Spain’s Interior Minister: Algeria is a Key Strategic Partner
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska emphasized on Monday that Algeria is a key and strategic partner for his country, and that the shared challenges faced by both nations require cooperation, coordination, and the search for new approaches that serve their mutual interests.
During a bilateral meeting with Algerian Minister of Interior, Local Authorities, and Transport, Said Sayoud, in Algiers, Fernando Grande-Marlaska praised the diplomatic relations between the two countries, emphasizing the high quality of the excellent bilateral ties and the effectiveness of coordination between the two ministries.
The Spanish minister also commended the efforts of the Algerian authorities to curb irregular migration, respect human rights, and combat criminal networks
“The fruitful bilateral cooperation between the two ministries has reached a high level in many areas, amid a regional and international context witnessing an increase in security challenges related to combating terrorism, cybersecurity, drug trafficking, and illegal migration,” Algerian Interior Minister Said Sayoud said, adding that “today’s meeting is a renewed opportunity to exchange opinions and viewpoints on these serious threats, which require us to unite our efforts and work collaboratively to find sustainable solutions, in accordance with the wise visions and high directives of the senior authorities in our countries.”
Said Sayoud expressed appreciation for the outcomes of the Joint Committee on Security Cooperation meeting held in Madrid on October 13, which resulted in an agreement between the two delegations—particularly to expedite the review of judicial assistance requests submitted by the Algerian Ministry of Justice concerning the recovery of assets acquired through illicit means. The minister emphasized “Algeria’s commitment to strengthening cooperation and partnership with Spain to achieve their common goals.”
The meeting, attended on the Algerian side by the Director General of National Police, and the Director General of Civil Protection, while on the Spanish side by the General Commissioner for Foreigners and Borders, the Head of Border and Maritime Police Command, the Director of International Relations, the Director of Civil Protection and Emergencies, and the Director General of Traffic, aims to strengthen cooperation in the security sector and ensure effective coordination to curb irregular migration, secure maritime borders, combat drug trafficking, ensure road safety, and manage disasters and civil protection. It also underscores the commitment of both parties to enhancing political dialogue, security cooperation, and the strength of the Algerian-Spanish friendship and strategic partnership.
