The situation in Libya was among the main topics discussed in meetings President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca is having during her State visit to Algeria.

In her speech following a meeting with Abdelaziz Bouteflika, President of Algeria, Dr Coleiro Preca said that the situation in Libya is of serious concern to both countries, and the region.  “In this regard, I have pledged Malta’s continued support for a peaceful settlement through a dialogue based on goodwill from both sides and I commended Algeria’s efforts to bring together all Libyan stakeholders to bring about a peaceful settlement, for the people of Libya,” she said.

The issue of migration remains a priority for both Algeria and Malta.   “I highlighted the fact that during Malta’s EU Presidency in 2017, migration will be a main topic on our agenda, thus giving visibility to this issue which concerns both countries.”

“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.

Dr Coleiro Preca said that it was agreed to set up, as soon as possible, an Algerian-Maltese Business Council to provide for an ongoing process of dialogue between our businesses.

The Algerian Prime Minister also indicated other areas for Maltese-Algerian collaboration, such as in the mining industry of phosphate, iron and gold. Another area of importance for collaboration between the two sides is the ICT sector, she set up.