Spain and Algeria Normalize Relations After Western Sahara Dispute

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune at the El Mouradia palace, marking a diplomatic break with the four‑year dispute over Spain’s stance on Western Sahara. Both sides announced a new phase of cooperation in energy, trade and investment, and the previously suspended friendship treaty was re‑activated.

The talks are expected to boost Algerian gas supplies to Spain, with the government aiming to raise imports by about 10 % through the Medgaz pipeline and double LNG deliveries. Spanish energy firms such as Repsol, Naturgy, Moeve and Enagás await concrete contracts. As journalist Abdou Semmar put it, the meeting was a “beautiful revenge” for Sánchez.

Sánchez highlighted that “Spain sees Algeria not only as a neighbouring country but as a strategic partner and, above all, a friend,” underscoring the broader political partnership beyond the energy sector.