2012-07-11
Xinhua
Visiting Belgian Foreign Minister, Didier Reynders, hailed Tuesday in Algiers the key role Algeria plays in the construction of the Maghreb Union and in the settlement of conflicts in Africa.

In a joint news conference held in Algiers, the local APS news agency quoted Reynders as saying that "Algeria plays a key role in the construction of the Maghreb Union," adding that the regional integration is important for the Maghreb countries, as it has a positive impact in terms of boosting stability and the social and economic development in the region.

The Belgian top diplomat further indicated the wish of the European Union to strengthen ties with Algeria, in particular, and the southern part of the Mediterranean, including the Maghreb region, in general.

Reynders said there are several potential activity fields to be developed between Algeria and Belgium, especially in the domains of politics, security, economy, transport, energy and health.

As for the crisis in Mali, the minister mentioned that his country favors a political settlement, in addition to fighting against organized crime and terrorism, which is "a preoccupying matter within both the EU and the UN."

For his part, Algerian Foreign Minister, Mourad Medelci, said bilateral relations with Belgium are marked by a quality cooperation, which should be strengthened during the forthcoming months.

"Our bilateral relations have been marked by quality cooperation which has been confirmed over time and should be strengthened thanks to future visits of Belgian officials and businessmen in a bid to explore the vast field of investment that Algeria offers," Medelci said.

The Belgian FM arrived in Algeria Tuesday in a working visit. During his visit, he held talks with Medelci, and then was received by Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.