Algeria and Iran have long shared deep cultural connections. Despite a brief suspension of diplomatic ties during Algeria’s civil war, both sides have regularly committed to bilateral strengthening of all sectors of our relationship. Many in our government see Algeria’s Independence War and Iran’s Islamic Revolution, although ideologically different, as inextricably linked in the anti-colonial struggle and commit to resolutely defending the sovereignty of colonised peoples. In order to continue fostering closer ties, a delegation has been dispatched to Tehran to discuss matters of mutual cooperation.

The Algerian government reiterates its commitment to supporting Iran’s right to have a peaceful nuclear program. We have and will continue to be staunch supporters of this right and hope that Iran will support the future construction of our own civilian nuclear industry. On that front, we would like to extend invitations to Iran’s top nuclear scientists to give lectures at some of Algeria’s top universities.

On the issue of Palestine, we wish to issue a joint statement condemning the continued brutal actions of illegal Zionist settlers against the Palestinian people. We reiterate our commitment to the plight of Palestine and wish them a swift return to their homelands and an end to Israeli occupation.

On the resurgence of Islamic State, Algiers condemns the extremist religious violence and voices its continued commitment to the fight against ISIS, wherever it may appear. We ask that Tehran join us in pledging to continue operating with the international coalition against ISIS, whether it be in the Maghreb, Levant or Eastern Africa.

[S] The refusal of the current American administration to go back on the Trump-era rejection of the UN peace process in the Western Sahara has been a serious point of anger for President Tebboune. Washington has drawn a clear line in the sand, and we’re on the other side of it. This has caused us to seek… alternative methods to our Morrocan problem. This is where we believe we share mutual interests. Although the Western Sahara is itself of little concern to you, the Morrocan government has grown increasingly close to the Saudis. Should you wish to deal a blow against them, the Polisario Front could use a new sponsor. Your military apparatus is no stranger to supplying untraceable and high quality weapons to budding rebel movements, and we would be more than happy to ensure the Polisario Front gets them. If this does not interest you at this time, we understand, but a Moroccan-Saudi alliance is bad for both of us. On a separate note, we would like to conduct officer exchanges between our respective military academies. We believe you have much to teach us on funding and fighting asymmetrical warfare, and we have much to teach you on counter-insurgency. [/S]

Money Talks

The current bilateral trade between our countries is rather low, despite our close cultural connections. We should like to commit to reaching $500 million in bilateral trade between our great nations by 2027.

We propose the creation of a Iranian-Algerian business council, to allow prominent companies and business leaders to liaise on possible joint ventures and beneficial investment opportunities. Furthermore, companies will be able to expand to new markets, understand the rapidly changing trade environment and local contexts, and keep current on issues affecting their counterparts markets.

We suggest the removal of barriers around the following services and industries to streamline the flow of people and goods:

• Developing joint standards around food packaging, safety and pesticides. This will ensure that both countries are producing food that can be exported freely between us.

• Algerian law firms will be able to establish representative offices in Iran and advise on Algerian and public international law. They will be able to enter into cooperative agreements with local law firms and establish joint ventures and hire local lawyers. The same will apply for Iranian lawyers in Algeria.

• Algerian accountants are able to establish offices in Iran to provide consultancy services on international and Algerian accounting laws. They will also be able to work and invest in Iranian accounting firms. The same will apply for Iranian accountants in Algeria.

• Education, engineering and other professional services will have mutual recognition of their qualifications in either country, as well as degrees obtained in both countries' universities being valid for employment.

• Streamlining of regulation and signing of agreements allowing Algerian and Iranian banks to operate and invest in each others countries, prompting closer financial ties between our two nations.

The Algerian delegation believes that we are perfectly poised to become the hub for Iranian businesses breaking into the African and Western European markets. As sanctions have been lifted on Iran and Algeria continues to liberalise its economy, this is the ideal moment for Iranian businesses to get an early foot in the door. We will commit to lowering all import tariffs on Iranian goods to 30% immediately, and then a 2.5% per year reduction until they hit 15%. In exchange, we request that Iranian tariffs be reduced to a similar level. Furthermore, we will halve the land tax for any Iranian companies setting up logistical facilities, manufacturing or local offices.

Finally, we propose a joint petrochemical production complex in the city of Oran. This $500 million dollar complex will feature production and storage facilities for ethylene and propylene, to take advantage of both our countries extensive petroleum reserves and expertise.