Algeria and Germany have unveiled plans for closer co-operation in the energy sector and socio-economic development. The plans were announced during President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's state visit to Berlin. Speaking about strengthening ties with Germany, Bouteflika said he hoped it would also involve a sharing of skills.
“We expect help with the training of our youth, which Germany is prepared to do. We are interested in a technology transfer, which Germany has also agreed to,” said Bouteflika.
“We are interested in helping with the exploitation of oil and gas reserves, but also to cooperate more closely with Algeria on solar and renewable energy,” said Chancellor Angela Merkel. She also pointed out the importance of the Desertec solar programme, which plans to harness solar energy in North Africa for distribution to Europe and the Middle East.
"I gave my assurance that we have a great interest in implementing Desertec, which is still a vision today," said Merkel.
Merkel commended Algeria for supporting its bid for a permanent representation on the UN Security Council, on which Germany is to begin a two year rotation. Markel also said that Germany planned to work with Algeria on security issues pertaining to the country's borders, curtailing illegal migration through North Africa to Europe.
Source: Deutsche Presse-Agentur
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