AMN
India and Algeria have reiterated their resolve to fight against the menace of terrorism which they termed as ‘serious threat to global peace and security”.
During the separate meetings with President of the National People’s Assembly Mohamed Larbi Ould Khalifa and President of Council of Nation Abdelkader Bensalah in Algiers yesterday, Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari raised the issue prominently saying that terrorism is a crime against religion.
Briefing media persons last night, Secretary West Sujata Mehta said that both sides emphasized the urgent need to stand up unitedly against the terrorism and its sponsors. The leaders echoed the emotion that development is not possible without ensuring peace and security.
Ms Mehta said, during the meetings, the two countries discussed wide ranging issues to promote cooperation in several sectors including Hydro-carbon, Phosphates, automobile parts, agricultural and industrial machinery, pharmaceuticals and others.
The Prime Minister of Algeria Mr Abdelmalek Sellal will call on the Vice President Hamid Ansari today where several issues including cooperation in oil, gas and Space field will be discussed. Mr Ansari will also call on the Algeria’s President Mr Abdelaziz Bouteflika at the Presidential palace at Algiers.
India and Algeria have maintained close relations since the era of Algeria’s struggle for independence. India sees Algeria as one of the leading economies of Africa and the developing world. India’s major companies have been partnering with Algerian entities for more than three decades and have executed some of the important projects in Algeria.
So the message of this high level visit is loud and clear that India wants to explore new opportunities for mutual cooperation which can take the bilateral relationship to new high.
The Vice President has also expressed condolence over the loss of lives in the hospital fire in Odisha. After concluding his two nation visit to Hungary and Algeria, Mr Ansari will return home tomorrow morning.