Algerian army hosts Russian security official, discuss boosting military ties

The head of Algeria's army hosted Russia's top security official on Monday to discuss boosting their military ties, the defence ministry in Algiers said.

General Said Chengriha said the visit of National Security Council secretary Nikolai Patrushev reflected both countries' "firm desire to strengthen their historic and strategic partnership... in particular in the area of military cooperation".

Patrushev said Russia was working to "further strengthen" their relations.

He also met Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, according to images shown on state television.

Tebboune is set to visit Russia in May.

Moscow has for decades been a major supplier of arms to Algeria, which has one of Africa's most powerful armies.

Algeria, a major gas supplier to energy-hungry Europe, has maintained warm ties with both its European neighbours and Moscow, despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Bilateral trade between Russia and Algeria was worth $3 billion in 2021, despite the coronavirus pandemic.