Malta to strengthen ties with Algeria

Foreign affairs minister George W. Vella met with a delegation of Algerian parliamentary representatives yesterday afternoon as a further step in the strengthening ties with Algeria. The visit from the delegation, which is part of the Algeria-Malta Parliamentary Friendship Group, follows the high-level visits PM Joseph Muscat and President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca made in November 2015 and January 2016 respectively.

“This is a positive milestone,” Vella said.

“We have a shared will to address common challenges threatening stability in the Mediterranean, such as radicalisation, migration and the crises in Libya and Syria,” he added.

Vella spoke of the importance Malta attaches to improved EU-Algeria relations.

He identified closer relations between the EU and its Southern partners as one of the more pertinent issues that will feature on the Malta EU Presidency agenda.

“We are satisfied with the fruitful meetings held in Malta and we are committed to the strengthening of relations with Malta on all fronts,” the Algerian delegation said.

The Algerian authorities recognise in Malta a reliable European partner which has remained sensitive to developments in North Africa through the decades.

“Malta can play an important role in bringing Algeria closer to the EU and its project,” the delegates pointed out.

The upcoming session of the Joint Commission between the two countries, which Malta will hosting this year, will provide a further opportunity to discuss cooperation between the two countries in an array of fields ranging from infrastructure, construction, energy, health and education among others.