As the UN Security Council gears up to tackle the Sahara issue in the coming weeks, Algeria is placing its bets on Russia. Following a meeting last week in New York between the Algerian Foreign Minister and his Russian counterpart, Algiers has activated its ambassador in Moscow, Toufik Djouama, who took up this role in July. Yesterday, the diplomat met with Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Vershinin, «at his request». The meeting focused on discussions surrounding the UN Security Council's agenda, particularly conflicts in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Sahara and Sahel regions. The Russian Foreign Ministry, led by Sergey Lavrov, emphasized the importance of Russo-Algerian cooperation during Russia's presidency of the UN Security Council this October, according to a statement. «Special attention was devoted to resolving the Western Sahara issue ahead of its upcoming review by the Council. Both parties reiterated that a lasting and fair solution must be achieved through the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, adhering to the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter, and ensuring it is mutually acceptable to the involved parties». This Wednesday marks the beginning of Russia's rotating presidency of the Security Council.
