Spain Accuses Russia of Inciting Algeria to Suspend Trade Deal

The Spanish Foreign Minister was in Brussels where he exchanged with Josep Borrell on the measures taken by Algeria against Spain, in particular the suspension of the friendship treaty signed in 2005. After the meeting, the European Commission issued a press release to express its "great concern" about the Algerian decision against Spain.

To read: Algeria Clarifies: Trade with Spain Continues, Gas Supply Secure Amid EU Concerns

Back in Madrid, Albares would have exchanged by telephone with several Spanish deputies and some businessmen with interests in Algeria. From these telephone discussions, the minister claimed to have received information that "Russia has pushed Algeria to attack Spain, particularly its commercial fabric", El Confidencial knows, specifying that Albares did not provide any specific information on this alleged impetus given by Moscow to Algiers.

To read: Spain Vows Firm Response to Algeria’s Suspension of Trade and Friendship Treaty

The Spanish minister also recalled the visit to Algiers in May of Sergei Lavrov, the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs. According to the same source, Putin’s objective would be to destroy the European Union from the south, by opposing Spain to Italy which has recently signed gas contracts with Algeria to reduce its dependence on Russian gas.

Albares’ statements will likely irritate Algeria and exacerbate tensions with Spain. The Algerian authorities will not be long in reacting to these new accusations.