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Algeria Lifts Trade Blockade Against Spain
Algeria unexpectedly lifts its trade blockade against Spain, potentially shifting its focus to France due to support for Morocco's position on Western Sahara.
Spanish
Spain
PoliticsInternational RelationsMiddle EastGeopoliticsEuropean UnionFranceTradeNorth Africa
Banco De ArgeliaOficina Económica Y Comercial De La Embajada Española En ArgelAsociación Profesional De Bancos Y Entidades Financieras (Abef)Círculo De Comercio E Industria Argelino-Español (Cciae)
Emmanuel MacronPedro SánchezAbdelmayid TebuneJosé Manuel AlbaresDjamel Eddine Bouabdallá
- How is France's involvement related to Algeria's decision?
- The lifting of the ban comes after French President Macron visited Morocco and pledged support for their position on the Western Sahara. This shift in Algerian policy seems to be a direct response to this event.
- What is the significance of this decision for Spanish businesses?
- The move is seen as a positive development for Spanish businesses, many of whom have had their commercial ties with Algerian clients severed. The full resumption of trade is expected to benefit both economies.
- Why did Algeria lift its ban on Spanish exports and banking transactions?
- Algeria has lifted its two-year-old ban on most Spanish exports and banking transactions. This follows France's recent support for Morocco's autonomy plan for the Sahara, which mirrors Spain's previous stance that prompted Algeria's initial veto.
- What is the long-term outlook for the relationship between Algeria and Spain?
- While the immediate impact is positive for Spain, the relationship remains delicate, with the 20-year-old Treaty of Friendship still suspended. The future of bilateral relations will depend on the ongoing developments in the Western Sahara dispute.
- What is the history of trade relations between Algeria and Spain during this period?
- The Algerian government's decision was unilateral and follows a pattern of partial, temporary trade openings. Previous temporary openings have been for specific products and often in response to supply shortages within Algeria.