President Vladimir Putin and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune pledged to deepen their two countries' "strategic partnership" as the Kremlin seeks to pivot Russia towards Asia and Africa. Amid ruptured ties with the West, Putin is seeking to bolster relationships with countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. "We are really happy to receive our friend, the President of Algeria, Mr. Tebboune, in the Kremlin," Putin said after talks. "Algeria is a key partner for us in the Arab world and in Africa," he said, adding Russia wanted to ramp up energy and military ties. "We must maintain our independence," Tebboune said, adding Russia has been providing his North African country with weapons to help it "maintain our independence in these difficult circumstances."

Source: The North Africa Journal June 16, 2023 10:28 UTC