Electronic press/publication of public contracts: The decision of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune welcomed.(APS,30/05/2023)

ALGIERS- Organizations and National Associations of Journalists welcomed, on Monday, the decision of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, relating to the adoption of the accredited electronic press as a new mechanism for the publication of public contracts, considering that this procedure was able to consolidate the criteria of transparency, and to fight against corruption in the field.

In this context, the National Union of Algerian Journalists and Information Professionals (UNJIA) welcomed, in a press release, the decision taken by the President of the Republic during the Council of Ministers on Sunday, and relating to the adoption of the accredited electronic press as a new mechanism for the publication of public contracts, specifying that this measure was likely to "consolidate the criteria of transparency and to fight against corruption and any manipulation in the distribution of contracts, so as to guarantee governance in the management of public funds".

This decision constitutes "a breath of fresh air for the electronic press", in that it gives it "a greater margin for better management of its logistical and material needs, and ensures an improvement in working conditions staff", which should "reflect positively on the quality of media content", estimates the UNJIA.

This decision should also contribute to conveying the true image of Algeria and to countering the media relentlessness to which the national press is exposed, according to the same organization which affirms that this measure "denotes the strong political will of the President of the Republic to take address the concerns of professionals in the sector, in particular those working in the electronic press".

For its part, the Association of Journalists of Algiers welcomed the decision of the President of the Republic which will provide the electronic press with the support necessary for the development of serious and professional sites, and will encourage professionals to "pursue their noble mission of defense of the supreme interests of the country and the valorization of the great achievements of Algeria at the national and international levels".

The Association recalled, at the same time, the steps taken by the information sector in Algeria in the context of the challenges and issues of recent years, citing in particular the profound constitutional reforms initiated by President Tebboune in the constitution of 2020 by supporting the freedom of information and communication, particularly in the electronic field, in accordance with the transition to digital media that the world is experiencing through the supervision and organization of the sector as well as the regulation of its activity in a legal and regulatory framework setting out rights and duties.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf on the occasion of the celebration of World Africa Day: Algeria will remain an active player in the African effort aimed at the challenges of economic development.(APS,30/05/2023)

ALGIERS - The Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf, said Monday in Algiers that Algeria will remain an active player and an integral part of the collective African effort to meet the challenges of economic development and to materialize the ambitious vision elaborated within the framework of the Agenda of the African Union (AU).

“Algeria, proud of its rooted African belonging and firmly attached to the project of continental unity, today joins its voice to those of its African brothers, to renew its commitment and its adherence to the principles and objectives of the AU. , in the face of the multidimensional challenges that continue to threaten the security and stability of our countries and peoples and undermine our efforts to achieve sustainable development and legitimate prosperity", underlined Mr. Attaf in a speech delivered on the occasion of the World Africa Day celebration.

In the same way that it contributed yesterday to the decolonization of our continent, continued the Minister, "Algeria affirms today, under the wise leadership of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, that it will remain a an active player and an integral part of the collective African effort to address the challenges of economic development and realize the ambitious vision that we have developed together under the AU Agenda, known as Agenda 2063 ".

"This vision, which Algeria has fully endorsed, has been placed at the heart of the new orientation that the President of the Republic has conferred on the African dimension of Algeria's foreign policy", he added. .

"It is this approach that my country is currently striving to materialize through the execution of development projects for the benefit of several brotherly African countries, the implementation of which is supervised by the Algerian Agency for International Cooperation for Solidarity and development, which has been reinforced, by decision of the President of the Republic, by a financial envelope of one billion US dollars", he said.

In this regard, he pointed out that Algeria "is also working to materialize this approach by mobilizing resources and energies to complete the implementation of structuring integrative projects of a regional and continental nature, such as the Trans-Saharan Road project , the Lagos-Algiers Gas Pipeline, the Trans-Saharan fiber optic backbone project, as well as the road project linking Tindouf and the Mauritanian city of Zouerate".

He affirmed that "Algeria's orientation in favor of strengthening its contributions in the field of economic development with a view to achieving shared prosperity is complementary to its long-standing efforts to end conflicts armed forces and preserve security and stability in its immediate vicinity, as well as on the African continent as a whole".

"With this in mind, and as it pursues its efforts at the head of the International Mediation for the follow-up of the peace and reconciliation process in the sister Republic of Mali, Algeria salutes the attachment of the Malian parties to the Algiers Agreement and their sincere commitment to the efforts that Algeria has recently initiated to overcome the current difficulties and ensure a rapid resumption of the implementation of the Agreement (...)", indicated the Minister .

Mr. Attaf also recalled the initiative taken by Algeria to reactivate and revitalize the role of the Joint Operational Staff Committee in the fight against the phenomena of terrorism and transnational crime.

==Algeria pledges to close African ranks in the Security Council==

Referring to Algeria's candidacy for the post of non-permanent member of the Security Council for the period 2024-2025, during the elections to be held on June 6, Mr. Attaf said that it falls "in the framework of its commitment to contribute, as an influential actor, to the management of international challenges".

