Matt Carthy
Question:103. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has considered opening an embassy in Algeria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17772/24]
View answerTuesday, 23 April 2024
Questions (103)
Written answers
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 current plans to open additional embassies in North Africa. 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 missions under active review.