Algerian Minister's Visit to Spain Marks Significant Thaw in Diplomatic Relations

In a significant development, Algeria's Interior Minister, Brahim Merad, visited Spain on Monday, February 25, 2025, ending a nearly three-year diplomatic freeze between the two countries. This high-level visit underscores a renewed commitment to cooperation, particularly in the areas of security and the fight against cross-border crime.

Reaffirming Security Cooperation

During his visit, Merad met with his Spanish counterpart, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, in Madrid. The meeting highlighted Algeria's robust efforts in combating human trafficking and smuggling networks. Grande-Marlaska praised Algeria's work, noting that "the essential work Algeria has done to fight mafia trading in human lives has led to the dismantling of numerous criminal organisations at the source."[1]

Algeria has been instrumental in dismantling over ten smuggling operations since November, a move that has significantly impacted the trafficking of migrants across the Mediterranean. This cooperation is crucial as Spain continues to take a hard stance against smugglers, with prosecutors currently pursuing an eight-year sentence for an Algerian accused of piloting an overcrowded boat from Oran to the Spanish coast in January.

Diplomatic Rift and Reconciliation

The diplomatic rift between Algeria and Spain began in March 2022 when Spain shifted its stance on the Western Sahara issue, endorsing Morocco's autonomy plan for the disputed territory. This move angered Algeria, a staunch supporter of the Polisario Front, which advocates for a UN-backed self-determination referendum. In response, Algeria recalled its ambassador, froze political visits, and drastically reduced Spanish imports by 93%[1].

However, recent months have seen quiet reconciliatory moves. In 2023, Algeria reinstated its ambassador to Madrid after a 19-month vacancy, and Spanish and Algerian foreign ministers met on the sidelines of a G20 summit. The current visit by Merad is a tangible step towards normalizing relations, with both countries now engaging in intelligence-sharing on terrorism, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling.

Broader Regional Cooperation

The renewed cooperation between Algeria and Spain is part of a broader regional effort to combat common security challenges. Spain has also strengthened its security cooperation with Morocco, with both countries agreeing to enhance prevention capabilities, operational coordination, and exchange mechanisms in the fight against terrorism, organized crime, and human trafficking[2].

A recent tripartite meeting between Morocco, Spain, and Germany further emphasized the importance of trilateral cooperation in addressing cross-border crimes, including human trafficking and cyber threats. This collaboration is particularly significant as Morocco and Spain, along with Portugal, prepare to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, an event that requires robust security measures[3].

Implications for Migration and Security

The visit and subsequent agreements have significant implications for migration and security in the region. The cooperation aims to promote regular and organized migratory flows, reducing the reliance on dangerous and illegal routes. This is particularly relevant given the ongoing migration crisis in the Canary Islands, where the president has called for greater EU cooperation with Mauritania to address the root causes of migration and combat human trafficking mafias[4].

In conclusion, the visit by Algeria's Interior Minister to Spain marks a crucial step in restoring diplomatic relations and enhancing regional security cooperation. As these countries work together to combat cross-border crimes and human trafficking, it sets a positive precedent for broader regional stability and cooperation.