A commitment that it intends to carry out "by putting forward ideas and initiatives likely to strengthen multilateral action in the maintenance of international peace and security, as well as to relaunch international cooperation and provide it with the necessary means to respond to the needs and aspirations of all humanity".

Referring to the Security Council, Mr. Attaf recalled "the historic injustice suffered by our continent, which remains, to this day, the only one not to be represented in the category of permanent members, and the one which is the least represented in that of the non-permanent members".

In order to remedy this, the Minister indicated that “Algeria undertakes to continue its contribution to close African ranks within this body and ensure a more effective defense of the legitimate aspirations” of the continent.

While renewing Algeria's "deep gratitude" to the AU, the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for their support and endorsement of this candidacy, the Minister affirmed that "Algeria is counting on the support of all brotherly and friendly countries so that it can fulfill this hemispheric mandate", whose slogan is "Together to defend the principles and objectives of the Charter of the United Nations for a better future for all".

Mr. Attaf also referred to the "exceptional" situation in which the world finds itself and which "offers us a precious opportunity to contribute to correcting the structural weaknesses of the international system, by focusing our efforts on the need to remedy the unjust marginalization our continent has been a victim for nearly eight decades", calling for us to close ranks and speak with one voice to "weigh all our weight in the various international forums".

Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf: Africa can only turn the last page of the history of colonialism with the independence of Western Sahara.(APS,30/05/2023)

ALGIERS - The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf, said Monday in Algiers that Africa can only turn the last page of the history of colonialism by allowing the Saharawi people to exercise its inalienable and imprescriptible right to self-determination.

"As we celebrate, today, our joint achievements in the areas of preserving peace and security and promoting economic integration in the wake of the operationalization of the Continental Free Trade Area Africa, which is the theme of the year for the African Union, we must not forget that our sisters and brothers in the last colony in Africa, in Western Sahara precisely, are waiting for our support in order to be able to exercise their right inalienable and imprescriptible to self-determination", underlined Mr. Attaf in a speech delivered on the occasion of the celebration of the World Day of Africa.

The Minister said that it is on this condition that Africa "will once and for all turn the last page in the history of odious colonialism, shameful occupation and shameful plunder of its wealth".

"The Sahrawi people, aspiring to liberation and emancipation, like all the other African peoples who preceded them in attaining freedom and independence, call on us for help, and we do not we have no right to ignore this call", he added, noting that "it is a people who demand justice, and we have no right to refuse it".

"It is a people who are crying out for help to end the injustice, oppression and domination of which they are victims, and we have no right not to lend them a helping hand. 'he expects from us,' he insisted.

Mr. Attaf also referred to the situation in Sudan, calling for "not to neglect the suffering of the Sudanese following the crisis that has hit this brotherly country for more than a month, a crisis that has claimed the lives of hundreds innocent people and displaced hundreds of thousands of defenseless civilians, in addition to signs of an impending humanitarian catastrophe and the danger looming on the dark horizon of another division of Sudan".

Faced with this situation, the Minister indicated that Algeria "calls for redoubled efforts and coordination of the initiatives of all international and regional actors in order to help bring Sudan out of the spiral of violence, division and the battles that afflict it".

Algeria is hosting an international Symposium on the Algerian experience in mine clearance on Tuesday.(APS,29/05/2023)

ALGIERS - An international Symposium on the Algerian experience in demining will be organized on Tuesday in Algiers, as part of the festivities celebrating the 60th anniversary of Independence Day and the activities of the Joint Ministerial Commission for monitoring the implementation of the Ottawa Mine Ban Convention.

Organized under the theme "For a safe Africa, the pioneering Algerian experience in the fight against anti-personnel mines" at the initiative of the Ministry of Mujahideen and Rights Holders in coordination with the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, at the Abdelatif Rahal International Conference Center (CIC), this two-day symposium aims to highlight the damage and aftermath of mines laid during the colonial era and to present the experiences of African countries in demining.

In addition to the importance of cooperating in the face of the dangers of mines within the framework of common African action, the symposium will be an opportunity to highlight the Algerian experience in terms of banning mines as well as its efforts for the clearance of mines and the supply of the human and material resources necessary for the care of the victims of these explosives. Algeria inherited 11 million mines laid by the French colonizer along the Challe and Morice line.

Participants from nearly 50 African countries (officials, university specialists, associations, organizations, etc.) will address and analyze 4 themes, namely: the colonial era and minefields, African experiences in the fight against mines, the Algerian approach to the fight against mines and mines and the prospects for common African action.

Africa has always been the continent most affected by the aftermath of the colonial period and wars. The proliferation of killing fields in most African regions is the best witness to the suffering and risks that threaten the present and the future of the Continent, at a time when most of its countries are working to clear mined areas despite the danger of the operation and its high cost.

To this end, Algeria set out after independence, "with a resolute and determined step", to overcome this problem through a national strategy, which mobilized human energies and an enormous material potential with the contribution of the People's National Army (ANP) to clean up mined borders and the residues of explosives laid during the colonial era.

Algeria has, at the same time, reaffirmed its fidelity to its international commitments by concretizing its National Program on demining, in accordance with the stipulations of the Ottawa Convention on the prohibition of anti-personnel mines, ratified by Algeria in December 1997. .

