It is 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 58th meeting of the organization’s foreign ministers, 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 are part of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, a community that includes all those who see ASEANZ as an example to emulate.
Ahmed Attaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs
For several experts, this membership goes beyond the purely bilateral framework: it has strategic significance for the entire African continent. It allows for the construction of transcontinental value chains, access to new markets, and the strengthening of pan-African economic diplomacy. It is in this context that Algeria, already host of the IATF2025 Forum in September, is encouraging trade within Africa, where its share of intra-continental trade increased from 1.9% to 2.2% between 2022 and 2024. According to experts, 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 3,660 billion 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 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.
