Algeria and Spain have officially revived their High-Level Joint Commission (HLJC) after an eight-year hiatus, signaling a renewed commitment to bilateral cooperation. The decision was announced following a meeting between Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf and his Spanish counterpart José Manuel Albares in Algiers on July 25, 2026.
The HLJC, a key mechanism for coordinating economic, trade, and cultural exchanges, had been suspended since 2018 due to political tensions. The resumption comes amid improving relations between the two countries, which had been strained over Spain's shift in position on Western Sahara in 2022.
During the meeting, both ministers emphasized the importance of dialogue and mutual respect. They agreed to hold the next HLJC session in Madrid before the end of 2026, focusing on energy cooperation, trade diversification, and counterterrorism efforts.
Algeria is Spain's largest supplier of natural gas, and the revival of the commission is expected to enhance energy security and economic collaboration. The two countries also discussed the situation in the Sahel region and the need for coordinated action against terrorism.