In this context, the Algerian State has endeavored to take charge of the medical, social and psychological aspects of mine victims through a national policy that is fully aware of the profound psychological impact generated by these mines.

Algeria, according to the Ministry of Mujahideen, presents, as part of its approach to demining, a multidimensional diagnosis of the problem and what it requires in the field of cooperation, training and the development of future programs capable of preventing possible damage within the framework of the common African action.

In this regard, Africa is called upon more than ever to mobilize its energy, intensify its coordination and cooperation in addition to exchanging expertise in an intra-African model with a view to cleaning up the killing fields and fulfilling its international commitments within the framework of treaties and agreements, for a safe and mine-free Africa.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune receives solemn welcome from his Portuguese counterpart in Lisbon.(APS,24/05/2023)

LISBON- The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, received, on Tuesday in Lisbon (Portugal), a solemn welcome from his Portuguese counterpart, Mr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, within the framework of the State visit he is doing in this friendly country.

The solemn welcome took place in Empire Square (Praça do Império), near the seat of the Presidency of the Portuguese Republic.

The two Presidents first greeted each other and took a souvenir photo, in the company of the two ministerial delegations, before reviewing a detachment of the various Portuguese Armed Forces.

They then listened to the national anthems of both countries, while 21 cannons were fired.

President Tebboune then visited the Jeronimos Monastery with its unique architectural character, where he listened to explanations about the famous Portuguese poet, Luis de Camoes, whose tomb is in the monument, before laying a wreath of flowers and to sign the Golden Book of the Palace of the Presidency.

The President of the Republic will then go to the headquarters of the Presidency of the Portuguese Republic for talks, one-on-one, with his Portuguese counterpart, which will be extended to members of the delegations of the two countries.

The two Presidents will make a joint statement to the press.

President Tebboune is accompanied by a large ministerial delegation, made up of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and of the National Community Abroad, Ahmed Attaf, of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, of Industry and Production Pharmaceutical, Ali Aoun, Trade and Export Promotion, Tayeb Zitouni, Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Lakhdar Rekhroukh, and Knowledge Economy, Start-ups and Micro-enterprises, Yacine El -Mahdi Oualid.

On Monday, the President of the Republic met representatives of the National Community established in Portugal and listened with interest to their various concerns and proposals.

On this occasion, President Tebboune stressed the State's commitment to "protect Algerians abroad and pave the way for Algerian skills to contribute to the development of the country".

Convergence of views between Algeria and Portugal on regional and international issues.(APS,24/05/2023)

LISBON - The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, underlined, Tuesday from Lisbon (Portugal), the total convergence of views between Algeria and Portugal on all regional and international issues.

In a joint statement to the press with his Portuguese counterpart, President Tebboune specified that he had had "fruitful, frank and sincere talks with Mr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, which reflect the depth of relations between the two countries and highlight a convergence view on all regional and international issues, including the situation in Libya, Mali, the Sahel, Western Sahara and the Palestinian territories, and what is happening between Ukraine and Russia, two friendly countries".

The President of the Republic recalled, in this regard, that "Algeria, like Portugal, aspires to peace between Russia and Ukraine and to the settlement of the question of Western Sahara in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations and the Council of security".

"We reaffirmed our absolute support for the Palestinian cause", underlined President Tebboune adding that "Algeria's position is clear in this regard, it pleads for the solution of two States and the establishment of the State of Palestine on the borders of June 1967, with El-Quds-east as its capital".

Portugal's support for UN resolutions on Western Sahara affirmed.(APS,24/05/2023)

The Portuguese President, Mr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa affirmed, Tuesday in Lisbon, that his country respects and supports the UN resolutions on the question of Western Sahara.

In a joint statement to the press with the President of the Republic at the end of their talks, President de Sousa specified that his country's position is constant, Portugal respecting and supporting the role of the United Nations and their resolutions vis-à-vis the question of Western Sahara, as well as working to realize the principles of democracy in this area".

The Algerian-Portuguese bilateral summit scheduled for the second half of 2023.(APS,24/05/2023)

The President of the Republic expressed his wish to see Portuguese investments in Algeria increase, so that they are at the same level as consensual political relations", specifying that "the new positive economic climate in Algeria is open to investment and favorable to the requirements of economic actors, due to the legal stability it provides and the encouraging factors that facilitate the intensification of investment initiatives by Portuguese operators".

President Tebboune, on the other hand, stressed the "strong determination of the two countries to work, on the occasion of the sixth session of the next high-level bilateral Algerian-Portuguese meeting scheduled in Algeria, to devote the continuation of the consultations policies and strategies and to evaluate the mechanisms of bilateral cooperation, with a view to promoting them at the level of the strong relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries".

Algeria will spare no effort to contribute to the settlement of conflicts by using its experience in mediation.

The President of the Republic affirmed, addressing his Portuguese counterpart and the audience, that "Algeria, which has always fought in favor of just causes within the framework of international legality and the rights of peoples to their self-determination, will spare no effort to contribute positively to the settlement of conflicts by peaceful means, through its experience in mediation, particularly in the light of the new challenges imposed on us by a complex global context".

