Memoranda of understanding for biannual political consultations between Malta and Algeria and for visa waiver for diplomatic and service passport holders between the two countries were signed by Foreign Minister Michael Frendo and his Algerian counterpart, Mourad Medelci, during the official visit by President Eddie Fenech Adami to the country.

Dr Frendo said that his second visit to Algeria in the space of a few months, this time accompanying the President of Malta, showed the commitment that Malta has to its Mediterranean policy and to closer relations with its North African neighbours. This is already bearing fruit not only with regard to greater political exchange of views and collaboration on the international field but also with regard to contacts between the business communities of the two countries seeking trade and investment in both directions.

Collaboration in various sectors including tourism, ICT and e-government were among the subjects discussed. It was agreed to use a flexible and practical method for follow-up to the meetings and the discussions between the two heads of state and the two foreign ministers by agreeing to appoint, in a short period, a three-person team from either side which includes the ambassadors accredited to both countries as co-chair of this follow-up team. “This is a novel way of dealing with periodic follow-up and it was decided by both sides that this could be a practical way to ensure continued collaboration seeking tangible results,” Dr Frendo said. “This group will also have the task to monitor and discuss visa issues as we seek to facilitate business and tourism contacts between our two countries.”