Algeria and Switzerland Sign Bilateral Police Cooperation Agreement
ALGIERS – Algeria and Switzerland signed a bilateral police cooperation agreement on Monday during an official ceremony in Algiers, co-chaired by Algeria’s Minister of the Interior, Local Authorities and Urban Planning, Brahim Merad, and the Swiss Minister of Justice and Police, Beat Jans.
The agreement, which reflects the growing positive momentum in Algerian-Swiss relations, was signed by Algeria’s Director General of National Security, Ali Badaoui, and the Director of Swiss Police, Eva Wildi. It aims to strengthen cooperation between the police institutions of both countries in the fight against various forms of crime, particularly transnational, economic, and financial crimes, as well as crimes linked to irregular migration, human trafficking, and drug trafficking.
The accord also includes provisions for enhanced cooperation in cybersecurity, expertise sharing, and joint training programs between the police forces of both nations.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Merad noted that the visit by the Swiss minister falls within the framework of “close cooperation between the two countries in various fields, particularly in combating crime in all its forms.” He emphasized that the agreement establishes a framework for joint efforts against growing criminal threats, especially as Algeria has recently bolstered its legal framework with new legislation targeting transnational crime, cybercrime, human trafficking, and illegal migration.
Merad stated that the agreement would “reinforce the excellent opportunities for cooperation between the two institutions and move toward a more advanced and operational stage of police action to confront common security challenges.” He announced the forthcoming creation of a joint working group to implement the terms of the agreement.
Praising the historic ties between the two countries, Merad also recalled Switzerland’s supportive position during Algeria’s liberation struggle, and expressed his hope for stronger cooperation in areas such as the economy and investment.
For his part, Swiss Minister Beat Jans affirmed his country’s strong diplomatic and historical ties with Algeria and commended Algeria’s efforts to confront cross-border crime. He welcomed the level of cooperation in justice, policing, and the fight against illegal migration, expressing confidence that his visit would further deepen bilateral collaboration to address shared challenges.
He also highlighted the “qualitative contribution” of the Algerian diaspora abroad, particularly in sectors like the economy and scientific research.
