Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The European Coordinator for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, said after his talks with the Algerian President: We have dealt with all issues of common interest in a frank and constructive manner. I am traveling from Algeria convinced that together we will strengthen our partnership with concrete measures, especially in the field of security," according to a tweet by the European Union's spokesperson for the Middle East, Luis Bueno.
He described the meeting between Borrell and Abdelmadjid Tebboune as a fruitful meeting between the High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, and the Algerian President, where they discussed common challenges at the bilateral and regional levels. At the heart of the talks: the situation in the Sahel region, the escalation in the Middle East, and the repercussions of the Russian aggression against Ukraine in the region.
Borrell made statements after the meeting, in which he said, "It was agreed with Algeria to launch a high-level bilateral dialogue in the field of security," noting that the first meeting of this dialogue will be held before the end of this year.
Borrell said that Algeria is a "reliable and effective partner" of the European Union in combating terrorism within its common neighborhood and has "a history of combating terrorism."
He added that the European Union wants to develop a comprehensive and strategic vision in the field of combating terrorism, calling for coordination and mutual support for security work between the Union and Algeria and unifying efforts to enhance stability at the periphery and neighborhood levels, as well as in the African Sahel region.
On strengthening cooperation in combating corruption and money laundering, the Vice-President of the European Commission stated that combating corruption and money laundering is a priority, both for the European Union and for Algeria, noting that he discussed with the Algerian President the issues of "illicitly acquired funds" as well as "illicit financial transfers." ".
On the economic level, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy stated that Algeria and the European Union have a "good" partnership, especially in the energy sector, adding that 90% of Algerian gas exports go to Europe, which considers Algeria a reliable partner.
He expressed his hope for the development of European investments in the renewable energy sector, given that Algeria has a promising future in this sector.
Borrell concluded his remarks by saying, "More than half of Algeria's foreign trade takes place with the member states of the European Union, ie 56% of exports and 43% of imports," noting that the two sides can "achieve better."