Moscow and Algeria Discuss Prospects for Bilateral Cooperation
A series of Moscow cultural and business events took place in the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria with the participation of the delegation of the Government of Moscow headed by Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Government of Moscow and Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations.
The visit programme began on April 29 and was aimed at strengthening partnership ties between Moscow and Algeria, developing bilateral economic cooperation, expanding contacts between business circles, and promoting cultural and humanitarian dialogue.
A key element of the visit was a meeting between Sergey Cheremin and the Minister‑Governor of Algiers, Mr. Rabehi. The head of the Moscow delegation noted the high level of relations between the capitals, confirmed by regular exchanges of official delegations and specialised specialists and their participation in joint international conferences.
During the conversation, Sergey Cheremin also stressed the importance of continuing bilateral dialogue on the modernisation of urban transport infrastructure, the construction and operation of surface and underground metro systems, in line with the agreements reached during the 12th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Russian‑Algerian Commission on Trade, Economic and Scientific‑Technical Cooperation.
The parties agreed to further explore the participation of industrial and technology companies in the development of public transport systems in the Wilaya of Algiers, exchange experience with the Russian capital in creating more sustainable and energy‑efficient urban infrastructures, reducing environmental impact, improving energy security, as well as in the improvement of public spaces and the introduction of digital solutions in urban economic management. Mr. Rabehi invited Moscow partners to take part in the 2026 Sports Festival in Algiers, an annual event aimed at promoting sport, strengthening social cohesion and raising the city’s profile.
At the end of the meeting, Mr. Rabehi presented a detailed video presentation, “Projects for the Development Strategy of the Algerian Capital and Giving It a Modern Image,” covering work to improve citizens’ quality of life, including the improvement and reconstruction of urban neighbourhoods and buildings, coastal zones, park areas, the expansion of the main transport artery network, the introduction of intelligent traffic management systems, and the development of autonomous vehicles.
The head of the Moscow delegation invited Mr. Rabehi to visit Moscow and extended an invitation to the International Municipal Forum‑2026, as well as a draft new extended cooperation programme between the Moscow Government and the Wilaya of Algiers.
During the visit, the Moscow delegation held negotiations with Abdelkader Djellaui, Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.
Referring to the implementation in Algeria of a large‑scale programme for the design and construction of transport infrastructure, the Algerian side confirmed its readiness to adopt the relevant experience of the Russian capital. It also thanked the Government of Moscow for its assistance in the initiative to name a Moscow square after the national hero of Algeria, Emir Abdelkader. The interlocutor expressed hope for an enhanced level of Moscow‑Algeria interaction in the near future.
A meeting was also held with Mahmoud Jama, Secretary General of the Ministry of the Interior, Local Authorities and Transport of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. Participants considered opportunities for experience exchange in urban development, transport infrastructure, and inter‑agency cooperation.
One of the central events of the programme was the business forum “Moscow – Algeria: Strategic Directions for the Development of Bilateral Economic Ties.” The forum featured a plenary session, B2B meetings, and negotiations between business representatives. Participants discussed prospects for cooperation in trade, industry, infrastructure, technology, urban services, and other areas vital for the development of sustainable economic ties.
“Foreign economic ties between Moscow and Algeria are actively developing. Although the volume of foreign trade turnover is not yet very high, standing at about $1.5 billion, we see steady positive momentum. Much of this is due to Algeria’s important role as a gateway to the African market. Significant projects are being implemented here in energy, railways, and automotive manufacturing. Moscow is also interested in participating in the development of the metro in Algiers. The Russian capital has vast experience in metro construction and is a unique metropolis that consistently invests in the development of modern urban infrastructure,” said the Minister of the Moscow Government.
On the Algerian side, the official part of the forum was opened by Ali Mokrani, Head of the Research and Event Coordination Office of the Wilaya of Algiers, who stated that the current stage of the radical renewal of the Algerian economy requires a new quality of cooperation in which Russian companies act not so much as suppliers but as long‑term technological partners with the necessary expertise for innovation transfer.
Another important event was a meeting with representatives of the Russian community in Algeria. The Moscow delegation took part in a conference of the Coordination Council of Organisations of Russian Compatriots. The discussion focused on preserving cultural and historical ties with Russia, supporting the Russian‑speaking community abroad, and developing public diplomacy as one of the most significant areas of interaction between Moscow and Algeria.
The visit’s cultural programme included a photo exhibition, “The History of Relations between Moscow and Algeria,” dedicated to the development of contacts between the parties, and a concert by the Youth Festival Orchestra at the Boualem Bessaih Opera House in Algiers as part of the 15th International Festival of Symphonic Music.
On April 30, the Moscow delegation held a series of meetings with representatives of Algerian business circles and relevant government authorities. In particular, negotiations were held with Kamel Rezig, Minister of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion; Yahya Bachir, Minister of Industry; and Tayeb Chebab, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The holding of a series of Moscow cultural and business events in Algeria became an important step in developing direct dialogue between the cities. The visit helped strengthen existing ties, identify new promising areas of cooperation, and create additional opportunities for joint projects in the economic, infrastructural, business, and cultural spheres.