Algeria and Switzerland Enhance Partnership with Focus on Judicial and Police Cooperation
Image: Rass El Mal
Takeaway
The deepening ties between Algeria and Switzerland, particularly in security and judicial cooperation, signal a more stable and predictable environment for international investors. Companies operating in Algeria should monitor the implementation of the new agreements, as they could lead to enhanced enforcement of contracts and intellectual property rights. The focus on combating financial crimes may also impact financial institutions and require increased due diligence on transactions involving Algerian entities.
Ahmed Attaf, Algeria's Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs, conducted an official visit to Bern, Switzerland on April 1, 2026, on behalf of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to strengthen bilateral relations. Discussions with Swiss officials centered on consolidating and enhancing cooperation between the two nations across political, economic, and human dimensions. Talks also involved Federal Councillor Beat Jans, head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police, focusing on judicial and police cooperation.
Switzerland and Algeria have maintained good diplomatic relations, engaging in diverse areas such as migration, new technologies, sustainable development, economic affairs, and culture. The two countries have established over 30 agreements, including those on the movement of persons (entered into force in 2006) and the promotion and mutual protection of investments (entered into force in 2004). During the Algerian War (1954–62), Switzerland played a mediating role, leading to the Evian Accords in March 1962, which paved the way for Algeria's independence.
In June 2025, Algeria and Switzerland signed a bilateral police cooperation agreement in Algiers, co-chaired by Algeria's Minister of the Interior, Local Authorities and Urban Planning, Brahim Merad, and the Swiss Minister of Justice and Police, Beat Jans. This agreement aims to bolster cooperation between police institutions in combating transnational, economic, and financial crimes, as well as crimes related to irregular migration, human trafficking, and drug trafficking. The accord also encompasses enhanced cooperation in cybersecurity, expertise sharing, and joint training programs.
The enhanced cooperation is expected to benefit both countries by addressing shared security concerns and promoting legal and judicial collaboration. For Algeria, this includes strengthening institutional capacities and deepening collaboration through the exchange of expertise. The agreement with Switzerland reflects Algeria's broader efforts to bolster its legal framework, particularly in tackling cross-border crimes, cybercrime, and terrorism.
Looking ahead, a joint working group is expected to be established to implement the terms of the police cooperation agreement. Further discussions and agreements are anticipated to address specific areas of judicial and legal cooperation, building upon Algeria's existing network of bilateral judicial conventions with 46 countries as of February 2025. The focus will likely remain on enhancing mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, streamlining investigations, and coordinating law enforcement institutions to address transnational threats.