Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt and Algeria have taken a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations with the signing of 18 agreements, memorandums of understanding, and cooperation programs spanning a wide array of strategic sectors. The accords were finalized on Wednesday in Cairo at the conclusion of the ninth session of the Algerian-Egyptian High Joint Committee, marking one of the most comprehensive rounds of cooperation commitments between the two countries in recent years.
The signing ceremony was attended by Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb and his Egyptian counterpart, Mostafa Madbouly, underscoring the high-level political support behind efforts to expand economic, technical, and institutional ties. According to a statement released by the Algerian government, the agreements cover fields including interior affairs, finance, energy, industry, trade, and housing. They also address cooperation in higher education, scientific research, vocational training, culture, youth and sports, and social solidarity, reflecting a broad approach to partnership that extends well beyond traditional economic domains.
Both sides also endorsed memorandums on accreditation, agricultural research, archiving, consumer protection, and local development. A notable addition was an agreement on energy transition and renewable energy, aligning with both countries’ long-term ambitions to diversify their energy sources and modernize their respective energy sectors. Executive programs in youth affairs, sports, cultural exchange, vocational training, and social affairs were also signed, as well as a cooperation protocol aimed at enhancing public administration.
The committee’s proceedings followed bilateral talks between Ghrieb and Madbouly earlier in the day. These discussions later expanded to include both delegations and helped shape the agenda for the committee’s opening session. Energy cooperation emerged as a focal point, with Ghrieb calling for closer coordination to defend the countries’ shared interests in the global gas market. He noted that shifting geopolitical and economic conditions have elevated energy security to a strategic priority, requiring joint action by major regional producers such as Algeria and Egypt.
Economic ties between the two nations have been steadily expanding. Algeria’s official data show that bilateral trade surpassed 1 billion dollars in 2024, up from 872 million dollars the previous year, a robust 18 percent increase. Both governments say they aim to raise the trade volume to 5 billion dollars in the coming years, a target that would require substantial growth in commercial exchanges and investment flows.
Investment cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions. The Algerian Agency for Investment Promotion reported that it has registered 21 investment projects by Egyptian companies since 2023, including 12 joint ventures with Algerian partners. The agency’s director, Omar Rekkache, praised the performance of Egyptian companies operating in Algeria, describing their projects as “successful experiences” that can serve as a foundation for deeper engagement. According to official figures, Egyptian investments in Algeria currently exceed 3 billion dollars, covering diverse sectors such as construction materials, manufacturing, and services.
The High Joint Committee has met eight times previously, most recently in mid-2022 in Algiers, where a series of agreements and memorandums were also signed. The latest session in Cairo signals renewed momentum in the partnership, driven by a shared interest in economic diversification, regional stability, and strategic coordination.
By expanding cooperation across both traditional and emerging sectors, Algeria and Egypt appear intent on building a more integrated economic and political partnership, one that could contribute to broader regional cooperation in North Africa and the Arab world.
