Algeria has decided to reduce its security cooperation with Spain to the minimum, in an attempt to ramp up pressure on Madrid over its stance on the Western Sahara.
Tensions are simmering between Algiers and Madrid over recent Spanish comments on Western Sahara as Spain has shifted closer to Morocco's position on the conflict there.
In March, Algeria recalled its ambassador from Madrid in protest at Spain’s decision.
In April, the Algerian-backed Polisario Front, Western Sahara's independence movement, said it was severing ties with Spain after Madrid backed Morocco’s plan giving autonomy to the former Spanish colony.
Informed sources told Asharq Al-Awsat there is little judicial and security cooperation between the two countries in the fields of countering terrorism, handing over wanted persons to the judiciary, and combating illegal immigration.
They affirmed that Algiers’ step reflects annoyance with Madrid, in light of the threats and risks faced by the Mediterranean region.
In June, Algeria suspended foreign trade in products and services with Spain. It also suspended a 20-year-old friendship treaty with Spain that committed the two sides to cooperation in controlling migration flows, and also banned imports from Spain.
Last year, Spanish exports to Algeria totaled 1.8 billion euros ($1.95 billion) while imports amounted to 4.7 billion, almost all of which was gas supplies.
Sources said the security alliance between the two countries has been “undermined,” noting that Algeria has maintained a low level of information exchange on terrorist elements and the groups to which they belong, as well as the irregular migration waves, through which terrorists reach Spain.
Both countries had inked judicial agreements that stipulate handing over wanted persons and exchanging experiences between legal bodies.
