Algeria and Russia are setting the stage to sign a strategic partnership agreement on economic and military affairs during President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s upcoming visit to Moscow this month.
In May 2020, Russian President Vladimir Putin invited his Algerian counterpart to visit Moscow, but the Covid-19 pandemic stopped him from making the trip. Russia renewed the invitation in July during a phone call between the two presidents.
Algiers has not yet confirmed whether Tebboune’s visit will take place soon. Authorities are keen to complete the arrangements for the Russian-Algerian partnership agreements before announcing the trip’s exact date.
On November 8, Russia’s Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov told reporters that Moscow was awaiting the decision on Tebboune’s trip, revealing that the visit might take place by the end of the year.
Later, the Algerian foreign minister said on the sidelines of the Paris Peace Forum: “We hope that the visit will take place before the end of the year, and now preparations are underway for this visit.”
“We have a wide-ranging and long-term cooperation program. Algeria and Russia are important partners, and we are conducting a high-level political dialogue. We hope that President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s visit to Russia will be the beginning of a new phase in our relations,” Ramtane Lamamra said.
During his visit, Tebboune is expected to seal several deals, sources said.
Algerian officers are especially keen to acquire submarines, Su-57 (Sukhoi) stealth aircraft, Su-34 bombers, and Su-30 fighters.
Algeria also hopes to acquire new air defense systems, such as the S-400, the Viking, and the Antey-4000.
Algeria's military budget could increase by 130 percent, reaching $22.6 billion, as per the draft finance law of 2023.
This would make it Africa's largest military budget, according to RT.