"We are called upon to make tireless efforts to contribute to the establishment of security and peace in our Mediterranean region and throughout the world, based on the principles of international law and respect for national sovereignty", he said. -he adds.

At the end of his speech, President Tebboune affirmed his readiness to work together with President de Sousa with a view to contributing to the "settlement of crises and the relaunch of the paths of dialogue, capable of eliminating the sources of tension in our neighborhood and throughout the world", emphasizing that "dialogue and communication are able to consolidate the common will that drives us to establish the culture of peace and cooperation in our region, which was the cradle of civilizations and which constitutes a symbol of the constructive interaction between the two shores of the Mediterranean".

Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad: 1st place for Algeria.(APS,24/05/2023)

KIGALI - Algeria took first place in the individual ranking in the boys' category, during the 30th edition of the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO), organized in Kigali (RWANDA), from May 13 to 22, 2023.

This performance was achieved by student Youcef Kenane, while by country, Algeria ranked second.

It should be noted that Algeria participated in these Olympiads with seven students (four girls and three boys) who competed alongside 189 other students at the continental level.

Thirty-one African countries (26 face-to-face and 6 online) took part in this annual African Union of Mathematics event, aimed at the best secondary school students under the age of 20.

This 30th edition of OPAM was organized by the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences, based in Rwanda, in collaboration with the Government of Rwanda (the Colleges of Education, Science and Technology of the University of Rwanda).

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune receives head of the Council for Algerian Economic Renewal (CREA) .(APS,17/05/2023)

ALGIERS- The President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune received this Tuesday, the President of the Council for Algerian Economic Renewal (CREA), Kamel Moula, said a press release from the Presidency of the Republic.

During the meeting, Moula presented the President with ten recommendations to improve the national production of durum wheat, based on the conclusions of the recent Forum on food security.

However, the discussion also highlighted persistent administrative blockages that hinder economic initiatives. Moula emphasized the need for the land agency to operate efficiently to facilitate new investments. President Tebboune expressed his determination to combat any resistance that impedes the country’s development and his commitment to building a robust economy that serves the nation and its citizens.

This meeting was a constructive and fruitful exchange, addressing both the successes and challenges of Algeria’s economic landscape. The President’s dedication to overcoming obstacles and promoting growth is a promising sign for the future of the country.

The President of the Council of the Nation, Mr. Salah Goudjil: It is Algeria that gives lessons in freedom of expression, respect for human rights.(APS,17/05/2023)

ALGIERS- President of the Council of the Nation, Salah Goudjil, condemned, on Tuesday, the resolution of the European Parliament (EP), saying that it is Algeria that "gives lessons in freedom of expression and respect for human rights and not the other way around."

In a speech given following the adoption of three laws by the members of the Council of the Nation, Goudjil said in response to the EP's resolution, which was widely condemned by several national actors and regional and international bodies, that "it is Algeria that gives lessons in freedom of expression."

During this meeting, which took place in the presence of the Algerian ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Latli, the two parties discussed "joint cooperation between Algeria and African states in the media field, especially between Algeria's public media establishments (Algerian Radio, Algerian Television and TDA) and their African counterparts.

In a statement to the press, Bouslimani stressed "the imperative to coordinate and further strengthen media cooperation", underlining in the same framework "the willingness of Algeria, under the leadership of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to strengthen the cooperation of our country with African States, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

In the same context, the minister reaffirmed Algeria's concern to implement important operational projects in various fields of communication with an African dimension, citing, in this regard, "the Teleport Centre belonging to the UAR that Algeria has installed in Bouchaoui (Algiers), as well as +Ifrikya FM+, a new radio station launched on 3 May on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day."

For his part, the Director General of the UAR hailed "the great efforts made by Algeria in the interest of Africa."

Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf chairs with Saudi counterpart in Jeddah 4th Algerian-Saudi political consultations .(APS,17/05/2023)

ALGIERS- The Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf, co-chaired, with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al Saud Tuesda, in Jeddah, the fourth session of the Algerian-Saudi Political Consultations Commission, the ministry said in a statement.

The work of this Session, which falls within the framework of Mr. Attaf's official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, focused on the means and concrete steps capable of setting new milestones on the way to strengthening bilateral cooperation, as well as consultation and coordination on several political issues of common interest, at the head of which are the items on the agenda of the Ministerial Preparatory Meeting for the Arab Summit, scheduled for Jeddah in three days, specifies the press release.

The work was sanctioned in particular by the strengthening of the structural framework governing bilateral relations, after the signing by the two ministers of an agreement establishing the Algerian-Saudi High Coordination Council, "which will have as its main missions the intensification and deepening of contacts and cooperation between the two countries, especially as it will be the subject of special attention and direct monitoring by the leaders of the two countries", adds the same source.

The consultations also made it possible to "underline the commitment of the two parties to continue and intensify efforts to increase the volume of trade and investment between the two countries to the best of their interests, according to the priorities which will be identified soon. by both parties," the statement continued.

