Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez’s Algeria visit proceeds as Naturgy execs miss out due to plane fault
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez travelled to Algeria in a high‑profile official visit aimed at opening a new stage in bilateral relations, especially in the energy sector. The delegation included senior officials from numerous Spanish companies seeking to deepen ties with their Algerian partners. Naturgy, Spain’s largest importer of Algerian natural gas and co‑owner of the cross‑border pipeline with Sonatrach, was scheduled to be represented by its president, Francisco Reynés. However, the company’s private jet suffered a technical fault at Barcelona’s airport and could not be replaced, preventing the Naturgy delegation from joining the trip. Vice‑President for the Ecological Transition, Sara Aagesen, led a meeting with other Spanish firms, emphasizing Spain’s intent to reinforce historic partnerships with Algeria despite the setback.
The incident highlights the logistical challenges of high‑level business participation in diplomatic missions while underscoring the strategic importance of the Spain‑Algeria energy relationship.