H.E. Mr. Mohammed Belaoura:

I thank the Chairman, honourable Deputies and Senators, members of the committee, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen.

I express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Chairman and the other members for giving us this opportunity to address this prestigious committee on the occasion of Africa Day. I commend their work and outreach efforts to the general public and the diplomatic community. The celebration of Africa Day marks the creation of the Organisation of African Unity, OAU, on 25 May 1963, the predecessor of the African Union, AU, established in September 1999. It represents a moment of reflection and meditation on the path travelled and the challenges that remain ahead for African peoples and counties. The total liberation of the African continent from occupation and foreign interference is still to be achieved, as well as the pursuit of the economic development and integration and the social well-being of all African peoples.

As a founding member of the OAU and the AU, Algeria contributes constantly and with determination to this tremendous effort and endeavour. Algeria is an active member of the African Union and has been the origin of many political and economic initiatives aimed at the liberation and development of Africa. Algeria is also heavily investing in infrastructure, including roads and railways, to help us ease connections for bordering African countries such as Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Chad. This will be added to Abuja, capital of Nigeria, with projects of roads, pipelines and optic fibres that will open up major opportunities for Sahel countries and beyond.

Ireland's commitment to the development of Africa is commendable, in its political and diplomatic engagement with the continent, in its efforts to boost bilateral trade and investment and, of course, through its significant aid contributions to African countries. Nine of the top ten recipients of Irish development aid are African countries.

It should be noted, however, that despite over 60 years of independence, Africa faces multifaceted challenges, including infrastructure delays, governance issues and conflicts, highlighting the continent's immense need for better pathways and greater efforts for development. Experience has shown that prior development aid efforts, whether bilateral or through international organisations, have fallen short, necessitating a re-evaluation towards more efficient and effective co-operation for development.

Members may be aware that the Algerian Embassy in Dublin opened four years ago, in September 2020, reflecting the commitment of the Algerian authorities to strengthening bilateral relations with Ireland in all fields. The opening of this new embassy, in addition to the traditional diplomatic missions, is to provide more consular support services to the Algerian community in Ireland. We have also set a number of other objectives, some of a long-term and some of a short-term nature. I will come back to this subject later if it is of interest to the committee.

As we gather today, the Palestinian people in Gaza have faced a systematic enterprise of genocide for almost eight months in full view of the entire world. While we remember the more than 35,000 martyrs and over 80,000 injured and missing persons, all of whom are victims of the Israeli war machine, we are confident that the sacrifices of the Palestinian population in Gaza, the West Bank and elsewhere and the heroic resistance of the Palestinian people will prevail so these people will finally get liberty and an independent state.

Ireland and Algeria are dedicated to promoting international peace and stability as demonstrated through their commitment to upholding international law and the UN Charter. It is, therefore, essential to recognise the historical context that shapes the relations between our two nations. Both countries have waged vigorous struggles against colonial rule and have emerged as proud sovereign states. Our two nations share an historical understanding of the importance of the total decolonisation and support for people under foreign occupation to freely exert their inalienable right to self-determination.

I commend Ireland on the significant political and diplomatic support it gave Algeria during its struggle for independence, in particular, Ireland's vote in favour of Algeria's right to self-determination at the UN General Assembly in 1959, despite pressures from other European countries, including France, the colonial ruler at the time. This happened during the tenure of then Minister for External Affairs, Frank Aiken and President Seán Thomas O'Kelly.

This common history paved the way for excellent political relations marked by regular bilateral consultations and the adoption of similar or close positions on international issues. Indeed, Algeria considers Ireland as a reliable and important partner, both in its national dimension and as a European country and member of the European Union.

Our bilateral trade has shown steady growth, currently standing €200 million and reaching a record high of nearly €300 million in 2022. Algeria is Ireland's fourth main trade partner in Africa.

This upward trend is anticipated to continue, reflecting untapped economic potential and fostering business, investment and cultural exchanges. In addition, education and academic collaboration have strengthened bonds between the two nations, with Algerian students benefiting from quality education in Ireland. By the end of this year, 2024, 135 students will have completed their four-year PhD studies at the University of Limerick, further enriching co-operation between Ireland and Algeria.

As we look towards the future, it is essential to nurture and expand relations between our two countries. Both nations have much to offer to each other by fostering stronger connections between people, encouraging business partnerships and promoting mutual understanding.