Moreover, and in the light of the commitment and attachment of the two countries to the defense of the causes of the Arab nation, the two parties discussed the topicality of the Palestinian cause, stressing the need to activate the various mechanisms adopted by the Arab Summit in Algiers, in November 2022, to "mobilize more support for this central cause for the Arab nation and complete the process of Palestinian reconciliation".

The two ministers also welcomed the level of convergence of the positions of the two countries with regard to the ongoing developments on several fronts.

National Student Day: Algerian Radio organizes a scientific event.(APS,17/05/2023)

ALGIERS- The Algerian Radio, represented by Jil FM, organized, Tuesday at the Aïssa-Messaoudi auditorium, a scientific event under the theme "The Algerian student, from sacrifice to edification in the new Algeria", and this , on the occasion of the celebration of National Student Day.

In a speech delivered on this occasion, the director of Jil FM, Tinhinane Aliane, specified that "May 19, 1956 is a date that is dear to us because it reminds us of those who taught us the meaning of pride, nationalism and sacrifice for the fatherland and taught the world a lesson in these noble values".

This symbolic event "is intended as a message of recognition and gratitude to those who have made us proud of our past among nations, but also a commitment by the current generation to preserve the legacy, this generation which strives to offer the better to the homeland, thanks to the great support provided by the State, under the enlightened leadership of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who has placed young people at the center of his concerns", maintained the official.

During this event, marked by the organization of an exhibition of the innovations of students from different specialties and faculties, a conference was led by teachers and researchers on innovation and artificial intelligence (theme chosen for this year university).

In this context, the adviser and representative of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Abdeldjebbar Daoudi, affirmed in his speech that the date of May 19, 1956, symbol of the "awareness" of Algerian students of the he era encourages us, in the new Algeria, to "renew the oath to a generation that fought and sacrificed for the country". This anniversary also commits us to "continue the process of construction in order to hoist the Algerian University to the rank of the great universities and to achieve economic and sustainable development", he added.

Emphasizing "the major importance given by the President of the Republic to young people and to the university, the main breeding ground for the Nation's executives", Mr. Daoudi pointed out that the new approach adopted by Algeria based on the economy , science and research, placed the country in front of great challenges and gave students the opportunity to innovate and transform their ideas into start-ups.

For his part, inventor Mohamed Doumir, winner of the title of best Arab inventor at the "Stars of Sciences" competition in Doha (Qatar) in 2013, shared his experience during the competition and advised Algerian students to "arm themselves with the knowledge, the will and the determination, to exploit the potentialities provided by the State in order to access the world of innovation and to transform their ideas into projects commensurate with the aspirations of Algeria" .

As for the Director of the Higher School of Artificial Intelligence (ENSIA), Abdelmalik Bachir, he affirmed that "Algeria must now adapt to the revolution of artificial intelligence", noting that the creation of ENSIA falls within this perspective.

The director of the National School of Mathematics (ENSM) indicated, for his part, that the creation of the School is intended to be "a great feat to the credit of Algeria and contributes to the training of engineers in mathematics and the application of mathematics at a high level".

On this occasion, the rector of the USTHB, Djamal-Eddine Akretche approached "the great role" of this university since its creation in the training of the executives of the Nation who honored Algeria at the local and international level, putting forward "the efforts made by the administration of the university, in order to ensure all the appropriate conditions, in order to allow students to innovate each in their specialty and encourage them to create start-ups that benefit the country".

Algeria elected as Vice-Chair of the 5th Review Conference of the operation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.(APS,17/05/2023)

THE HAGUE - Algeria, in the person of its permanent representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the Ambassador, Ms. Salima Abdelhak, was elected for the Africa region, in position of Vice-Chair of the 5th Review Conference of the Operation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, which takes place from 15 to 19 May in The Hague (Netherlands).

Algeria's election represents recognition of its tireless efforts in favor of global disarmament and of its important role in the maintenance of international peace and security.

It should be noted that Algeria has also acted as vice-chairman of the open-ended working group responsible for preparing the 5th Conference in question, which is held every five years, with the objective of assess the Convention's record and achievements and design a strategic vision for the next five years, in the light of new security threats and challenges on the international scene.

In addition, Algeria actively participated in a retreat for ambassadors accredited to the OPCW, where Ms. Abdelhak moderated the session on international cooperation and assistance, within the framework of the Weapons Convention. chemicals and the OPCW.

Algeria is participating with a large delegation in the work of the 5th Review Conference of the Chemical Weapons Convention which began Monday in The Hague.

On the sidelines of this conference, the Executive Secretariat of the Interministerial Committee for the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, and in coordination with the Technical Secretariat of the OPCW, organized a side event on Monday in La Hague, entitled "Capacity building in the context of South-South cooperation".

Attended the meeting, permanent representatives of several countries to the OPCW, officials of this organization, diplomats and experts of different nationalities.

During this meeting, Ms. Salima Abdelhak stressed, in her opening speech, the active role of Algeria and its contribution to the organization's activities in terms of capacity building, particularly at the regional level.

== Twinning between the INCC/GN and a German Institute ==

For their part, the Executive Secretary of the Interministerial Committee responsible for implementing the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the rest of the speakers highlighted the theoretical and practical skills available to Algeria in the areas of cooperation , provided for in the Chemical Weapons Convention.

