Oman and Algeria : past, present and future

The state visit of Algeria's President, His Excellency Abdelmajdid Tebboune to the Sultanate of Oman will reinforce the deep rooted relations between the Sultanate and the largest Arab and African country by area.

This will be a significant and historic moment in a long standing bilateral friendship. It will be the first meeting between President Tebboune and His Majesty Sultan Haitham as heads of state.

Multiple diplomatic visits over the years have strengthened the ties and partnerships between the two states, particularly in areas such as energy, trade and investment, and regional diplomacy.

Oman and Algeria are both members of the League of Arab States and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and this enables them to maintain strong political relations multilaterally as well as bilaterally.

A longstanding relationship

The longstanding, brotherly partnership between Algeria and Oman is characterised by mutual respect, shared values and a proactive approach to issues of common interest and concern. It has flourished in recent years.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1973. His late Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said visited Algeria that year and ever since, the partnership between them has been strong with both committed to the partnership’s ongoing development.

The Oman-Algeria Joint Committee has played an important part in building relations between the two countries.

Shared regional and international objectives

Oman and Algeria share positions and points of view based on the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of other countries.

Both countries call for the solving of disputes and conflicts through dialogue and negotiations.

The commitments they share and principles they agree on include:

• A steadfast commitment to the Palestinian cause.
• A firm commitment to multilateralism and joint Arab action, for example through the United Nations, the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
• The importance of adhering to the rule of law and upholding the authority of bodies such as the United Nations and International Court of Justice.
• The importance of disarmament and nuclear non proliferation.
• A commitment to tackling climate change and to sustainable economic and social development.

Commitment to the Palestinian cause

At the latest Omani Algerian Joint Committee meeting in June, both nations stressed the need to unite Arab ranks and unify efforts to confront the challenges facing the Arab region and resolve the Israeli Palestinian issue.

Oman and Algeria reiterated their condemnation of Israel’s aggression towards and occupation of Palestine, which they agreed amounts to war crimes and genocide. They rejected any attempt to liquidate the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Both countries affirmed the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent, sovereign state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Oman Algeria Joint Committee

The Oman Algeria Joint Committee was set up by an agreement signed in February 1991. Since then, it has met periodically alternating between Muscat and Algiers.

It was established to strengthen ties and enhance cooperation in various sectors, particularly economic, cultural, and political. It serves as a framework for regular consultations and collaboration.

Numerous agreements and memoranda of understanding have been signed in various fields over the years on issues including trade, investment and education scholarships and shared expertise in the hydrocarbons industry.

Developing Trade

Trade between Oman and Algeria has not yet reached its full potential and there is strong scope for growth.

Algeria and Oman both aim to diversify their economies. As they reduce reliance on hydrocarbons, sectors like renewable energy and agriculture offer potential areas for mutual trade growth.

Algeria is one of the world's leading producers of phosphate, an essential ingredient in fertilisers, so there is potential for increased trade with Oman’s growing agriculture sector.

The partnership between Oman’s Suhail Bahwan Group and the Algerian National Oil Management Company (Sonatrach) to produce ammonia and urea, has helped to position Algeria as a major ammonia exporter.

Recently, Sonatrach signed an agreement with an Omani company, Abraj Energy Services, to foster collaboration in oil and gas, including exchanging expertise in drilling technology.

Oman is looking to boost its fisheries sector, especially its exports, and hopes to expand its market in North Africa, including Algeria.

Both governments are keen to strengthen ties in logistics and shipping to make trade routes more efficient. this includes discussions on improved sea links and air cargo routes between ports in Algeria and Oman to allow faster and more direct trade exchanges.

Cultural, educational and scientific exchanges

Science and culture have an important place in the vision of both Oman and Algeria. This is reflected through ongoing high-level exchanges in both sectors.

A MoU in the field of culture was signed in 2012 following a scientific and technical cooperation agreement signed in 2006.