Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across a range of strategic sectors during high-level talks held in Ankara.

The two leaders addressed the media following a tête-à-tête meeting and the Türkiye-Algeria High-Level Strategic Council Meeting at the Presidential Complex, where they discussed economic ties, regional developments, energy cooperation and the situation in Palestine and Syria.

Erdoğan Highlights Strategic Partnership

President Erdoğan described Algeria as one of Türkiye’s most important trade partners in Africa and emphasized the determination of both countries to strengthen cooperation in key areas including energy, mining, transportation and agriculture.

“We are determined to enhance our cooperation with Algeria in many strategic areas,” Erdoğan said, noting that both sides are accelerating efforts to reach a bilateral trade volume target of $10 billion first announced in 2023.

The Turkish president stated that the strong relations between the two countries are rooted in shared historical ties and mutual respect.

“The mutual respect and affection stemming from our shared history constitute the engine of the Türkiye-Algeria relations,” Erdoğan said.

Focus on Energy and Economic Cooperation

A major part of the talks focused on energy cooperation amid ongoing regional instability and volatility in global energy markets.

Erdoğan said the war and tensions in the region, particularly those linked to Israeli actions, continue to impact international energy markets, making long-term energy partnerships increasingly important.

Türkiye and Algeria have maintained longstanding cooperation in natural gas supply, with Erdoğan describing the partnership as reliable, stable and sustainable.

He added that both countries are now seeking to expand collaboration into renewable energy, new technologies and mining investments through joint projects and experience-sharing initiatives.

Strong Support for Palestinian Statehood

During the press conference, Erdoğan also reiterated Türkiye’s strong support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the two-state solution.

“We are one of the strongest advocates of the two-state solution in Palestine,” he stated.

The Turkish president praised Algeria’s diplomatic support for the Palestinian cause during its recent term at the United Nations Security Council.

Erdoğan further criticized Israeli policies in Gaza Strip, the occupied West Bank and Lebanon, arguing that the ongoing conflicts demonstrate what he described as the destabilizing impact of Israel’s current policies in the region.

Syria and Regional Stability Discussed

The Turkish leader also emphasized the importance of preserving security and stability in Syria, saying Türkiye remains committed to supporting the country’s reconstruction and regional stability efforts.

Erdoğan said Ankara would continue contributing to Syria’s rebuilding process in line with its understanding of regional ownership and cooperation.

The meeting highlighted the growing strategic alignment between Türkiye and Algeria on both economic and regional issues, reflecting expanding ties between the two countries amid shifting geopolitical dynamics across the Middle East and North Africa. (ILKHA)