They also presented the progress of preparations for the organization of "CHEMEX Africa", scheduled for Algiers from September 23 to October 4, and which should focus on building the capacities of African countries for a multi- chemical emergency component.

The "CHEMEX Africa" program is part of the implementation of Article 10 of the Chemical Weapons Convention by the OPCW Technical Secretariat, which strives to develop the capacities of Member States in the field of assistance and protection against incidents and attacks related to chemical warfare, in which toxic industrial chemicals are used.

It should be noted that on the occasion of the participation of the Algerian delegation in the 5th Conference of The Hague, the executive secretary of the Interministerial Committee in charge of the implementation of the Convention on the prohibition of chemical weapons signed Tuesday at the headquarters of the OPCW, two memorandums of understanding relating to the twinning between the National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology of the National Gendarmerie (INCC/GN) and the German Research Institute of the Armed Forces for protection techniques and protection against nuclear, radiological, biological or chemical weapons.

The first, providing support for the OPCW laboratory twinning programme, was signed with the OPCW Technical Secretariat, while the second was signed with the German Institute.

This 41-month project aims to build the capacity of the Algerian Institute in areas related to the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention for the use of chemistry for peaceful purposes. Its objective is to improve the performance of the INCC/GN in order to obtain the status of designated laboratory of the OPCW and to certify their mastery in terms of chemical analysis and expertise in relation to the Convention.

Sonatrach sign LPG supply contract of Wanhua petrochemical complex in China.(APS,17/05/2023)

ALGER- La Société nationale des hydrocarbures Sonatrach a signé, mardi, avec la Société chinoise Wanhua Chemical un Contrat à terme pour l'approvisionnement en GPL du complexe pétrochimique de cette société en Chine, a indiqué un communiqué de Sonatrach.

Le Contrat en question porte sur "un approvisionnement régulier du marché asiatique en GPL algérien, marquant ainsi un tournant significatif pour les exportations algériennes de GPL, permettant également, l'introduction de la référence algérienne de prix des GPL sur le plus grand marché régional au monde", a précisé la même source.

A travers cet accord, les deux entreprises confirment ainsi leur volonté d'établir une relation commerciale "durable et fructueuse dans le domaine des GPL en particulier et de la pétrochimie en général", a conclu le communiqué.

Opening in Algiers of the 18th edition of the International Exhibition of Water Equipment, Technologies and Services.(APS,17/05/2023)

ALGIERS- The 18th edition of the International Exhibition of Water Equipment, Technologies and Services "SIEE-Pollutec 2023" opened on Tuesday in Algiers, with the participation of more than 140 national and foreign companies from 14 countries.

The opening of this event was held in the presence of the Minister of Hydraulics, Taha Derbal, accompanied by the Minister of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production, Ali Aoun, the Minister of the Environment and Renewable Energies, Fazia Dahleb and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mohamed Abdelhafid Henni.

On this occasion, Mr. Derbal stressed the importance of this show which constitutes "an ideal place for exchanges" between professionals in the sector, also allowing to discover the novelties and the latest innovations in the field of management and equipment. of water.

The minister considered that this type of economic event should contribute to the improvement of public service in terms of drinking water supply, sanitation and agricultural irrigation.

For his part, Mr. Aoun called on the operators, during his tour of the exhibition stands, to redouble their efforts to establish a real industrial dynamic.

A rich program including conferences on the key themes of the water market with many subjects will be discussed on this occasion, particularly with regard to the desalination of seawater, the purification of wastewater and its reuse or again the quality of the products.

This show, which last year attracted more than 7,000 professional visitors, is also an opportunity to discover the major achievements of the sector and its prospects.

Various agencies under the supervision of the Ministry of Hydraulics took part in this fair, such as the Integrated Water Resources Management Agency (AGIRE), the National Irrigation and Drainage Office (ONID), the Algérienne des Eaux (ADE), the National Office for Sanitation (ONA), the National Agency for Dams and Transfers (ANDBT) and the National Agency for Hydraulic Resources (ANRH).

This event, which will be held until May 18 at the Palais des expositions in Pins Maritimes, will bring together "key" players, Algerian and international, in the water sector.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune chairs Council of Ministers meeting.(APS,15/05/2023)

ALGIERS - The President of the Republic, Supreme Head of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defence, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune chaired, on Sunday, a meeting of the Council of Ministers devoted to a draft law relating to forests and forest heritage and to presentations relating to several sectors, indicates a press release from the Presidency of the Republic, of which here is the APS translation:

"Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the Republic, Supreme Head of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defense today chaired a meeting of the Council of Ministers devoted to a draft law on forests and forest heritage and to presentations on the reform of the National Agency for the Support and Development of Entrepreneurship (ANADE), the provisions relating to holders of master's and doctoral degrees for the 2023 financial year, the state and prospects of higher education institutions higher education and the mining sector.

After the opening of the meeting by the President of the Republic, the reading of the agenda and the presentation by the Prime Minister of the Government's activity report over the past two weeks, Mr. President gave the following instructions and directions:

*Concerning the provisions relating to holders of master's and doctoral degrees for the 2023 financial year:

- The President of the Republic has approved the proposals of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, providing for the recruitment of holders of these two diplomas in university posts.

