In a significant step forward in international cooperation, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Algeria, Jan Jack Kiriya, expressed his country's commitment to strengthening partnership relations with Algeria, which was underscored during a meeting with Algeria's Minister of Health, Abdelhak Saihi, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. At this gathering, the two officials discussed the current state of health cooperation and explored ways to enhance it in a manner that serves the mutual interests of both nations.
Kiriya noted, "We are keen to raise the level of partnership and cooperation with Algeria that serves the interests of both countries," highlighting the potential for closer ties and collaboration.
The health sector was a focal point in their discussions, showcasing the strong bonds between Algeria and Belgium, particularly as Algeria experiences significant advancements in economic development. Saihi reiterated, "Algeria is ready to support this partnership in both the public and private sectors," demonstrating the Algerian government’s commitment to facilitating collaboration in various fields, including health.
During the meeting, Saihi proposed the establishment of a twinning project between the Free University of Belgium and Algeria's National School of Management and the Ministry of Health. This initiative aims to foster training and educational exchanges that would ultimately benefit the healthcare system in Algeria.
Further emphasizing the economic atmosphere conducive to investment, Saihi elaborated on the significant advantages offered by Algeria's investment law, pointing out that it provides substantial guarantees and incentives for foreign investors. He stated, "The investment law offers significant guarantees and incentives," underlining the favorable conditions for investment in Algeria.
In a collaborative effort to solidify these initiatives, Kiriya and Saihi agreed to form a joint working group to evaluate and study effective strategies for expanding and enhancing bilateral cooperation in the health sector.
The meeting also invoked reflections on the broader economic relationship between Algeria and Belgium, noting that trade among Algeria, Belgium, and Luxembourg recorded an impressive growth exceeding 2.7 billion euros in 2023. This growth reflects not only the strength of the personal connections but also the robust economic policies that Algeria has been implementing.
The Algerian ambassador highlighted that "New Algeria provides a clear and organized environment for business, which contributes to wealth generation and job creation," emphasizing the ideal conditions for attracting business investments.
Recent observations from the World Bank's local representative, Kamal Brahim, corroborated this positive outlook. He remarked, "The Algerian economy has maintained an average growth of 4% over the last three years, despite tough global conditions," showcasing the resilience and stability of Algeria's economic framework. This resilience is crucial as Algeria firms up its partnerships on international levels, focusing on further development in the health sector and beyond.
The news of expanding cooperation between Algeria and Belgium comes at a time when countries worldwide look for innovative partnerships that promote mutual benefits in various sectors, particularly during a time of economic recovery and post-pandemic rebuilding.
Overall, the commitment from both Nationals reveals a dedication towards building a mutually beneficial relationship that goes beyond mere words, signifying shared goals in health and prosperity. The collaborative spirit embodied in this meeting is a testament to the potential that exists when two nations align their interests towards a common purpose.
As more initiatives like these emerge, there is hope that they will not only enhance the health sector but also strengthen the economic ties that bring together two countries working towards a brighter future.
