Lebanese President visits Algeria to boost bilateral ties

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun arrived in Algiers Tuesday for a two-day state visit—his country’s first presidential trip to Algeria in over two decades. The visit aims to deepen bilateral cooperation and expand Lebanon’s diplomatic engagement with the Arab world, The National reported. Hosted by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Aoun discussed plans to expand economic collaboration, particularly in energy, and establish direct flights between Beirut and Algiers.

Aoun praised Algeria’s long-standing support for Lebanon, citing its UN positions during the 2006 war with Israel and swift humanitarian aid after the 2020 Beirut port explosion. His visit follows a regional diplomatic push to restore Lebanon’s strained ties with Arab states and secure economic lifelines amid ongoing financial collapse.

Ties with Algiers were strained in 2020 when Algeria’s Sonatrach ended a fuel deal with Lebanon following a corruption scandal over substandard fuel deliveries. While Algeria distanced itself from the case, the fallout highlighted Lebanon’s energy sector dysfunction. Aoun’s visit signals a diplomatic reset as Beirut seeks regional backing.