Spain hopes for Trump-led mediation to reopen Morocco-Algeria gas pipeline

Spain is keeping a close watch on the Trump administration's mediation efforts between Morocco and Algeria, with hopes of securing its gas imports. «The atmosphere is starting to change. This mediation could pave the way for regional agreements, including a strong possibility of resuming the operation of the gas pipeline running through Morocco», a Spanish government source told Al Quds Al Arabi. It is worth noting that the Maghreb–Europe Gas Pipeline (GME) has been shut down since October 31, 2021, following a decision by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

Madrid aims to capitalize on the emerging regional context after the Security Council's adoption of resolution 2797 on the Western Sahara issue on October 31, to truly normalize its economic relations with Algiers.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares met with his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf in November, on the sidelines of the G20 summit in South Africa. The two officials had previously met in September in New York, during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Moreover, the Iberian media outlet The Objective has reported an anticipated visit by President Tebboune to Madrid, just before a high-level meeting with Morocco set for December 3 and 4 in the Spanish capital.