Algeria and Belgium Ink Cooperation Agreements, Eye Energy Partnership
Image: El Mawkie
Takeaway
The visa agreement for diplomatic passport holders signals smoother government and executive-level negotiations between Algeria and Belgium, potentially accelerating energy deals and infrastructure projects. Energy firms should monitor policy announcements from both governments, as well as partnership opportunities with Sonatrach, particularly in renewable energy projects. The focus on technology transfer may create opportunities for European engineering and service companies.
Algeria and Belgium signed two agreements on March 31, 2026, in Brussels, aimed at bolstering bilateral cooperation. The agreements were finalized during an official visit by Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Attaf to Belgium, a visit commissioned by the President of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Attaf met with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot, followed by expanded discussions with both countries' delegations.
The first agreement focuses on the readmission of Algerian nationals who are residing in Belgium without legal authorization. The second agreement introduces a visa exemption for holders of diplomatic passports, facilitating official travel and strengthening diplomatic exchanges. This is expected to promote closer cultural, educational, and professional exchanges between the two countries. These agreements build upon existing frameworks, with over twenty agreements, memoranda, and letters of understanding already in place since the 1970s, covering justice, economy, investment, consular affairs, social security, transport, science, technology, culture, and energy.
Belgium is a significant energy gateway in northwestern Europe, making the energy partnership with Algeria crucial amidst global energy crises and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Algeria has emerged as the Union's largest gas supplier via pipeline after Norway in the pipeline sector, supplying nearly 20% of the EU's pipeline imports. Total Algerian gas exports climbed from about 39 billion cubic meters in 2020 to nearly 49 billion cubic meters in 2024. Particular attention is being paid to integrating innovative technologies, training, storage solutions, and smart grids.
The agreements are expected to benefit both nations by streamlining official travel and addressing migration issues. The strengthening of trade and investment flows aims to better reflect the significant economic potential of both nations. There are approximately 30,000 Belgians of Algerian descent, forming a "living bridge" between Algiers and Brussels. The meeting also addressed key regional and international issues, including the military escalation in the Middle East and the security situation in the Sahel region.
Looking ahead, both countries have expressed a desire to strengthen their partnership, particularly in strategic priority sectors such as energy, mining, and renewable energies. Further diversification of partnership areas is also being explored. Keep an eye on potential investments from Belgian companies in Algeria's energy, mining, and renewable energy sectors, as well as the implementation of know-how transfer and training programs to develop local value chains.