In a move that reflects the depth of the strategic partnership between Algiers and Rome, the Italian Cabinet has approved a draft law extending the defense cooperation agreement with Algeria indefinitely.
🛑 🇮🇹🇩🇿 Italy has ratified the indefinite extension of its 2003 defense agreement with Algeria, further strengthening military cooperation in the Mediterranean and paving the way for future industrial and commercial partnerships.#Algeria pic.twitter.com/0cpDYif6Jk
— Algeria Gate -English (@algatedzEng) May 16, 2026According to an official statement issued by the Palazzo Chigi –the seat of the Italian government- the decision ratifies a joint declaration updating the defense cooperation agreement originally signed between the Algerian and Italian government in 2003. This treaty was recently modernized under a new agreement signed on July 23, 2025.
The government statement clarified that the updated pact aims to establish a permanent legal framework for bilateral military cooperation, especially in light of the rapid security challenges and geopolitical shifts reshaping the Mediterranean region.
Expanding Military Industry and Technological Ties
Beyond strategic alignment, the agreement outlines promising horizons for expanding technical and industrial cooperation in the defense sector. This includes joint military industries and security-related technologies, potentially paving the way for new economic and commercial partnerships between the two Mediterranean nations.
This development comes amid the significant momentum that Algerian-Italian relations have experienced in recent years. Rome increasingly views Algeria as its most reliable strategic partner in North Africa and the broader Mediterranean basin.
Following standards Legislative procedures in Italy, the draft law will now be referred to the Italian Parliament for ratification before officially entering into force
Algiers-Rome Alliance: Italy Modernizes Military Treaty to Cement Permanent Ties
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin Set for Crucial Talks in Algiers on Monday
Discussions to center on counter-terrorism, judicial cooperation, and the sensitive case of detained French citizen Christophe Gleizes.
ALGIERS – French justice Minister Gérald Darmanin is scheduled to arrive in Algiers on Monday, May 18, for a high-level official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral judicial ties and addressing critical security issues, the Ministry of Justice confirmed to France Inter on Saturday.
French Justice Minister #Gérald Darmanin will travel to #Algeria on Monday for an official visit to discuss judicial cooperation between Algiers and #Paris, as well as efforts to combat organized crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism.🇩🇿🇫🇷#algeria pic.twitter.com/CmqOqo52dt
— Algeria Gate -English (@algatedzEng) May 16, 2026
During his visit, the French Keeper of the Seals will hold extensive talks with senior Algerian officials, including his counterpart, Algerian Minister of Justice Lotfi Boudjemaa.
According to the ministry’s cabinet, the official agenda will cover several key areas of mutual interest, including
- Judicial Cooperation: Enhancing bilateral legal frameworks and extradition protocols between Paris and Algiers.
- Security & Organized Crime: Coordinating joint efforts to dismantle cross-border drug trafficking networks and combat organized crime syndicates.
- Counter-Terrorism: Strengthening intelligence-sharing and strategic security partnerships.
The Case of Christoph Gleizes
In addition to institutional security cooperation, the trip will feature sensitive diplomatic negotiation regarding individual legal disputes.
“Sensitive individual cases will also be discussed, specifically the case of our compatriot Christophe Gleizes, who is currently incarcerated in Algeria,” the ministry’s cabinet stated.
The visit comes at a pivotal moment as both Paris and Algiers continue navigating complex diplomatic efforts to turn the page on two years of strained bilateral relations.
Travel Alert: Algérie Ferries Announces Schedule Changes for Algiers-Marseille Route
ALGIERS – The national maritime passenger transport company, Algérie Ferries, has announced significant modifications to its sailing schedule between the ports of Algiers and Marseille.
The adjustments, affecting several upcoming round-trip crossing, were promoted by operational requirements aimed at optimizing fleet management and ensuring service continuity. Passengers booked on these routes are urged to verify their new departure times to avoid travel disruptions.
Key Changes and Passenger Guidelines:
- Rescheduled Crossings: Several trips between Algiers and Marseille have been shifted from their original time slots.
- Operational Necessity: The company cited technical and organizational reasons for these updates to maintain maritime safety and efficiency.
- Customer Support: Travelers are advised to contact Algérie Ferries’ agencies or visit the official website/social media pages to confirm their updated itinerary.
This update follows a series of efforts by the national carrier to stabilize its Mediterranean schedule during the peak travel season. Affected passengers are encouraged to check their registered contact details (email and SMS) for direct notifications from the company.
Egyptian Ministry Details Phone Call Between Abdelatty and Attaf
CAIRO/ALGIERS – In a move to strengthen the long-standing fraternal ties between Algeria and Egypt, Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf held a phone call with his Egyptian counterpart, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, to discuss bilateral cooperation and pressing regional challenges.
Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Expatriates, receives a phone call from Mr. Ahmed Attaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeriahttps://t.co/T1uRq3rh4M pic.twitter.com/z8CXib9NsJ
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt (@MFAEgOfficial) May 15, 2026
During the conversation, Minister Abdelatty emphasized the importance of accelerating joint cooperation to elevate bilateral relations across various sectors, meeting the aspirations of both nations and serving their mutual interests.
Strategic Coordination on Libya
A primary focus of the call was the evolving situation in Libya, a shared priority for both capitals. Both ministers underscored the vital role of the Tripartite Mechanism for Libya’s Neighboring Countries, highlighting its importance in harmonizing visions and coordinating joint diplomatic positions to ensure regional stability.
Regional De-escalation Efforts
Minister Abdelattay also briefed his Algerian counterpart on Egypt’s intensive diplomatic efforts with international and regional stakeholders aimed at lowering regional tensions. He reiterated that negotiation and dialogue remain the only viable path to containing current crises.
Future Outlook
Concluding the call, both officials agreed to maintain close consultation and collaborative actions. Their goal is to expand the framework of cooperation toward broader horizons, achieving mutual benefits while reinforcing stability throughout the region.