Algiers: The interior ministers of Algeria and Spain have engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing their cooperation in counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and addressing irregular migration. This dialogue marks a significant step since a diplomatic rift in 2022, following Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's support for Morocco's autonomy plan for the Western Sahara, which led to a halt in collaboration between the two nations.

According to Anadolu Agency, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska's visit to Algiers represents the first by a Spanish official since the diplomatic crisis. During the meeting, Algerian Minister of Interior Said Sayoud emphasized the importance of joint efforts to tackle shared threats. He described the discussions as part of a broader strategy designed to bolster counterterrorism and cybersecurity cooperation and to develop sustainable solutions for the challenges posed by irregular migration.

Minister Sayoud highlighted the risks Algeria faces due to the influx of irregular migrants, revealing that Algerian authorities thwarted approximately 100,000 illegal migration attempts toward Africa and Europe in 2024. He commended the Joint Security Cooperation Committee's outcomes in Madrid, which led to agreements on sharing technical solutions for detecting forged documents and exchanging expertise to establish specialized intelligence centers aimed at combating transnational organized crime.

Spanish Interior Minister Grande-Marlaska expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration, underscoring Algeria's role as a crucial partner for Spain in security matters. He noted the common challenges faced by both countries, emphasizing the necessity of working together to effectively combat human trafficking networks.