Algeria's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sid Ali Khaldi, led the country's delegation to the 15th African-Scandinavian Economic Summit in Oslo, Norway, where he emphasized Algeria's desire for a genuine partnership with Nordic countries. This partnership would be built on investment, technology transfer, and training, with a focus on sustainable development. Khaldi highlighted the Nordic countries' experience in sustainable resource management as an inspiring example.
The summit, which concluded on October 8, 2026, brought together over 250 government representatives and 200 economic stakeholders from various sectors, including agriculture and energy. Khaldi's participation was at the invitation of Norwegian Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide, who also opened the summit. As a special guest of honor, Algeria's presence underscored its commitment to strengthening economic ties with Nordic countries.
Khaldi stressed Algeria's dedication to African integration, citing major structural projects such as the trans-Saharan highway, the trans-Saharan gas pipeline, and the optical fiber project. He also emphasized the importance of completing Africa's political sovereignty with economic sovereignty, as envisioned by the founders of the Organization of African Unity and the African Union.
The Minister of Agriculture highlighted Algeria's focus on food security as a national priority and a cornerstone of its national security and sovereignty. He expressed Algeria's aspiration to be a destination for partnership and investment, rather than just a hub for revolutionaries and freedom fighters.
On the sidelines of the summit, Khaldi met with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between Algeria and Norway. The meeting provided an opportunity to review the excellent state of bilateral relations, built on regular consultation and dialogue between the two countries.
The two-day summit provided a platform for Algeria to showcase its capabilities in various sectors, aligning with the current economic dynamic aimed at diversifying the economy and promoting non-hydrocarbon exports. Khaldi also attended the opening of an Algerian products exhibition and signed a memorandum of understanding between the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Oslo Chamber of Commerce.
The summit concluded with a renewed emphasis on strengthening economic dialogue between Africa and Nordic countries. Khaldi's participation and statements reflected Algeria's commitment to fostering partnerships and seizing opportunities for cooperation with Nordic countries, particularly in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
Key points
- Algeria seeks a genuine partnership with Nordic countries based on investment, technology transfer, and training.
- The country emphasizes its commitment to African integration and food security as a national priority.
- Algeria aims to be a destination for partnership and investment, promoting economic cooperation with Nordic countries.
