To redefine its place in an increasingly multipolar world, Algeria has turned its gaze to the Far East, seeking to deepen diplomatic ties with key players like China and Pakistan.
A statement from Algiers on Tuesday announced a series of high-level consultations aimed at deepening engagement with both countries. This move is part of a broader effort by Algeria to diversify its partnerships beyond the Maghreb and Europe, especially at a time when the North African country is facing growing isolation from its neighbours and the international community due to factors ranging from domestic political crisis, escalating regional crisis, and its rigid foreign policy position.
A Pivot Toward the East
The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed in a statement that Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf had a phone conversation with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, to fashion out the modalities for strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries. He also held a similar call with Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister, who also doubles as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
During the call with Wang Yi, Attaf reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, a relationship that dates back to Algeria’s independence and has expanded under the Belt and Road Initiative.
“The call allowed the two sides to review the various dimensions of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Algeria and China and prospects for elevating it to new heights, particularly in economic areas, in line with the special attention both countries’ leadership gives to the relations,” part of the statement said.
The two ministers also discussed some of the issues on this month’s UN Security Council agenda, including decolonisation of Western Sahara.
Strengthening Ties With Pakistan
In his separate call with Pakistan’s Mohammad Ishaq Dar, the Algerian Foreign Minister reviewed progress in bilateral political consultations and explored new areas of collaboration. Both sides also emphasised the importance of coordination at the UN Security Council, where Algeria currently serves as a non-permanent member.
Although details were sparse, we understand that discussions also included cooperation in education, defence, and technology, as well as renewed interest in trade links connecting North Africa and South Asia.
A Strategic Recalibration
Algeria’s renewed diplomatic activity comes at a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics and regional friction. The country’s relations with Morocco remain tense, and ties with its traditional partners in Europe, notably France, have been strained by disputes over migration, history, and energy politics.
This eastward outreach signals a recalibration of Algerian diplomacy. Meanwhile, for China and Pakistan, deeper ties with Algeria also hold strategic value. Algeria is Africa’s largest country by land area, a key supplier of natural gas to Europe, and a potential hub for trade routes linking the Mediterranean to the Sahel. With new energy transition projects under discussion and its plans to expand power generation capacity, Algeria represents an attractive partner for Asian investors.
Beijing has already funded several infrastructure projects in North Africa, while Islamabad is looking to expand its diplomatic footprint in the Arab world.
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