Comendador Anthony Bailey, Hon Consul-General of His Majesty The King of Tonga to the Portuguese Republic, paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Mr Saïd Moussi, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to Portugal, on 20 October 2026 at the Ambassador’s residence in Restelo, Lisbon.
The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on matters of mutual interest to Algeria and Tonga, with particular emphasis on maritime affairs, maritime security, ocean governance, the sustainable management of marine resources and wider international developments.
Although geographically distant, Algeria and Tonga share important interests as maritime nations. Algeria occupies a strategic position on the Mediterranean Sea, while Tonga, a Pacific island kingdom comprising more than 170 islands, exercises jurisdiction over an extensive maritime domain of approximately 700,000 square kilometres. Both countries recognise the importance of international cooperation in addressing maritime security challenges, protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring the sustainable use of ocean resources.
The discussions also considered Algeria’s longstanding diplomatic engagement with the Pacific region. Algeria has established diplomatic relations with several Pacific island countries, including Vanuatu, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands and Kiribati, reflecting its commitment to strengthening relations with the nations of Oceania.
Algeria’s Embassy in Canberra, Australia, also serves as an important centre for its diplomatic representation in the Pacific, with the Algerian Ambassador accredited on a non-resident basis to several Pacific island states. This provides an established diplomatic framework through which Algeria maintains and develops relations across the region.
Of particular relevance to Tonga are shared interests in maritime security, sustainable ocean management, climate change, the protection of marine resources and cooperation within the United Nations. Algeria and Tonga were also among the sponsors of a United Nations resolution in 2021 promoting cooperation between the United Nations and the Pacific Islands Forum.
During the meeting, Comendador Bailey recalled his extensive visit to Algeria in December 2023, which had provided an opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation of the country’s history, cultural heritage, people and contemporary development.
The courtesy call also took place against the background of longstanding relations between Algeria and Portugal, which marked the 50th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations in 2025. Bilateral cooperation has developed across political, economic, energy and cultural fields, notably following the Official Visit of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to Portugal in May 2023.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on opportunities for closer dialogue between Algeria and Tonga, particularly in areas of common maritime interest and through multilateral institutions. It formed part of the Consulate-General’s continuing programme of engagement with the diplomatic community accredited to Portugal, aimed at strengthening international partnerships and promoting the interests of the Kingdom of Tonga.
Further information about Algeria’s diplomatic representation is available through the Embassy of Algeria in Portugal and the Embassy of Algeria in Canberra.
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