La presse slovène met en avant la « portée stratégique » de la visite du président de la République en Slovénie
Summary of President Tebboune’s Visit to Slovenia
On Wednesday, Slovenian media highlighted the strategic significance of the state visit by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to Slovenia, invited by President Nataša Pirc Musar. This visit marks a deepening of diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations, as emphasized by RTV SLO, Slovenia’s public broadcasting service, which published a comprehensive dossier detailing the political, economic, and cultural dimensions of the visit.
One of the most notable agreements signed during this visit was a contract between Algeria’s Sonatrach and Slovenia’s Geoplin, renewing a natural gas supply agreement. This contract is crucial for Slovenia, addressing its escalating energy needs and ensuring a continuous gas supply for the foreseeable future. Geoplin underscored that the agreement would not only fortify ties in the energy sector but also open doors for future partnerships.
Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob commented on the signing of multiple agreements and memorandums of understanding, stating that these pacts present numerous opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation. He noted that both countries would focus on collaboration in diverse areas such as education, research, water resources, space technologies, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
In terms of foreign policy, RTV SLO highlighted the alignment between the two nations on key issues of mutual interest. Both countries are non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, collaborating on critical global matters. The cooperation agreement in policing, particularly in addressing irregular migration in the Mediterranean, was noted as a potential model for other European nations.
A memorandum between the Algerian Economic Renewal Council (CREA) and Slovenia’s Business Development Agency (SPIRIT) aimed to bolster economic cooperation. SPIRIT’s director, Tamara Zajec Balazic, expressed confidence that this partnership would enhance trade and establish connections between companies in both countries.
The prominent Slovenian newspaper Vecer emphasized the strategic significance of President Tebboune’s visit, which included a delegation of over 70 business leaders. A detailed article titled "Slovenia and Algeria Continue Their Gas Alliance" reviewed the implications of the renewed gas supply contract, its technical aspects, and its direct impact on Slovenia’s industrial development. The importance of Algerian natural gas for Slovenia and the European Union was highlighted, particularly regarding securing energy needs for the continent.
The Slovenian Press Agency (STA) pointed out key areas of consensus between Presidents Tebboune and Pirc Musar, including collaborations in artificial intelligence, renewable energies, policing, agriculture, ICT, water management, and space technologies. The positive atmosphere at the Algerian-Slovenian business forum allowed business leaders to explore opportunities for deeper cooperation.
Meanwhile, The Slovenia Times focused on the signing of a memorandum regarding regular political consultations between the two foreign ministries and cooperation in combating transnational crime and managing migration. These agreements were recognized as foundational for deepening bilateral relations.
In discussions on international issues, the presidents agreed on the necessity of enhanced cooperation within the UN Security Council. On the question of Western Sahara, President Pirc Musar reiterated Slovenia’s call for a just and sustainable solution under UN auspices.
In conclusion, President Tebboune’s visit to Slovenia stands as a milestone in fostering cooperation between Algeria and Slovenia across various sectors, particularly energy, security, and economic development, paving the way for a robust partnership in addressing regional and global challenges.