Erdoğan greeted that name at the aircraft door

As Algerian leader Abdelmadjid Tebboune took his first step in Ankara as part of his official contacts, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan drew attention by personally greeting his counterpart at the aircraft door at Esenboğa Airport in a gesture outside of standard protocol. After disembarking from the plane, the two leaders proceeded together to the ceremonial area, where a military ceremony was held. During the ceremony, President Tebboune greeted the Presidential Guard Regiment ceremonial unit by saying, "Hello soldier."

From the very first moments of the visit, sincere images were captured by the cameras. After a brief conversation at the airport, Erdoğan and Tebboune continued with their program.

In recent years, there has been a visible rapprochement in relations between Turkey and Algeria. In addition to increasing cooperation in areas such as economy, energy, construction, and the defense industry, political and diplomatic contacts have also intensified. According to recent statements by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the goal of increasing the trade volume with Algeria—which has risen to become Turkey's second-largest trading partner in Africa—to 10 billion dollars stands out. In particular, within the scope of the work of the Turkey-Algeria High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (YDSK), which was elevated to a strategic level in 2022, more institutional cooperation mechanisms have been established between the two countries.

The main topics expected to be on the agenda during the visit include many subjects ranging from trade to energy, and from the defense industry to investment potential. Furthermore, there are mutual expectations for the implementation of joint projects in areas such as solar energy, agricultural mechanization, hydrocarbons, and mining. New agreements and steps for cooperation are expected from the leaders, who have come together in Ankara for the first meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.

During the official contacts, it is also anticipated that current developments regarding Mediterranean security, the Libya crisis, the Palestinian issue, and the Sahel region will be on the table.

On the other hand, President Erdoğan had taken a similar step of hospitality in recent months. In February, he also greeted Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi at the aircraft door at Esenboğa Airport, signaling the beginning of a new process in bilateral relations.