Cezayir-Senegal ilişkileri, Afrika kıtasının batısını kuzeye bağlamak için eski zamanlardan beri ticaret yollarına katılmış oldukları için uzun bir tarihe sahiptir.
Algeria-Senegal relations have a long history as they have joined trade routes since ancient times to connect the west of the African continent to the north.
The Evolution of Renewed Algeria-Senegal Relations
In the sixties and seventies, the relations between the two countries became stronger within the United Nations and especially within the Non-Aligned Movement. The relationship between the two remained on an evolutionary path until it witnessed a marked change after the visit of Senegalese President Macky Sall in 2015. However, trade exchanges remained weak and there was no increase in the level of historical and political relations between the two countries. For example, the value of trade exchanges between Algeria and Senegal in 2015 did not exceed 8 million dollars. Most of these have appeared as petrochemicals or fuels. Senegal, on the other hand, mainly exported fish to Algeria. This low trade exchange between the two encouraged the two countries to discuss products from Algeria and Senegal on the sidelines of the Dakar Business Leaders Forum (FCE). The Senegalese Ambassador to Algeria, Pope Omar Ndiaye, also invited Algerian businessmen to increase their economic investments in Senegal. In 2017, the ambassador stated that the investment path between the two countries is wide and should reach 8 billion dollars. Several Algerian companies have participated in this effort and have moved to economic exhibitions held in Senegal to enter the Senegalese market.
Senegal and Algeria established a parliamentary group to take joint action to improve their relationship. Algeria's de facto presence in Senegal was strengthened at the Dakar Economy Fair in 2018. More than 13 trailers with a capacity of 340 tons moved to Mauritania and Dakar on a route exceeding 3,900 km on February 25, 2019, and more than 1,100 tons of agricultural products were exported.
The relations between the two countries became concrete with the acceptance of Ibrahim Niassa, the successor of the Tijani Sect, by the high authorities in Algeria. In addition, after the death of Niassa, the Presidency of Algeria conveyed its condolences to the people of Senegal. In the same year, Algeria's minister responsible for small and medium enterprises received Senegal's ambassador to Algeria to consolidate partnerships.
One of the manifestations of Algeria's tendency to establish strong economic partnerships with Senegal is the intention of the National Bank of Algeria to open a bank in Senegal. The Director of the National Bank of Algeria stated that this was in order to develop and strengthen the trade exchange between the two countries.
Senegal's Ambassador to Algeria also confirmed his country's desire to leverage Algeria's expertise in renewable energy generation. Accordingly, at the opening of the Algerian-Senegalese business meeting at the headquarters of the "Câblerie Algérienne" group, "Algeria's experience in energy, agriculture, the development of an industrial base (industrial textile) and vocational training has largely succeeded in developing a leading national industry while reducing imports." This motivates the Senegalese government to take advantage of Algeria's experience and transfer some expertise to an advanced level.
In addition, as part of preparations for the Arab Summit planned to be held on November 1, 2022, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune invited Senegalese President Macky Sall as the guest of honor.