South Korean Ambassador to Algeria Min Kyung-tae has announced that economic cooperation between Algeria and South Korea is gaining momentum. During the first half of 2026, Algeria became South Korea's leading supplier of naphtha for the first time, accounting for 17.2% of Korean imports of the petroleum product. Algerian naphtha is used in Korean factories to manufacture plastics, automotive components, and medical supplies. This indicates that Algeria is already present in aspects of everyday life in South Korea.
Ambassador Min emphasized that energy is just the beginning of cooperation between the two countries, not the end. He expressed his desire to broaden bilateral cooperation beyond the energy sector. The ambassador described the future direction of the partnership as a transition "from naphtha to data, from resources to technology, and from trade to people." This shift will focus on economic, technological, and people-to-people exchanges.
South Korean companies have contributed to the construction of power plants, ports, and new urban developments in Algeria. Algerian workers are currently involved in electronics manufacturing in Algeria alongside Korean partners. The ambassador highlighted the importance of sharing expertise and knowledge, saying South Korea wants to share with Algeria the lessons it has learned throughout its development journey.
Cooperation between Algerian and South Korean experts is also underway in agriculture. Projects involve shrimp farming in the desert and the production of certified potato seeds. Such initiatives could help Algeria reduce its reliance on imports. Future cooperation is expected to extend into manufacturing, including the automotive industry, energy, renewable energy, and hydrogen.
The ambassador announced that the South Korean Embassy would support efforts to deepen links between the two governments, universities, and schools, particularly in vocational training and Korean-language education. Educational and vocational institutions will play a crucial role in strengthening bilateral ties. This cooperation aims to foster a stronger relationship between the two nations.
A direct air link between Algiers and Seoul was agreed upon in July. The new air connection will facilitate the movement of people and goods, creating additional opportunities for business and bilateral exchanges. The ambassador expressed the embassy's readiness to contribute to the implementation of the planned air link.
2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the strategic partnership between Algeria and South Korea. The anniversary presents an opportunity to take stock of what the two countries have achieved and to develop new plans for the future. The ambassador's remarks underscored Algeria and South Korea's intention to broaden their strategic partnership beyond traditional energy cooperation.
Key points
- Algeria and South Korea are expanding their partnership into technology, manufacturing, and education.
- A direct air link between Algiers and Seoul is expected to facilitate business and bilateral exchanges.
- The two countries are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their strategic partnership.
