening».
This economic warming followed Algeria's initiative to mend ties with Spain. In early November, they appointed a new ambassador to Madrid, filling the vacant position for 17 months, without demanding Spain retract its support for the Moroccan autonomy plan in Western Sahara. This was confirmed by Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares's statement on December 14 in Rabat.
«Spain's position on the Sahara issue remains unchanged», Albares affirmed. «It aligns with the Joint Declaration of April 7, 2022, and the High Level Meeting declaration in February 2023».
The April 7, 2022 Joint Declaration, released after talks between King Mohammed VI and Pedro Sánchez, recognizes the Moroccan autonomy plan as «the most serious, realistic, and credible basis for resolving this dispute».
It's worth noting that Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf initially welcomed Spain's supposed shift in favor of the Sahrawi people's self-determination. However, Spain subsequently removed references to self-determination and the referendum option from its official website, disappointing Algerian media.
Furthermore, Algeria further eased tensions by announcing a policy in January that favors Spanish ports. The Algerian banking association requested importers to avoid using Moroccan ports for transshipment/transit, a significant advantage for Spanish ports already coping with a new carbon tax.
These measures suggest a gradual rapprochement between Algeria and Spain after a period of friction over the Western Sahara issue. Although Spain maintains its official stance on the Moroccan autonomy plan, the easing of sanctions and economic gestures indicate a willingness to move forward and repair bilateral relations.
