Algeria, Libya Affirm Need to Secure Borders, Boost Investment

The Algerian-Libyan Debdeb-Ghadames border crossing
The Algerian-Libyan Debdeb-Ghadames border crossing
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Algeria, Libya Affirm Need to Secure Borders, Boost Investment

The Algerian-Libyan Debdeb-Ghadames border crossing
The Algerian-Libyan Debdeb-Ghadames border crossing

A Libyan delegation, led by Head of the Government of National Unity (GNU) Abdulhamid Dbeibeh, held talks with Tunisian officials in Algiers on Sunday.

During the talks, both sides stressed the importance of securing borders and boosting investments between the two countries.

Algerian Foreign Minister Sabri Boukadoum affirmed his country’s “unlimited” solidarity with Libyans to overcome their crisis.

He highlighted efforts to support Libyan authorities in restoring political stability and security.

Following talks with his Libyan counterpart Najla al-Mangoush, Boukadoum said they discussed bilateral ties and means of attaining both people’s interests.

They further exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining bilateral communication and coordination.

Boukadoum expressed “great satisfaction” with the common will to push forward these relations.

The Algerian-Libyan Economic Forum was held on Sunday in Algiers and brought together 500 businessmen and contractors from both countries to discuss investment opportunities.

Boukadoum also said his country was finalizing logistical and technical preparations for the reopening of the Debdeb-Ghadames border crossing with Libya.

Both FMs discussed “measures to overcome obstacles facing investors, develop commercial and economic exchanges, including the acceleration of the reopening of the Debdeb-Ghadames border crossing.”

“The fraternal and neighborliness ties have enshrined the values of understanding and solidarity as constants in our bilateral relations,” Boukadoum stressed, hailing the Libyan people’s support for Algerians during the liberation revolution.

Mangoush, for her part, praised Algeria’s efforts and steady role to preserve Libya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its unlimited solidarity to achieve national reconciliation.



Germany’s Merz Announces Gaza Aid Airlift, Mulls Upping Ante on Israel

 28 July 2025, Berlin: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks at a press conference at the Federal Chancellery, after the Security Cabinet meeting on the conflicts in the Middle East. (dpa)
28 July 2025, Berlin: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks at a press conference at the Federal Chancellery, after the Security Cabinet meeting on the conflicts in the Middle East. (dpa)
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Germany’s Merz Announces Gaza Aid Airlift, Mulls Upping Ante on Israel

 28 July 2025, Berlin: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks at a press conference at the Federal Chancellery, after the Security Cabinet meeting on the conflicts in the Middle East. (dpa)
28 July 2025, Berlin: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks at a press conference at the Federal Chancellery, after the Security Cabinet meeting on the conflicts in the Middle East. (dpa)

Germany will immediately launch an airlift to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza as it considers stepping up pressure on Israel over the "catastrophic" situation in the enclave, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday.

As the death toll from almost two years of war in Gaza nears 60,000, a growing number of people are dying from starvation and malnutrition, Gaza health authorities say, with images of starving children shocking the world and fueling international criticism of Israel over sharply worsening conditions.

Germany, together with the United States, has long remained one of Israel's staunchest allies and largest arms suppliers.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday many people were starving in the enclave, contradicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who denied there was starvation there.

The German security cabinet convened for more than two hours on Monday to discuss the situation, Merz told a news conference in Berlin. While it welcomed Israel's announcement of a halt in military operations for 10 hours a day in parts of Gaza as an "important first step", it agreed more must follow.

Asked if the council discussed sanctions like suspending the EU pact governing relations with Israel, a move Germany has in the past rejected, Merz said the council had discussed what options were available.

"We are keeping such steps on the table," he said.

Before making any decisions, however, he would try to speak with Netanyahu later on Monday and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul would travel to the region on Thursday, possibly together with his British and French counterparts. The German government would then reassess the situation over the weekend.

In the meantime, Berlin would do what it could to help alleviate the humanitarian situation, launching an airlift in cooperation with Jordan to deliver aid into Gaza.

"Defense Minister Boris Pistorius will closely coordinate with France and the UK, who are also willing to provide such an airlift for food and medical supplies," he said.

"We know that this can only provide very limited help for the people in Gaza, but it is nonetheless a contribution we are eager to make."

Germany would also prepare for a Gaza reconstruction conference in coordination with regional partners, Britain and France, he said. "No further expulsions from the Gaza Strip must occur."

German officials say their approach to Israel is governed by a special responsibility, known as the Staatsraison, arising from the legacy of the Nazi Holocaust.

They have long believed they can achieve more through diplomatic back channels than public statements. But Merz has come under growing pressure in recent weeks, including from within his own coalition, to take a firmer stance on Israel, and faced broad criticism for failing to join a statement last week by dozens of Western nations condemning the "inhumane killing" of Palestinians.