Political Relations

Egypt and Algeria have a strong political relations dating back to their common struggle for independence from colonialism. In 1954, Egypt supported Algeria in its great revolution against French colonialism.

In 1956, Egypt was subjected to a tripartite aggression, French-Israeli-British, because of its pro-revolutionary stance.

In October 1973 war, Algeria was the second country in terms of support. It participated on the Egyptian front with its 8th mechanized infantry corps with the participation of 2115 Algerian  soldiers, 812 Non-commissioned officers and 192 officers.

The strong bilateral relationship between Egypt and Algeria formed a solid foundation on which the Arab League relied on building a strategic relationship between Arabs and Africans. This relationship appeared very promising in the years following the October 1973 war and began to develop positively until the first Arab-African conference in 1977.

Egyptian-Algerian political relations have been improved in the wake of the June 30 Revolution and the election of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, who chose Algeria to be the first destination after his election.

Egypt and Algeria see eye to eye on matters such as the Palestinian issue, Iraq, Sudan and Lebanon. The two countries also have identical views on the issue of reforming the United Nations system and expanding the membership of the Security Council.

The two countries also give a great importance to combating terrorist groups as well as the joint coordination at the Arab or African level.

The points of view  of the two countries concerning  the crucial issues meet especially in the issues related to the  reform of  the United Nations and expansion of  the membership in the Security Council, in conformity with  the Harari summit 1997  resolution concerning the  representation of the African continent as a member of the Security Council ensuring the participation of all cultures and civilizations at the international level.

The two countries have cooperated in solving the Libyan crisis as  the risks, challenges and threats facing Egypt and Algeria from the current events in Libya threaten the national security of both countries. In January 2017, the foreign ministers of the two countries Sameh Shoukry and Ramtan Lamamra confirmed the identical points of view on the Libyan file, which stresses the need to resolve the Libyan crisis through the implementation of the political agreement signed in Skhirat, Morocco, in August 2015.

On July 31^st, 2020, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi made a phone call to his Algerian
counterpart, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to congratulate him on the advent of the blessed Eid al-Adha. During the call, Sisi wished Algeria and its brotherly people all the stability, security and peace.

The Algerian President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, expressed his gratitude for this generous gesture and exchanged congratulations to President Al-Sisi on the advent of the blessed Eid Al-Adha, wishing the Government and people of Egypt continuous progress and prosperity.

On August 2nd, 2020, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry made a phone call to his Algerian counterpart, Sabri Boukadoum, within the framework of the permanent coordination between the two brotherly countries. The two ministers discussed a number of issues affecting regional stability and Arab national security. They, also, discussed arranging a meeting soon with each other to follow up issues of common concern.

Mutual Visits

On 2/8/2017, Algeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdelkader Messahel visited Egypt, and was received by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. Messahel handed President Sisi a message from Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika affirming Algeia's appreciation for the close relations with Egypt and the importance of developing them in all fields.

On 5/6/2017, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry visited Algeria to participate in the tripartite meeting of the foreign ministers of Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria, which dealt with the situation in Libya. During the meeting, the points of view  concerning the regional and international issues of common concern to Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria, especially the Libyan crisis were exchanged.

On 31/3/2016, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received Algerian Interior Minister Noureddine Badawi, who conveyed the greetings of Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, stressing the strength of the brotherly relations binding Cairo and Algeria. The visit reflected Algeria's keenness on enhancing bilateral relations in the various domains, especially security, in light of  the  challenges and risks they face . President Sisi asserted Egypt's eagerness to develop cooperation at the security level in light of current political developments in the region,  particularly  in Libya.

On 1/11/2015, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry visited Algeria to participate in the tripartite meeting of the foreign ministers of Egypt, Algeria and Italy for consultation on the developments of the Libyan crisis and means to support  the efforts  seeking the  formation of a national reconciliation government.

On 6/8/2015, Speaker of the Algerian Bicameral Parliament Abdel-Kader Ben Saleh visited Egypt, and submitted President Abdel Fattah El Sisi a letter from Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika expressing his proudness for the opening of the new Suez Canal, considering it a great achievement that will have positive effects on Egypt and the world, facilitating international maritime traffic.

On 5/8/2015, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met with his Jordanian counterpart Nasser Judeh who is visiting Cairo to attend an Arab League meeting. The meeting between Shoukry and Judeh took up conditions in the Palestinian territories.

On 7/6/2015, tripartite meeting between Egyptian, Algerian and Italian foreign ministers showed identical viewpoints towards the Libyan crisis.

On 7/6/2015, President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met with Algerian Minister of Maghreb Affairs, which called for boosting bilateral cooperation with Algeria in the current phase, especially with regard to dealing with the situation in Libya and combating illegal immigration.

On 23/5/2015, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika met with Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry to discuss the latest developments in the Arab region, especially the situation in Libya.

On 1/12/2014, Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab and his Algerian counterpart Abdelmalek Sellal discussed Arab and international developments as well as ways of boosting bilateral relations.

