Algeria participates in the 10th Moscow Conference on International Security
The head of the Algerian General Staff, Said Chengriha, spoke at the 10th Moscow Conference on International Security, an event aimed at addressing "the problems of global and regional stability, as well as various aspects of security in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and Europe", according to the Russian Ministry of Defence.
Chengriha was one of the more than 700 guests invited to this conference, which is part of the International Military-Technical Forum 'Army-2022' and in which countries such as Iran, Vietnam and China, which will soon be sending troops to Russia to carry out joint military exercises, are also taking part.
During his speech, the Algerian military leader warned of the current dangers that threaten and endanger Africa's security and economy. For this reason, Chengriha called for the support of the international community in addressing these challenges. "This fragile situation has destabilised several countries and affected their economies and security, turning Africa into a bastion of criminal activities that spread the threat of terrorism and cross-border organised crime," he said, according to the Algerian press agency (APS).
According to Chengriha, "it is time for the international community to be aware of the importance of maintaining peace in the world in general and in Africa in particular". To this end, he called for "strengthening military capabilities" to fight terrorism and cross-border organised crime.
The general made reference to economic problems and terrorism - without going into this aspect in depth - although he did not mention the food crisis that threatens African countries due to the war in Ukraine, one of the continent's main current challenges. On the other hand, he mentioned some of Africa's strengths, such as its resources, population growth, biodiversity and energy and water reserves.
During his speech, the Algerian Chief of Staff did not forget to thank Russia "for the kind invitation" to the conference, which he hopes will be "fruitful and beneficial for all participants". The military leader stressed that this forum "reflects Moscow's willingness to strengthen our relations and constitutes an opportunity to exchange views and assess issues related to international security".
Russia and Algeria have enjoyed close relations for decades. The Eurasian giant is the main supplier of arms and ammunition to the Maghreb country. Despite the current war in Ukraine, Algiers remains Moscow's main ally in North Africa and the only country in the region that voted against suspending Russia from the UN Human Rights Council. Likewise, the North African nation has refrained from condemning the invasion of Ukraine.
? Algerian president Abdelmadjid Tebboune received on Tuesday, Russian Foreign minister Serguei #Lavrov.
— Medaouar Oualid (@MoiWal) May 10, 2022
?? Tebboune said: «we have a lot to talk about», mentioning «the historical links between the two countries».#Russia #Algeria pic.twitter.com/BiHQT73uYa
Since the war began, Algeria has hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who travelled to the African country with the aim of reaffirming ties. During his stay, the head of Russian diplomacy handed Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune an invitation from his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, for an official visit to Moscow, although no date has yet been set for the trip. The two nations have also announced joint military exercises on the Moroccan border scheduled for November. The exercises - called Desert Shield - will be aimed at strengthening anti-terrorist units.
In this context of partnership, Algiers and Moscow are expected to sign a new cooperation agreement that would allow for a "deep strategy" between the two countries, reports Al-Arab. This treaty is "in the preparation stage", although Algiers has already handed over its part for "revision and enrichment", the Arab newspaper adds, based on the assertions of a Russian diplomat.
By shielding its relations with Algeria, Russia is defending its interests in North Africa and is also gaining a foothold in other regions of the continent, such as the Sahel. In this area, plagued by terrorism, insecurity and humanitarian crises, the Kremlin-linked Wagner group is playing a key role in expanding Moscow's influence.
Chengriha's forum, the 10th Moscow Security Conference - part of the International Military-Technical Forum 'Army-2022' - is an ideal event for Russia to flex its military muscle and strengthen its defence cooperation with countries around the world at a time of confrontation with the West over the invasion of Ukraine.
BREAKING NEWS:
— George A. Hamalian (@gahamalian) August 15, 2022
Putin says #Russian and allied soldiers HONORABLY fulfilling their duties to fight for PEACE in Donbass region, and #Russia appreciates its many allies in ALL continents of the world, in speech at International Military Forum "ARMY-2022" in Moscow region, Russia.. pic.twitter.com/v3y1aY4PJs
During his speech at the opening of the International Military Technical Forum, Putin referred to the "special military operation" being carried out in his neighbouring country to "liberate the land of Donbas", according to the Kremlin. He also referred to "historically strong, friendly and truly reliable ties with the countries of Latin America, Asia and Africa". According to the Russian president, Moscow's allies are states that 'do not bow to the so-called hegemonic power'.
In his speech at the 10th Security Conference, Putin expressed himself in a similar vein. "More and more countries and peoples are choosing the path of free and sovereign development based on their identity, traditions and values," he said. Moreover, the Russian leader accused "Western globalist elites" of "provoking chaos, inciting old and new conflicts and undermining any alternative, sovereign path of development".
Putin thanks leaders of the world "who do not bend to the hegemon"
— Ignorance, the root and stem of all evil (@ivan_8848) August 16, 2022
Army Games 2022 - 37 countries are participating this year, including Niger and Rwanda who are taking part for the first time. pic.twitter.com/aCgrpKQNvA
He also blamed NATO for using the people of Ukraine as "cannon fodder" and "implementing the anti-Russian project". "To preserve their hegemony they need conflicts," Putin added, also referring to the current tension with Taiwan.
Regarding the Russian army, Putin stressed Russia's pride in its troops. He also assured that Russian weapons are "decades ahead of their foreign counterparts". Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu agreed with the president on this point, noting that the weapons that Western countries are sending to the Ukrainian government "will not change the situation on the front line".
"Neither Javelin anti-tank systems, nor drones, nor HIMARS rocket launchers have a significant impact on the situation," he said. However, some of these Western weapons, such as the HIMARS system, have been a lifeline for Kiev in stopping the Russian advance in certain parts of the country.
