SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Diplomatic tensions end: Algeria appoints ambassador to Spain

Algeria has decided to appoint a new ambassador to Spain, putting an end to more than 19 months of diplomatic quarrel due to Madrid's U-turn on the Western Sahara issue.

Share:

président algérie

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90€/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90€/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

START NOW — 4.90€/month

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 €/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99€/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

SUBSCRIBE — 99€/year

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 €/year from the second year.

Sign up for free to unlock this article

Algiers, which had recalled its ambassador on March 19, 2022 in protest at Spain’s new stance in favor of the Moroccan autonomy plan for Western Sahara, has now requested the Spanish government’s approval for the appointment of a new ambassador. According to a diplomatic source, this approval should be granted in the next few weeks by the Spanish Council of Ministers.

The Spanish U-turn on Western Sahara

According to Spanish online media El Confidencial, diplomat Abdelfetah Daghmoum, former number two at the Algerian embassy in Madrid and ex-Algerian ambassador to Guinea, is to be the new Algerian representative in Spain.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had decided to break with Spain’s historic position of neutrality on the Western Sahara issue to support the Moroccan autonomy plan. This decision angered Algiers, a long-standing supporter of the Polisario Front, and led to the decision to recall the Algerian ambassador in response.

Appointment of New Algerian Ambassador

In retaliation, Algeria suspended a friendship treaty signed with Madrid in 2002 and restricted commercial transactions with Spain, freezing banking operations between the two countries. This measure had a significant impact on several economic sectors, notably ceramics, agrifood and construction, with projects frozen and exports in freefall.

Economic consequences of the Diplomatic Scramble

The Western Sahara conflict, considered a “non-self-governing territory” by the UN in the absence of a definitive settlement, has pitted Morocco against the Polisario Front for decades. Rabat is proposing an autonomy plan under its sovereignty, while the Polisario is calling for a referendum on self-determination, provided for by the UN when a ceasefire was signed in 1991, but never implemented.

The appointment of a new Algerian ambassador to Spain marks a step towards resolving the diplomatic tensions that have persisted for over 19 months. The Western Sahara conflict remains a complex issue, with diverging positions between Morocco and the Polisario Front. The future of relations between Algeria and Spain in this context remains to be closely watched.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Ecoener commissions Guatemala’s largest solar plant with 74.7 MWp
Aspen Power acquires two community solar projects in New Jersey
Coal India launches 5 GW of solar and wind projects across the country
Terra Firma Energy strengthens its position with SGN’s hydrogen trial
Zefiro completes carbon credit delivery to EDF Trading for 92,956 tonnes of CO2
Iran seeks to revive oil production amid threat of renewed sanctions
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei calls for modernising the oil industry and expanding export markets as Tehran faces the possible reactivation of 2015 nuclear deal sanctions.
Zelensky urges Slovakia to stop buying Russian oil via Druzhba pipeline
The Ukrainian president demanded that Slovakia end its imports of Russian crude, offering an alternative supply solution amid ongoing war and growing diplomatic tensions over the Druzhba pipeline.
Washington lowers import duties and opens the door to $550 billion Japanese investments
The United States cuts tariffs on Japanese imports to 15%, while Tokyo launches a massive investment plan targeting American energy, industry, and agriculture.
Brazil bets on Cop 28 to shape the diplomatic agenda of Cop 30
Brazil’s Cop 30 presidency aims to leverage the Dubai commitments to mobilise public and private actors despite ongoing deadlock in international negotiations.
Brazil requests full membership in the International Energy Agency
Brasília has officially begun the process of joining the International Energy Agency, strengthening its strategic position on the global energy stage after years of close cooperation with the Paris-based organisation.
Putin asks Slovakia to block energy flows to Ukraine
During a meeting in Beijing, Vladimir Putin called on Slovakia to suspend its energy deliveries to Ukraine, citing Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure as justification.
Moscow and Bratislava discuss the Ukrainian conflict and energy cooperation
Vladimir Putin and Robert Fico met in China to address the war in Ukraine, regional security and energy relations between Russia and Slovakia.
Fico to meet Putin in China before hosting Zelensky in Slovakia
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico plans to meet Vladimir Putin in Beijing before receiving Volodymyr Zelensky in Bratislava, marking a diplomatic shift in his relations with Moscow and Kyiv.
London, Paris and Berlin trigger sanctions against Iran, risking crude disruption
The three European powers activate the UN sanctions mechanism against Iran, increasing pressure on the country's oil exports as Tehran maintains high production despite Western measures.
Return of IAEA inspectors to Iran after one month of diplomatic breakdown
Iran once again authorises the International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect its nuclear sites, following a suspension triggered by a dispute over responsibility for Israeli strikes.
Ukrainian Arrested in Italy Refuses Extradition for Nord Stream Sabotage
First suspect linked to the Nord Stream pipeline explosions, a Ukrainian citizen challenged by Berlin opposes his judicial transfer from Italy.
Ukrainian drones strike Russian energy sites and reignite tensions
Ukrainian drones targeted a nuclear power plant and a Russian oil terminal, increasing pressure on diplomatic talks as Moscow and Kyiv accuse each other of blocking any prospect of negotiation.
Ukrainian Arrested in Italy for Alleged Role in Nord Stream Sabotage
A Ukrainian national suspected of coordinating the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage has been apprehended in Italy, reigniting a judicial case with significant geopolitical implications across Europe.
Russia and India strengthen energy trade despite US pressure
Russia continues hydrocarbon deliveries to India and explores new outlets for liquefied natural gas, amid escalating trade tensions with the United States.
Russian Strikes Threaten Gas Cooperation Between Azerbaijan and Ukraine
Azerbaijani energy infrastructure targeted in Ukraine raises concerns over the security of gas flows between Baku and Kyiv, just as a new supply agreement has been signed.
Iran cuts 1.4 GW to Iraq, Baghdad speeds up regional interconnections
The suspension of 1,400 MW of electricity supplied by Iran to Iraq puts pressure on the Iraqi grid, while Tehran records a record 77 GW demand and must balance domestic consumption with regional obligations.
China rejects European threat to reinstate sanctions against Iran
Beijing opposes the possible return of European trio sanctions against Iran, as the nuclear deal deadline approaches and diplomatic tensions rise around Tehran.
Washington strengthens ties with Pakistan over minerals and hydrocarbons
The United States plans to collaborate with Pakistan on critical minerals and hydrocarbons, exploring joint ventures and projects in strategic areas such as Balochistan.
Russia gains adoption of oil and gas standards in Africa and the Middle East
Around 80 Russian technical standards for oil and gas have been internationally validated, notably by the United Arab Emirates, Algeria and Oman, according to the Institute of Oil and Gas Technological Initiatives.
Iraq and Syria Revive Kirkuk-Baniyas Pipeline to Bypass Traditional Routes
Baghdad and Damascus intensify discussions to reactivate the 850 km pipeline closed since 2003, offering a Mediterranean alternative amid regional tensions and export blockages.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.