Latest news with #AhmedAttaf
Ya Biladi
5 days ago
- Business
- Ya Biladi
EU-Algeria tensions rise over trade restrictions and arbitration move
Relations between Algeria and the European Union are facing renewed strain. In response to what it views as violations of their association agreement, the EU has announced it is launching a dispute settlement procedure against Algeria and has requested consultations with Algerian authorities to address multiple restrictions affecting EU exports and investments. According to a statement from Brussels, the trade barriers introduced by Algeria since 2021 violate the liberalization commitments set out in the EU-Algeria association agreement, signed on April 22, 2002, and in effect since September 1, 2005. The EU says its move aims to «engage constructively with Algeria with a view to removing the restrictions on several market sectors, spanning from agricultural products to motor vehicles». These include an import licensing system that effectively amounts to a ban, subsidies for car manufacturers conditioned on the use of local inputs, and a cap on foreign ownership for companies importing goods into Algeria. Algeria «Surprised» by EU's Move On Thursday, Algeria expressed surprise over the EU's decision to initiate arbitration. Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf addressed a letter to Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Vice-President of the European Commission, denouncing what he described as a «hasty and unilateral decision» to end the consultation phase and trigger arbitration. Attaf argued that the move came despite only two meetings having taken place in the past two months, during which six of the eight issues raised by the EU were reportedly close to resolution. He added that Algeria had also proposed concrete solutions for the remaining two disputes but had received no formal response from its European counterparts. It's worth noting that Algeria had previously imposed sanctions on Spanish companies following Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's public support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a position that drew EU concern. Brussels had attempted to persuade Algiers to lift the restrictions. A Financial Squeeze and Growing Isolation Efforts to mediate, led by former European Council President Charles Michel and former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell in 2022 and 2023, have so far failed to resolve the tensions. French companies have also reportedly faced retaliatory measures, particularly following President Emmanuel Macron's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. Beyond the geopolitical rift, Algeria is grappling with economic challenges. Since taking office in December 2019, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has pushed for drastic import reductions, contributing to shortages of key consumer goods. According to a July report from the Bank of Algeria, the country's foreign exchange reserves have dropped sharply, from $51.4 billion in December 2024 to $39 billion by the end of June 2025, a decline of over 20% in just six months. Adding to the pressure, the EU recently placed Algeria on its blacklist of countries deemed high-risk for money laundering and terrorist financing, further souring already fragile relations between Brussels and Algiers.
Ya Biladi
5 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Algeria, Polisario hold talks after Zuma affirms support for Morocco on Sahara
Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf met on Thursday in Algiers with Mohamed Yeslem Beissat, his «counterpart» from the Polisario Front. According to a statement from the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the talks focused on «the latest developments regarding the Western Sahara issue», as well as «key matters on the African Union's agenda». The meeting came two days after former South African President Jacob Zuma voiced support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara during a visit to Rabat. In response, Algeria sent envoys to South Africa on Wednesday to meet with officials from the ruling African National Congress (ANC), led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, to address the implications of Zuma's remarks, seen as a shift in tone from one of the country's most influential political figures. For context, Mohamed Yeslem Beissat previously served as the Polisario's representative in Pretoria. Before his departure from South Africa, he held talks with several pro-Polisario organizations and spoke with Ramaphosa on the sidelines of an ANC gathering.
Malaysian Reserve
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
TAC opens door to deeper ties with ASEAN, say Algeria, Uruguay
by HIDAYATH HISHAM THE signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-East Asia (TAC) by Algeria and Uruguay on Wednesday opens the door to deeper engagement with ASEAN on both bilateral and multilateral levels. Algeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad Ahmed Attaf said it is an honour for his country to join the TAC and become part of the community alongside ASEAN member states. He noted that ASEAN is an organisation that had proven through its actions, outcomes and achievements — that regional cooperation could bring about significant change, strengthen stability and generate shared prosperity for all. 'By joining the TAC today, we wish to add a new dimension to this bilateral relationship, which includes an ASEAN that speaks collectively and is increasingly influential on the global stage. 'In this spirit, we also wish to deepen our engagement with ASEAN and become a mutually accepted bilateral partner. We humbly seek the continued support and recognition of all,' he said after the signing of the instruments of accession to the TAC. Meanwhile, Uruguay's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mario Lubetkin said the TAC agreement is the beginning of a platform to comprehensively convey a message for transforming policy and action plans towards a more inclusive approach. 'We need to change how we think and how we work together. This symbolic signing is not merely a signature. That's why I'm here, and I'm deeply honoured to be alongside the Malaysian foreign minister. 'Imagine what could happen if we cooperated more effectively. How could we harness this in the form of artificial intelligence (AI)? Because we have solid information — and this marks a key starting point for establishing stronger collaboration,' he said. Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the signing by both countries — representing Africa and Latin America — reflected a shared intention to strengthen ties with ASEAN. 'So, the existence of this treaty is a mechanism that allows both countries to interact better with ASEAN, either on a multilateral or bilateral basis. 'We've had bilateral relations with Algeria for a long time. So, this is the basis for us to forge cooperation and friendship between ASEAN and both countries,' he added.
