It’s now official: Algeria became, on July 10, 2025, the 58th state to join the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC). Signed in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the organization’s 58th Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, this act marks a new phase in Algiers’ economic openness strategy. A rapprochement that could generate new commercial, technological, and geopolitical dynamics between Africa and Southeast Asia. The organization, which brings together ten Southeast Asian countries representing more than 680 million inhabitants and a combined GDP of USD 3,660 billion (2024).
On July 10, 2025, Algiers officially joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) at the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This treaty, created in 1976 and extended beyond the region in 2010, now has 57 signatory states. For the Algerian authorities, this diplomatic step goes far beyond symbolism: it opens the door to enhanced cooperation in the economic, technological, and cultural fields with the ten Southeast Asian countries.
« Today marks a significant step forward in relations between Algeria and ASEAN. We are deeply honored to join this community of nations that have signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation — a community that includes all those who see in ASEAN a model to follow. »
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Algeria
According to experts, this accession goes beyond a purely bilateral framework: it has strategic significance for the entire African continent. It should enable the building of transcontinental value chains, access to new markets, and strengthen pan-African economic diplomacy. This geopolitical rapprochement could foster the creation of transcontinental value chains, boost trade, and offer Africa greater access to Southeast Asian markets, whose combined GDP was USD 3.66 trillion in 2024.
“We take particular pleasure in sharing with all ASEAN member countries a commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.”
Ahmed Attaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs – Algeria
Algeria is seeking to diversify its economy, historically dominated by hydrocarbons, by focusing on agribusiness, renewable energy, and technology. With an estimated gross domestic product of USD 264 billion in 2025, Algeria is aiming for an additional 2 to 5% boost in certain sectors thanks to Asian investments and technology transfers. Industrial cooperation with Malaysia, particularly in solar energy, has already been underway since 2024, reflecting a strong commitment to building a more resilient, competitive Algerian economy connected to global markets.
« The accession of Algeria and Uruguay to ASEAN paves the way for deeper cooperation and better understanding with their respective regions. As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia reaffirms its strong commitment to enhancing external perceptions of ASEAN and to promoting partnerships based on trust, inclusivity, and mutual benefit. »
Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister – Malaysia
However, experts point out that this membership will force Algeria to adapt to certain Asian norms, notably by adjusting its diplomacy to the regional political culture, strengthening its logistical and economic capacities in the region, and maintaining geopolitical neutrality in this strategic region. Furthermore, this membership offers Algeria an opening to new markets and would allow it to export more liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil, as well as ammonia or urea-based fertilizers to highly industrialized countries or those in energy transition, such as Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia.
