page_title: Arab League–Iran relations
section_title: Algeria
hierarchical_section_title: Arab League–Iran relations / Bilateral relations with Iran / Algeria
caption_attribution_description: English: Mohammad Khatami and Abdelaziz Bouteflika- October 19, 2003
context_page_description: Arab League–Iran relations refer to political, economic and cultural relations between the mostly Shia Persian country of Iran and the mostly Sunni and Arab organization Arab League.
  Within the Middle East, historical conflicts have always coloured neighbouring Arab countries' perceptions about Iran. At times peacefully coexisting, while at other times in bitter conflict. North African countries have generally enjoyed closer relations due to limited historical connection between them and Iran.
context_section_description: Following the Iranian Revolution, in 1981 Algeria's role was instrumental in the release of the US diplomatic hostages held in Iran. In 1998 Iran became increasingly critical of Algeria's heavy handed security forces, especially during several massacres during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and led efforts to pressure Algeria to act more humanely through the international community. Algeria in turn blamed Iran for the massacre.
  After a decade, in early September 2000, diplomatic and trade relations between Algeria and Iran were re-established in a decision made by Iranian President Mohammad Khatami and his Algerian counterpart Abdelaziz Bouteflika on the sidelines of the United Nations Millennium Summit. The resumption of relations paved the way for number of agreements "on bilateral cooperation in the areas of judicial affairs, finance, industry, and air transport". Relations continued to strengthen rapidly after that to the extent that in 2002 Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani and Algerian Joint Chief of Staff Muhamed al-Imari Wednesday signed and agreement for military and technical cooperation in Iran. In the recent 2006 UN vote on Iran's nuclear programme, Algeria abstained from voting.
caption: Mohammad Khatami welcoming Abdelaziz Bouteflika, 19 October 2003, Tehran.
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