Newly elected Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune made his first official foreign visit to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, in the hope of affirming ties between the two nations. Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman met President Tebboune and the pair discussed relations, the state-run Saudi Press Agency reported. Mr Tebboune is expected to spend three days in the country, during which he will hold talks with Saudi leaders on enhancing co-operation between the states. The foreign visit is well-timed as Algeria is planning to host a summit about the escalating situation in neighbouring Libya and is seeking support from regional powers before the meeting. On Tuesday, Mr Tebboune held a meeting in Qatar with Emir Sheikh Tamim. The discussions resulted in “a total understanding” between the two countries regarding economic and political issues within the region and internationally, Algerian state media reported. While the visit to Saudi Arabia marks the first official foreign visit, the Algerian president has taken meetings abroad since being elected in December. He has travelled to Germany for an international meeting on Libya and to Ethiopia for an African Union summit.
