Algeria’s President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, is returning from China with a positive outcome after a five-day state visit.
During his visit, he received support from Chinese President Xi Jinping for Algeria’s aspirations to join the BRICS, a forum that brings together emerging powers aiming for economic growth.
The BRICS, which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, plans to discuss the inclusion of new member countries during an upcoming summit in August.
Besides China, which happens to be Algeria’s largest trading partner, President Tebboune also secured similar assurances from Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting last month.
These developments have sparked concerns among Western observers. As Africa’s largest natural gas exporter, Algiers plans to strengthen ties with the BRICS could potentially impact the European market.
With Europe having increased its imports of Algerian gas following the Ukraine crisis, any diversification of trade relations by Algeria could alter energy dynamics in the region.
President Tebboune believes that closer ties with the BRICS will help bolster their sluggish economy. His ambitions align with those of 21 other countries that have already submitted bids to join the forum.
Western nations are, however, closely monitoring the actions due to the potential effects on world trade and energy markets. The inclusion of new members in the BRICS could further reshape geopolitical dynamics and economic relationships in the international arena.
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