On 30/10/2014, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met with Algeria's Minister Delegate for Maghreb and African Affairs Abdelkader Messahel for talks on regional issues of mutual interest. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways of boosting bilateral ties along with a host of regional files, topped by the latest political and security developments in Libya and ways to achieve security there.

On 6/9/2014, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry received his Algerian counterpart Ramadan Lamamra. The two ministers discussed means of promoting bilateral relations in various fields.

On 24/8/2014, President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met with Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra at the Presidential Palace in Heliopolis. During the meeting, Lamamra conveyed a message from Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to the President.

On 25/8/2014, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri met with his Algerian counterpart Ramtane Lamamra ahead of the 4th ministerial meeting of Libya neighboring countries. Both ministers conferred on the agenda of the meeting and the importance to support the legitimate institutions in Libya. They also discussed the political and security situation in Libya and the necessity to form a Libyan government as soon as possible.

On 6/8/2014, Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab met with his Algerian counterpart Abdelmalek Sellal on the sidelines of the US-Africa Summit. The two sides discussed Egyptian-Algerian ties and ways of boosting cooperation in various fields.

On 25/6/2014, President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi left for Algeria on his first visit abroad since assuming power. Sisi is held talks with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on a number of strategic issues.

On 29/5/2014, Egypt and Algeria discussed holding joint higher committee meetings as soon as possible to develop bilateral cooperation.

On 5/1/2014, Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy headed for Algeria for talks on boosting bilateral relations, the developments of the Palestinian issue and the situation in South Sudan.

On 6/1/2014, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika received visiting Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy. The meeting took up the situation in Egypt, the Arab region and Africa.

Economic Relations

In 2014, the economic relations between Egypt and Algeria witnessed a strong boost, most notably at holding the seventh session of the Egyptian-Algerian high joint commission that was  headed by Prime Ministers of the both countries Ibrahim Mahlab and Abdel Malek Sellal during which 17  agreements  and memorandum of understanding were endorsed. They covered many sectors in the fields of export enhancement, consumer protection, cooperation between Egyptian and Algerian Stock Exchange,  and insurance and reinsurance .  Memoranda of understanding in veterinary services and in training and vocational training were signed as well.

• The volume of trade exchange between Egypt and Algeria was valued at almost $1.5 billion in 2012; i.e. up 11% over the 2011 figures. According to figures released by the Algerian Customs Authority in January 2013, Egyptian exports occupied third place among Arab exporting countries with exports calculated at $380.56 million as compared to $876.51 million of Algerian imports.

• Egyptian investment projects in Algeria were valued in 2009 at $4 billion and $890 million in the agricultural, construction, industrial services and communication sectors.

• Trade exchange between the two countries in the first 8 months of 2009 was put at $806 million. Algerian exports to Egypt were estimated at $612.7 million; imports at $196.8 million.

• Early in 2005, the two countries upgraded their joint committee to presidential level; a committee at foreign ministers' level has been established to ensure the smooth administration of regular day-to-day business.

 

• A number of Egyptian companies also took part in the 38th Algiers International Fair held on June 1 to 7, 2005.

Agreements signed:

• Agreement on encouraging and protecting investments.

• Agreement on the prevention of double taxation.

• Cooperation Agreement on the standardization of measurements and specifications.

 

• Cooperation Agreement between the international trade points of the two countries.

 

• Agreement on the establishment of an Egyptian-Algerian Business Council.

 

• Agreement on the establishment of an Egyptian-Algerian fishing company.

 

• Agreement for the international transport of passengers and goods by road.

 

• Administrative cooperation agreement for protection against tariff contraventions.

 

• A cooperation agreement in the field of tourism and conventional industries.

Contractual Framework:

 

