Algeria is looking at setting up permanent representation in Malta, President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca said today in a press release.

Speaking during a State visit to Algeria, Ms Coleiro Preca Malta's new Consulate in Algiers, and the recent appointment of a new Maltese

Ambassador to Algeria, augur well for the further strengthening of Malta bilateral relations in various spheres.

"I am pleased to note that, it is the Algerian Government's intention that sooner rather than later, a permanent Algerian representation will be established in Malta.

"This will definitely open the doors for all potential collaborations.

Malta acknowledges the efforts made by the Algerian Parliament, in the setting up of the Algerian-Maltese Parliamentary Friendship Group, which I met yesterday.

"The Maltese Parliament looks forward to welcome our Algerian Parliamentarian friends in Malta to meet their Maltese counterparts," Ms Coleiro Preca said.

During my discussions with the Prime Minister of Algeria, both sides showed satisfaction at the decision taken during the visit of my Prime Minister two months ago, to reconvene the Mixed Joint Commission in Malta, in April/May this year, after an absence of twenty-eight years.

As the Algerian Government seeks to diversify the national economy, Malta stands firm in its readiness to support and assist in this diversification drive.

"Algeria's economic diversification comes at a time when Malta's economic performance is very significant. In fact, Malta has the second highest Gross Domestic Product growth amongst all of the 28 member states of the European Union, while unemployment is at its lowest rate ever.

"Hence, Malta's economy is vibrant, and is entering new economic pastures, such as its emergence as an important regional hub in education and training, medicine and surgery, nursing and other health care professions, business administration and management, information and communications technology," the statement read.