# Putin Calls Algeria Close Ally

> Putin names Algeria a close ally in video call, signaling alignment with Moscow on Western Sahara.
- Title: Putin Calls Algeria Close Ally · The Rio Times | Shortify
- Summary: Putin names Algeria a close ally in video call, signaling alignment with Moscow on Western Sahara. Putin called Algeria a close ally on 15 October, aligning…
- Keywords: putin, algeria, un security council, western sahara, morocco, russia, algerian president, tebboune, minursa, un mission, news, world
- Source: The Rio Times — https://riotimesonline.com/putin-calls-algeria-close-ally-2026
- Author: Samuel Ncube
- Published: 2026-10-19T20:31:16+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: putin, algeria, un security council, western sahara, morocco, russia, algerian president, tebboune, minursa, un mission, news, world
## Putin's Ally Statement
Putin called Algeria one of Russia's close friends and allies on Thursday 15 October via video link to Business Russia forum.

> Algeria is one of our close friends and allies
## Algeria's Response
Algerian President Tebboune denied any chill with Russia and said Algeria would not refuse closer economic integration.

> relations with Russia had not changed
## Dairy Export Link
Russia's farm minister reported dry-milk shipments to Algeria rose fourfold this year after dairy group EkoNiva requested state scheme extension.

> dry-milk shipments to Algeria rose fourfold this year
## UN Mission Alignment
Russia backed keeping UN mission MINURSO in Western Sahara in current form until a settlement.

> the UN mission in Western Sahara kept in its present form
## US Position
US supports Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara while Russia and Algeria align on UN Security Council vote.

> Washington backs Morocco on Western Sahara
## Algeria's Military
Algeria spent about US$25.4 billion on defense in 2025, the most in Africa.

> US$25.4 billion
## No Immediate Action
No gas, arms or trade deal accompanied Putin's remarks and Algeria has not published a reply.

> no gas, arms or trade deal accompanied the remarks
## Western Sahara Dispute
Morocco and Algeria have had no diplomatic relations since August 2021 over Western Sahara territory.

> Morocco and Algeria have had no diplomatic relations since August 2021
## Security Council Vote
UN Security Council votes on MINURSO mission at end of October, with Russia and Algeria aligning on current form.

> the Security Council votes on the mission at the end of October
## Key takeaway

Putin called Algeria a close ally on 15 October, aligning with Algiers on UN Western Sahara mission while US supports Morocco.