The Star
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Algeria, Uruguay sign TAC to strengthen ties with Asean
KUALA LUMPUR: Algeria and Uruguay has acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-East Asia (TAC), a move which Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan described as a step forward for both countries in strengthening ties with Asean. The Foreign Minister said the Treaty provides a platform for both countries to build deeper diplomatic links with Asean member states. 'We view this as a treaty of friendship, aimed at fostering global peace. 'It (TAC) is a mechanism that enables countries like Algeria and Uruguay to enhance both multilateral and bilateral relations within the region,' he said after witnessing the signing. Algerian Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs Minister Ahmed Attaf said that joining the treaty would strengthen and broaden the country's relations with other nations. He said Asean had proven successful in offering the world an example of strong cooperation, integration and modesty. 'We want to learn from you how to ensure the replication of what you have succeeded in achieving in our respective region. 'We are going through difficult times internationally and we believe movement of this nature and magnitude, have stabilised the world order on the basis of the rule of law, respect for the UN Charter, and above all, respect for our mutual interests,' he said. Uruguay Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin said there are incredible investments in the key South that are lesser known, highlighting the importance of working together. 'We can combine our resources and intelligence. We need to create a better scenario. This emblematic signature goes beyond being just a signature,' he said. With Algeria and Uruguay officially joining the TAC, the number of states party to the Asean treaty is now 57. Established in 1976, the TAC embodies universal principles of peaceful coexistence and friendly cooperation among states. It serves as a legally binding code for inter-state relations within South-East Asia and extends its influence beyond the region. The treaty has undergone three amendments – in 1987, 1998, and 2010 – primarily to allow for accession by states outside South-East Asia and regional organisations comprising sovereign states.
The South African
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The South African
Algeria, Uruguay join ASEAN peace treaty in historic move
Algeria and Uruguay officially signed the Instrument of Accession to the Southeast Asian Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) on July 9 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This historic event took place in conjunction with the 58th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In addition, with these two countries added, there are now 57 state parties to the TAC overall. Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan attended the signing ceremony. He asserted that this accession strengthens ASEAN's ties to North Africa and Latin America. Algeria was represented by Ahmed Attaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs. Mario Lubetkin, Uruguay's foreign minister, signed on the nation's behalf. As a result, this clear promise demonstrates their commitment to the TAC's ideals. Established in 1976, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation serves as a foundational framework for amicable relations between states. Respect for sovereignty and refraining from meddling in internal affairs are among the core principles. The treaty also promotes the renunciation of threats or the use of force, as well as the peaceful settlement of disputes. Furthermore, these ideas align with widely accepted norms that support peace and stability on a regional and international level. Additionally, Mohamad Hasan emphasised that ASEAN's partnerships are increasingly expanding across continents. The addition of Uruguay and Algeria raises ASEAN's profile internationally. For this reason, this development paves the way for increased cooperation and improved understanding between ASEAN and these two regions. Both countries aspire to prosperity, peace, and sustainable growth. The focus of Malaysia's 2025 chairmanship theme for the 58th AMM is 'inclusivity and sustainability'. Uruguay and Algeria have demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering dialogue by upholding the TAC. Through TAC, both countries reaffirm their commitment to peace, respect, and dialogue in the interconnected world. Moreover, this emblematic signature goes beyond formality, strengthening diplomatic relations. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
