The visit of Bouteflika -– who was a leading figure in Algeria’s resistance against the French occupiers and the first foreign minister of independent Algeria -– can definitely play a crucial role in the expansion of Tehran-Algiers relations.
Although there have been many ups and downs in relations between Iran and Algeria over the past four decades, it is welcome news that they are trying to strengthen relations in light of the political and international realities of the modern world.
Algerian has already forged close ties with Iran in various fields within the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Furthermore, the Iranian people have always looked upon the Algerian revolution as a popular movement against the colonial powers.
The fact that the 1975 Algiers Accord between Iran and Iraq was concluded under the supervision of Algeria further increases the political significance of this country for the Islamic Republic.
In addition, Algeria was actively involved in discussions to resolve the case of the occupation of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran by the Students Following the Imam’s Path, indicating that Algerian officials have a deep understanding of Iran’s political conditions.
At the beginning of Iraq’s 1980-1988 war against Iran, Algerian officials repeatedly voiced opposition to Baghdad’s aggression.
Iran and Algeria had succeeded in promoting their relations in a wide spectrum of areas until June 1990, when Algeria’s Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) led by Abbas Madani won the elections for city and village councils.
However, after FIS was banned by the Algerian government and internal clashes erupted in the country as a result of the provocations of certain Arab states, Algeria cut off relations with the Islamic Republic after accusing Tehran of supporting FIS.
Iran and Algeria accordingly recalled their ambassadors, which resulted in the deterioration of relations between the two countries.
Finally, when Bouteflika won the Algerian presidential election, both Tehran and Algiers expressed the inclination to restore diplomatic ties.
Algeria’s interest in restoring relations with the Islamic Republic was particularly evident during the meeting of President Mohammad Khatami with Bouteflika on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in 2000. In fact, the new wave of amicable relations between the two countries started in that year.
The expansion of ties between Iran and Algeria, considering that both countries are members of such important organizations as the OIC, NAM, and OPEC, will definitely serve the interests of the Muslim world and the Middle East region.
This is particularly significant in light of the fact that the Islamic world needs to reinforce solidarity in order to face the increasing challenges of globalization and other international developments.
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