Events

MINSK, 20 February (BelTA) – The first meeting of the joint Belarus-Algeria commission on trade, economic and sci-tech cooperation will take place in Algeria in 2018, Algeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdelkader Messahel told the media after his meeting with Belarus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei on 20 February, BelTA has learned.

Abdelkader Messahel emphasized the constructiveness of the meetings and negotiations held in Minsk on 20 February. The foreign ministers signed an agreement to set up a commission on trade, economic, and sci-tech cooperation, and also an agreement on a visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and service passports. According to the Algerian minister, this is only a small part of the legal framework for bilateral cooperation. In the near future Belarus and Algeria will coordinate other documents aimed at expanding cooperation, including in such areas as science and technology, culture. Abdelkader Messahel is convinced that some of these documents can be signed during Vladimir Makei's visit to Algeria.

According to him, the talks in the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs touched upon the exchange of delegations at the exhibitions. In particular, the Algerian delegation is set to take part in the Belagro expo in Minsk this summer. Belarusian enterprises are invited to attend exhibitions in Algeria.

The Algerian foreign minister also emphasized the importance of interaction between the chambers of commerce and of the two countries, which is based on a signed agreement. They should meet more often, Abdelkader Messahel added.

He also pointed to the importance of continuing ministerial consultations and cooperation within international organizations.

The agreements reached between Belarus and Algeria “should be supported by concrete steps,” Abdelkader Messahel said.