A special session of the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) unfolded in Algeria, focusing on the theme “SPIEF 2024: fostering Russian-Algerian cooperation.” The event served not only as a grand gathering but also as a catalyst for participants to establish and cultivate new connections and projects. The heightened interest from the Algerian side was notably influenced by the participation of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in the SPIEF 2023 plenary session. This year witnessed the largest-ever business delegation from Algeria in SPIEF’s more than quarter-century history.
Alexey Valkov, Deputy Director of the Roscongress Foundation and Director of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, expressed optimism about expanding cooperation projects through personal contacts and meetings. He highlighted the significance of the direct flight service between St. Petersburg and Algiers, initiated in the summer of 2023, as an additional incentive for bolstering collaborative efforts.
Key participants at the event included Valerian Shuvaev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Algeria; Ivan Nalitch, Trade Representative of Russia in the Algerian People’s Democratic Republic; Alexey Valkov; and Kamel Moula, President of the Algerian Council for Economic Renewal (CREA).
Ivan Nalitch, Trade Representative of the Russian Federation in Algeria, emphasized the enduring and friendly relations between Russia and Algeria, supported at the highest levels. Both nations pledged not only to fortify trade relations but also to explore novel mutually beneficial cooperative solutions and enhance logistics routes.
Experts showcased the SPIEF platform as a vital communication hub for developing and deepening strategic cooperation across 16 key areas outlined in the Declaration on In-depth Strategic Partnership. These areas encompass politics, trade and economy, customs, finance and banking, energy, subsoil use, military-technical cooperation (MTC), and the joint efforts against terrorism and crime.
Anticipation looms for the continuation of the dialogue between Russian and Algerian business and government representatives at the upcoming St. Petersburg International Economic Forum scheduled for June 5-8 in St. Petersburg.
