German Foreign Minister in Algeria visit

The German Foreign Affairs Minister Guido Westerwelle has arrived in Algeria for a two-day visit upon an invitation from his Algerian counterpart Mourad Medelci. Spokesperson of Algeria’s Foreign Ministry Ammar Belany stressed that the visit highlights the common will of the two countries to “intensify their political dialogue and to improve their bilateral cooperation through exploring new abilities in the different economic sectors, including new technologies and renewable energy.” Westerwelle follows the visit by the Algerian Foreign Minister to Berlin in March. The German ministers said that the visit came to provide an opportunity to resume the consultations about  regional issues, including the recent developments in the Maghreb area and the peace process in the Middle East. The  minister stated Germany's desire to “deepen bilateral relations” during the coming period, including cultural cooperation and the dialogue with the civil society. He added that he would discuss the deteriorating situation in Syria and the role that the international community should perform to end the current violence. Westerwelle also said, “I am looking forward to hearing the vision for the current situation in Mali and the Maghreb region especially what role Algeria could perform in this regard.” He added, “I follow eagerly the efforts exerted recently to strengthen the regional cooperation in the field of combating terrorism.” According to Westerwelle "combating terrorism" is the mission that the international community should work to achieve over the coming period.