Algeria's Chief of Staff, Saïd Chengriha, Embarks on Diplomatic Mission to Kuwait

In a significant diplomatic endeavor, Lieutenant-General Saïd Chengriha, the Chief of Staff of the Algerian People's National Army and recently appointed as the Deputy Minister to the Minister of National Defense, undertook a sensitive and crucial mission to Kuwait from November 24 to 28, 2024. This visit was at the official invitation of General Bandar Salem Al Muzain, the Chief of the General Staff of the Kuwaiti Army.

Regional Politics and Diplomatic Discussions

During his stay, General Chengriha engaged in a series of high-level meetings that went beyond mere military cooperation. He met with Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior of Kuwait, Sheikh Fahd Youssef Saoud Al-Sabah, and other senior dignitaries. These discussions delved into the regional politics and geopolitical issues that have been straining relations within the Maghreb region, particularly the ongoing conflict between Algeria and Morocco.

Addressing the Algeria-Morocco Conflict

According to sources, General Chengriha openly discussed the issues surrounding the Algeria-Morocco conflict during his audience with the Kuwaiti officials. He emphasized Algeria's expectations from the Gulf monarchies, highlighting their significant role on the Arab geopolitical scene. Chengriha sought to sensitize the Kuwaiti dignitaries to the need for other Gulf states to reassess their support and alignment with Morocco's positions on the contentious issues between Algiers and Rabat.

The Role of Gulf Monarchies

Leveraging Kuwait's privileged position within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), where it is known for its neutral stance amidst regional rivalries, General Chengriha expressed his hope for the Gulf monarchies to review their policy of extensive military and financial support to Morocco. This support, he argued, exacerbates the imbalance of power in the Maghreb and fuels Morocco's hostile intentions towards Algeria.

Seeking Balanced Support

Chengriha's plea was for the Gulf monarchies to evolve their support in a way that recognizes and respects Algeria's legitimate desire to preserve its national sovereignty. The Algerian Chief of Staff hoped that the Gulf states would understand the implications of their current policies and work towards finding a more balanced approach that could stabilize the region.

Kuwait's Response

The Kuwaiti dignitaries took note of General Chengriha's concerns and assured him that they would convey Algeria's grievances to the other members of the GCC. They promised to work towards finding an adequate response to the issues destabilizing the Maghreb region in recent years.

Background on Algerian-Kuwaiti Relations

The visit by General Chengriha is part of a broader effort to strengthen diplomatic and military ties between Algeria and Kuwait. This move is significant given the current geopolitical landscape in the Middle East and North Africa.

Recent Developments in Algeria

Algeria has been actively engaging in various diplomatic and economic initiatives to enhance its global standing. Recently, the Chairman of the Qatar Chamber, H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani, visited Algeria to strengthen commercial and economic relations between the two countries, focusing on increasing Qatari industrial investments in Algeria and attracting Algerian investment to Qatar[1].

Military Celebrations and National Pride

In a separate event, Algeria celebrated the 70th anniversary of its revolution against French colonial rule with a grand military parade. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and General Saïd Chengriha participated in the ceremony, which highlighted Algeria's modern military strength and its historical sacrifices during the eight-year war of independence[4].

Conclusion

General Saïd Chengriha's mission to Kuwait underscores the complex and multifaceted nature of regional politics in the Maghreb. As Algeria seeks to navigate its relationships with neighboring countries and the Gulf monarchies, it is clear that diplomatic efforts and balanced support from key players will be crucial in maintaining regional stability.

Key Points

• Diplomatic Mission: General Saïd Chengriha visited Kuwait from November 24 to 28, 2024.
• Meetings: Held discussions with Kuwaiti officials, including Vice Prime Minister Sheikh Fahd Youssef Saoud Al-Sabah.
• Conflict Addressed: Discussed the Algeria-Morocco conflict and its implications.
• Gulf Monarchies: Urged Gulf states to reassess their support for Morocco.
• Regional Stability: Emphasized the need for balanced support to stabilize the Maghreb region.
• Recent Developments: Part of broader efforts to enhance Algerian-Kuwaiti relations and regional cooperation.

Table: Key Figures Involved

List: Key Issues Discussed

• Military Cooperation: Enhancing military ties between Algeria and Kuwait.
• Algeria-Morocco Conflict: Addressing the ongoing tensions and their regional implications.
• Gulf Monarchies' Support: Reassessing the military and financial support provided to Morocco.
• Regional Stability: Finding a balanced approach to stabilize the Maghreb region.
• Diplomatic Relations: Strengthening diplomatic ties between Algeria and Kuwait.