- The President has ordered, as part of his commitment to university teachers, the revision of the salaries of higher education teachers and university researchers, all scientific grades combined, enjoining him to submit proposals as soon as possible, because the State must pay particular attention to this category, which constitutes Algeria's gray matter and safety valve in all sectors.

- Prepare a global revision of the statute of Higher Education teachers in accordance with the dynamics and the new strategy of the Higher Education and Scientific Research sector.

- Redouble efforts to attract more students in scientific specialties and fields, which represent the nation's reservoir for the various State institutions.

- Adopt a proactive scientific vision based on the approach of the new Algeria which plans to abandon classical methods in higher education in favor of the diversification of specialties in tune with global trends.

*Concerning the exploitation of the zinc and lead deposit in Oued Amizour (Bejaia)

- Recalling the major economic importance of the said project, the President ordered the reduction of all delays linked to the secondary technical sites to accelerate the entry into operation of this project, especially since the stage of administrative regularizations has been passed.

- Adopt the 24-hour teamwork system to advance the work, given the positive impact of the project at the national level.

*Concerning the pilot farms (diagnosis and perspectives)

- Mr. President affirmed that the results of this design did not meet the expectations of the State.

Thus, the President of the Republic ordered the development of a new in-depth vision, to be submitted within a month at the latest, which would identify a global approach capable of highlighting the new role of these farms and the legal framework that should govern them. and preserve its sustainability across all regions of the country, depending on the agricultural vocation of each region.

- The President of the Republic enjoined to transform the pilot farms into nurseries for animal and plant resources, ie a locomotive for research and development of the agricultural sector, within the framework of the process of development of the national economy.

*Concerning the draft law on forests and forest heritage

Prior to the approval of the said bill, the President of the Republic had stressed the imperative of setting and determining the objective of its revision in the context of updating and adapting the role of forests and forest heritage in the development and promotion of the national economy.

- The President of the Republic has instructed to grant more facilitations to Algerian families who work to raise the yield of the agricultural sector, through the exploitation of forest areas, and this to double the income of these families of optimally and not harmful to the forest cover or the environment.

*Concerning the reform of the National Agency for Support and Development of Entrepreneurship (ANADE)

- The President praised the coordination and synergy between the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Ministry of the Knowledge Economy, Start-ups and Micro-enterprises.

- The President of the Republic stressed that the tasks of this Agency consisted of supporting and accompanying young people in their activities that create wealth and jobs.

- Litigation and corruption cases arising from previous Issaba policies, within the framework of ANSEJ, must be dealt with at another level of competence, after the establishment of a commission responsible for settling them definitively, this measure does not fall under the prerogatives of the Ministry of Start-ups.

At the end of the meeting, the Council of Ministers approved individual decisions on appointments and termination of functions in senior positions and functions of the State".

Cirta-Siyaha 2023: 70-plus exhibitors expected, Senegal, guest of honor.(APS,15/05/2023)

ALGIERS- Up to 70 exhibitors are expected at the 5th edition of the Cirta-Siyaha 2023 International Tourism and Travel Fair, which will be held from May 14 to 16 at the Malek Haddad House of Culture in Constantine, said Monday, the president of the Local Tourist Office (OLT), Rachid Yaici, quoted by APS.

The event will be organized under the slogan “Constantine, a dream that continues” will allow, according to the same official, to exchange experiences and knowledge and the conclusion of agreements between national and foreign operators.

For this edition, Senegal will be the “guest of honor”, in accordance with Algeria’s vision to make Africa a strategic choice for economic, commercial and tourist exchanges, said Mr. Yaici. And to announce that during this fair, an international seminar entitled “Tourist attractions and their roles in tourism development” will be held.

Water: The 18th edition of the International Exhibition of Water Equipment, Technologies and Services "SIEE Pollutec 2023" from May 16 to 18 in Algiers.(APS,15/05/2023)

ALGIERS- The 18th edition of the International Exhibition of Water Equipment, Technologies, and Services “SIEE Pollutec 2023” will take place from May 16 to 18 at the Palace of Expositions (Pins maritimes) in Algiers, announced a press release from the organizers on Saturday.

“The event will bring together Algerian and international key players in the water sector in Algeria,” explained the same source, adding that the local offer is “very dynamic” this year, with 60% of Algerian companies being mainly “market leaders”.

The show will also see the participation of many international companies, representing 12 countries, namely: Turkey, France, China, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Russia, Brazil, Switzerland, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and the Netherlands.

According to the same source, it will also be a space for sharing information and the exchange of know-how through conferences on the key themes of the water market, including the desalination of seawater and the purification and reuse of wastewater.

The organizers also recalled that SIEE Pollutec attracted, in 2022, more than 7,000 professional visitors who came to meet 140 exhibiting companies.

Algeria-Nigeria: Enhanced economic cooperation, joint strategic projects.(APS,15/05/2023)

ALGIERS- Cooperation between Algeria and Nigerian has rapidly developed over the past few years, mainly through an intensive exchange of visits, the creation of bilateral mechanisms and the conclusion of agreements allowing those two major African countries, sharing the same views on regional and international issues, to enhance their economic partnership and carry out strategic projects for the African integration.