No	Agreement	Date of signature	Effective Date
1	Agreement legal and judicial cooperation	1/3/1964	23/1/1967
2	A cultural cooperation agreement	15/3/1966	15/3/1966
3	Cooperation agreement to technical and administrative	23/7/1967	23/7/1967
4	Agreement on the Establishment of a high joint committee	7/3/1989	15/10/1991
5	Trade agreement	15/10/1991	25/10/1992
6	Agreement economic and technical cooperation	15/10/1991	14/8/1993
7	Agreement scientific and technological cooperation	15/10/1991	15/10/1991
8	Protocol on cooperation in the field of radio	17/11/1991	17/11/1991
9	Maritime agreement	10/4/1995	28/2/1998
10	TIR Convention across the roads and transit of passengers and goods	23/10/1995	8/12/1996
11	Agreement on cooperation in the fields of tourism and traditional industries	10/4/1995	9/11/1996
12	Convention on mutual administrative cooperation for the prevention of Almkhavat customs, search and control	31/7/1996	1/12/1998
13	A media cooperation agreement	29/3/1997	1/7/2000
14	Agreement to encourage and protect mutual investments	29/3/1997	3/5/2000
15	Agreement on cooperation in the field of animal health	19/1/1998	7/2/2001
16	Agreement on cooperation in the field of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs	27/9/198	7/2/2001
17	Agreement to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion	17/2/2001	11/5/2003
18	Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of a consultation mechanism between foreign ministries	11/2/2001	17/2/2001
19	Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the fields of standards and standardization	17/2/2001	17/2/2001
20	Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the field of agriculture	17/2/2001	17/2/2001
21	Memorandum of understanding in the preparation of judges and the exchange of legal expertise	17/2/2001	17/2/2001
22	Memorandum of understanding on mutual exemption of visas for holders of diplomatic passports and special task	17/2/2001	17/2/2001
23	Protocol on cooperation in the field of investment	12/1/2005	12/1/2005
24	An executive program for cooperation in the field of youth and sport for the years 2005 / 2007	12/1/2005	12/1/2005
25	An executive program for cooperation in the field of social affairs for the years 2005 / 2007	12/1/2005	12/1/2005
26	An executive program for cooperation Media for the years 2005 / 2007	12/1/2005	12/1/2005
27	An executive program for cooperation in the field of culture for the years 2005 / 2007	12/1/2005	12/1/2005
28	An executive program for cooperation in the field of education and education for the years 2005 / 2007	12/1/2005	12/1/2005
29	An executive program for cooperation in the field of higher education for the years 2005 / 2007	12/1/2005	12/1/2005
30	An executive program for cooperation in the field of tourism for the years 2005 / 2007	12/1/2005	12/1/2005
31	Memorandum of understanding in the field of Archive	12/1/2005	12/1/2005
32	Protocol for the use of teachers	12/1/2005	12/1/2005
33	Convention for Cooperation in the field of plant protection and quarantine	12/1/2005	12/1/2005
34	Memorandum of understanding between the Middle East News Agency and the Agency for APS	3/3/2008	3/3/2008
35	Memorandum of Understanding between the General Authority for Exhibitions and International Markets, the Algerian company for exhibitions and export	3/3/2008	3/3/2008
36	Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the field of technology centers	3/3/2008	3/3/2008
37	An executive program for cooperation in the field of training and vocational training for the years 2008/2010	3/3/2008	3/3/2008
38	An executive program for cooperation in the field of tourism for the years 2008/2010	3/3/2008	3/3/2008
39	An executive program for cooperation in the field of youth for the years 2008/2010	3/3/2008	3/3/2008
40	An executive program for cooperation in the field of sports for the years 2008/2010	3/3/2008	3/3/2008
41	An executive program for cooperation in the field of environmental protection	3/3/2008	3/3/2008
42	An executive program for cooperation in the field of higher education for the years 2008/2010	3/3/2008	3/3/2008
43	Executive program in the field of cultural cooperation for the years 2008/2010	3/3/2008	3/3/2008
44	Executive program in the field of employment and manpower for the years 2008/2010	3/3/2008	3/3/2008
45	Executive program in the area of Alijtmap for the years 2008/2010	3/3/2008	3/3/2008
46	Memorandum of understanding in the areas of Housing and Urban Development	3/3/2008	3/3/2008
47	Memorandum of understanding in the media	3/3/2008	3/3/2008
48	Memorandum of Understanding to activate the maritime transport agreement	3/3/2008	3/3/2008
49	A protocol of cooperation and partnership in the field of small and medium-	3/3/2008	3/3/2008
50	A cooperation protocol to send a medical mission to Algeria, Egypt	3/3/2008	3/3/2008
51	Air Transport Agreement	3/3/2008	3/3/2008

 

Cultural & Religious Relations

Culture is a bridge  connecting the Algerian and Egyptian peoples together.

The Culture Ministry, in coordination with the Egyptian Embassy in Algeria, exerted a strenuous efforts to promote  cultural cooperation between Egypt and Algeria, as  there is an  increasing interest in the  outstanding cultural dimensions of  the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Culture Minister Abdel Wahid El Nabawy was keen to attend the inauguration of " Constantine Capital of Arab Culture 2015" ceremony, which marks the beginning of a wider cultural activity throughout the year. He said that he met with Algerian Minister of Culture Nadia Labidi and expressed his desire to strengthen cultural relations between Egypt and Algeria in various fields .

The Egyptian Ambassador in Algeria said that  a large number of Algerian officials expressed their appreciation to the Egyptian Embassy and its efforts, as  the Egyptian Folklore Band gave an honorable picture during the show.

During the sixth session of the Egyptian-Algerian Higher Committee, the executive program for cultural cooperation between the two countries was signed for the years 2008/2010.

In 2008, Al-Ahram Organization organized a cultural festival in Algeria under the title "Nights of Joy". An Egyptian movie week was also held there in January 2006.

In July 2009, Egypt participated with a large delegation headed by the Chairman of the Egyptian National Library and Archives at the  African Cultural Festival organized by Algeria. The Egyptian delegation included 72 from among  musicians, lyricists, artists, poets and thinkers

In September 2004, a week was held for the Egyptian Film.

In January 2006, Egypt participated in the cultural festival in Algeria in cooperation with the Egyptian Ministry of Culture.

On the Religious Level

Al-Azhar holds training courses to benefit Algeria's scholars and preachers. Algerian students also study in Al-Azhar University.