Written answers
Tuesday, 23 January 2024
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Diplomatic Representation
Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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113. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider opening an Irish embassy in Algeria in order to enhance the relationship and strengthen the economic, social and cultural ties between the two countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2896/24]
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland and Algeria have enjoyed diplomatic relations since 1 January 1974. Since 2003, Algeria has been accredited to Ireland from our Embassy in Berne, Switzerland. A resident Algerian Embassy opened in Dublin in 2020 and H.E. Mr Mohammed Belaoura presenting credentials to President Higgins on 28 October 2020.
Algeria is an important partner for Ireland. It is our third biggest market for food in Africa, after Nigeria and South Africa. Algeria is an important political actor in the region and in multilateral organisations, including the UN, African Union and Union for the Mediterranean. Algeria is currently non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. The relationship between the EU and Algeria falls under the EU-Algerian Association Agreement, which entered into force in 2005.
There are no imminent plans to open a resident Embassy of Ireland in Algiers. Any decision on the opening of a new embassy is considered by reference to Ireland’s national, political and economic priorities. Against these and other factors, the Government keeps the matter of opening further cases under active review.
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