Kuwait and Algeria recently opened a dialogue on forming a partnership in the medical field, as the Middle Eastern country intends to leverage Algeria's domestic drug manufacturing capabilities and share technical expertise to expand bilateral cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector.
- Kuwait and Algeria are discussing a new partnership in the medical sector, aiming to leverage Algeria's drug manufacturing capabilities and share expertise.
- Kuwait's ambassador and Algeria's pharmaceutical industry minister met to explore expanding cooperation in the pharmaceutical field.
- Both countries reaffirmed their long-term relationship and talked about joint initiatives in drug manufacturing and medical supply production.
- This move comes amid strained Algeria-UAE relations, highlighted by Algeria's expulsion of the Emirati ambassador and accusations of hostile actions.
This potential partnership was discussed between Kuwait’s ambassador to Algeria, Nawaf Boushiba, and Algerian Minister of Pharmaceutical Industry Wassim Kouidri at the ministry’s headquarters on Sunday.
Senior officials from the pharmaceutical sector also attended the meeting, according to a statement from the Kuwaiti Embassy in Algiers.
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The two countries reaffirmed their longstanding relationship and discussed ways to expand collaboration in a sector that plays an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery and the security of medical supplies.
Boushiba lauded Algeria’s pharmaceutical industry, highlighting the range of local manufacturers and their contribution to meeting domestic demand for medicines and other medical products.
The talks covered potential joint initiatives in drug manufacturing and the production of medical supplies, as seen in the Kuwait Times.
He also noted that Kuwait was committed to expanding cooperation with Algeria in both areas, emphasising the need for closer coordination between the relevant institutions in the two countries.
The Kuwaiti ambassador proposed bringing together industry specialists from his country and Algeria to share knowledge, identify common priorities and develop practical initiatives that could strengthen their pharmaceutical industries.
Algeria’s relationship with Kuwait in the last year became more pronounced following the fallout between the North African country and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Algeria and the UAE
Algeria recently decided to sever ties with the UAE after what it described as the “exhaustion of all means to preserve bilateral ties.”
Earlier in September, Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Abu Dhabi of continuing what it called “provocative and hostile actions” despite repeated warnings.
Following these developments, the Emirati ambassador to Algeria was called into the foreign ministry, officially notified of the decision, and given a 48-hour window to depart.
Although the ministry refrained from detailing the specific events that triggered the expulsion, it stated that recent actions exceeded what could reasonably be accepted between two sovereign nations.
Tensions were also heightened by Algeria's sharp disapproval of the UAE's strong ties with Morocco, especially regarding the enduring conflict over Western Sahara.
The tensions became increasingly public last year when President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said Algeria maintained “brotherly” relations with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar, but singled out another Gulf state without naming the UAE.