Algeria, Portugal Discuss Illegal Migration, Libyan Crisis

The Portuguese president receives his Algerian counterpart upon his arrival at the presidential palace in Lisbon. (AFP)
The Portuguese president receives his Algerian counterpart upon his arrival at the presidential palace in Lisbon. (AFP)
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Algeria, Portugal Discuss Illegal Migration, Libyan Crisis

The Portuguese president receives his Algerian counterpart upon his arrival at the presidential palace in Lisbon. (AFP)
The Portuguese president receives his Algerian counterpart upon his arrival at the presidential palace in Lisbon. (AFP)

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune held talks in Lisbon on Tuesday with his Portuguese counterpart Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

The discussions focused on developing bilateral and economic cooperation, and confronting illegal migration and terrorism in the Mediterranean region.

The Portuguese presidency said Tebboune’s visit, which kicked off on Monday, was part of efforts to “deepen the excellent bilateral ties” between their countries.

After meeting at the presidential palace, Tebboune told the press that he thoroughly discussed with his Portuguese counterpart “the situation in Libya, Mali, the Sahel, Western Sahara, and Palestinian territories, as well as what is happening between Ukraine and Russia, two friendly countries.”

He further hoped that the bilateral ties would achieve a leap in all fields, even sports.

Tebboune described the talks as “fruitful, open and honest”, adding that they highlighted the depth of the political relations and will strengthen regular political consultations, reflecting the multifaceted partnership between the two countries.

For his part, the Portuguese president said the visit will promote economic cooperation, including in renewable energy, tourism, and education, adding that it will pave the way for a new chapter of cooperation in diplomatic fields and national security.

He reiterated his country’s firm stance against terrorism and illegal migration, underlining the need for cooperation with Europe against these phenomena.

Tebboune is accompanied on his three-day visit by several businessmen who will take part in Algerian-Portuguese business forum that will be held during the trip.

The forum will tackle investment opportunities in energy, petrochemical industries, emerging institutions, tourism, and industry.

The delegation also includes the ministers of energy and mining, industry, pharmaceutical industry, trade and export promotion, public works and basic infrastructures, finance, and knowledge economy and startups.

The Algeria Press Service (APS) reported that the leaders of both countries are keen on strengthening their relations in the political and diplomatic fields, as well as boosting economic cooperation.

The Agency highlighted the major role Algeria and Portugal play in the Mediterranean, their cooperation in combating terrorism and illegal migration and consolidating stability in the region. It also noted their shared views on all regional and international issues of interest.



UN Seeks $6 Billion to Ease Hunger Catastrophe in Sudan

Displaced Sudanese, who fled the Zamzam camp, gather near the town of Tawila in North Darfur on February 14, 2025. (AFP)
Displaced Sudanese, who fled the Zamzam camp, gather near the town of Tawila in North Darfur on February 14, 2025. (AFP)
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UN Seeks $6 Billion to Ease Hunger Catastrophe in Sudan

Displaced Sudanese, who fled the Zamzam camp, gather near the town of Tawila in North Darfur on February 14, 2025. (AFP)
Displaced Sudanese, who fled the Zamzam camp, gather near the town of Tawila in North Darfur on February 14, 2025. (AFP)

UN officials on Monday asked for $6 billion for Sudan this year from donors to help ease what they called the world's worst ever hunger catastrophe and the mass displacement of people brought on by civil war.

The UN appeal represents a rise of more than 40% from last year's for Sudan at a time when aid budgets around the world are under strain, partly due to a pause in funding announced by US President Donald Trump last month that has affected life-saving programs across the globe.

The UN says the funds are necessary because the impact of the 22-month war between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) - that has already displaced a fifth of its population and stoked severe hunger among around half its population - looks set to worsen.

World Food Program chief Cindy McCain, speaking via video to a room full of diplomats in Geneva, said: "Sudan is now the epicenter of the world's largest and most severe hunger crisis ever."

She did not provide figures, but Sudan's total population currently stands at about 48 million people. Among previous world famines, the Bengal Famine of 1943 claimed between 2 million and 3 million lives, according to several estimates, while millions are believed to have died in the Great Chinese Famine of 1959-61.

Famine conditions have been reported in at least five locations in Sudan, including displacement camps in Darfur, a UN statement said, and this was set to worsen with continued fighting and the collapse of basic services.

"This is a humanitarian crisis that is truly unprecedented in its scale and its gravity and it demands a response unprecedented in scale and intent," UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said.

One of the famine-stricken camps was attacked by the RSF last week as the group tries to tighten its grip on its Darfur stronghold.

While some aid agencies say they have received waivers from Washington to provide aid in Sudan, uncertainty remains on the extent of coverage for providing famine relief.

The UN plan aims to reach nearly 21 million people within the country, making it the most ambitious humanitarian response so far for 2025, and requires $4.2 billion - the rest being for those displaced by the conflict.