Algerian-Nigerian cooperation has experienced a sustain momentum recently, leading to the creation of a parliamentary friendship group, the signing of a bilateral agreement in 2022 on the creation of a business council for the development of projects in various fields and the conclusion of a memorandum for the execution of a Trans-Saharan highway gas pipeline project, the Trans-Saharan Highway and the Trans-Saharan fiber optic backbone connecting Algiers to Abuja.

The two countries have both a strategic and geopolitical position in Africa, in addition to natural resources contributing to the building of a strong partnership, with joint projects to enhance economic cooperation and promote trade.

The mechanism of cooperation and the major structuring projects between the two countries are combined with an intensive official activity marked by an exchange of visits by ministerial delegations, members of parliament (MPs) and business leaders. In this respect, Nigeria's Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama paid an official visit to Algeria, last November.

During the visit, the Nigerian FM welcomed the "quality" of the political and economic relations between the two countries.

National Development: Creating an Enabling Environment for Diaspora Participation.(APS,15/05/2023)

ALGIERS- Participants in the 1st national conference of "high Algerian skills established abroad" highlighted, on Saturday in Algiers, the importance of creating an environment encouraging the Algerian community established abroad to participate in the plans of overall development.

Speaking at the opening of this conference, organized by the Algerian Club of Excellence and High Skills (ACEHC), under the theme "Algerian skills established abroad: support for national development", the Director General of National Skills Abroad, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Mohamed Saoudi underlined the attachment of the country's high authorities to capturing the skills of the diaspora, being "an inexhaustible wealth for the transfer of science, experience and knowledge in the country".

In the same context, Mr. Saoudi announced "an ongoing cooperation project which will translate on the ground the participation of Algerian skills established abroad, according to the specialty of each category", noting that this approach will allow civil society "to take its rightful place in collaborating with official efforts".

For his part, the president of the National Observatory of Civil Society (ONSC), Mr. Noureddine Benbraham, pleaded for an approach by projects based on the determination of the challenges and the added value for the country.

The representatives of the official bodies present at this conference symposium expressed their willingness to take advantage of the experiences of our diaspora, which has demonstrated internationally recognized competence.

Representatives of the diaspora present at this conference emphasized the importance of communication channels with the organizations concerned in order to benefit from their experiences and gradually domicile their expertise, according to Professor Salah Eddine Noubli.

Mohamed Ibrir, an engineering expert residing in Turkey, underlined the disposition of these skills to "transfer new technologies, through the unification of ranks and the concretization of a collaboration favoring the exchange of experiences in the field".

Professor Hamid Menouar, resident in Qatar, meanwhile indicated that "Algeria can capture large-scale projects thanks to its enormous potential".

Algerian skills abroad presented their skills during this conference through three panels related to the digital transition and artificial intelligence, energy and environmental security, as well as health, food and water security.

Mr. Nasrddine Belkacem, doctor at the University of Dubai, spoke in his speech about the future of direct neural interfaces (IND) in improving the lives of the disabled and the elderly thanks to artificial intelligence and the transformation of brain signals in orders.

Dr. Amine Bensaad (Qatar), one of the leaders of the digital component in the preparation of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, reviewed the means to meet the challenges of the digital transition in the transport and logistics sectors.

European Parliament resolution on Algeria: International condemnation of the serious slippage.(APS,15/05/2023)

ALGIERS- The European Parliament Resolution on Algeria continues to arouse international reactions condemning this body which has put itself in an unenviable position and whose image has been tarnished by a scandal which adds a dark layer to its credibility, exposing the policy of blackmail and confusion adopted with regard to certain Arab countries and its interference in their internal affairs for vile purposes.

The EP's blunder has led to an outcry of international condemnation because of its flagrant interference in the internal affairs of Algeria, a serious slippage which discredits it in front of the whole world.

The Pan-African Parliament, the Arab Parliament and many other important international parliamentary institutions have condemned the EP resolution on press freedom in Algeria, calling it slippage and shameless interference in the internal affairs of Algeria.

In a press release published on Friday, the Pan-African Parliament rejected "any interference in the internal affairs of Algeria and all African countries", recalling that "the two continental Parliaments had agreed in December 2022 in Brussels on the need to consult on issues relating to the two continents before the publication of any resolution or decision".

He also stressed that "the media in Algeria enjoy total freedom, particularly after this country has embarked on a democratic process launched more than three decades ago", adding that "the number of daily newspapers and television channels public and private is proof that there is freedom of the press in Algeria".

The Arab Parliament, for its part, strongly denounced this resolution, describing it as "flagrant and unacceptable interference in the internal affairs of Algeria and an inadmissible blunder that the European Parliament continues to commit by continuing to publish press releases similar on human rights in Arab countries".

He expressed his rejection of this resolution which he described as "false and unfounded false allegations which are not supported by any objective evidence".

The unacceptable and arrogant terms and tone used in this document constitute "a flagrant violation of the principles of the United Nations and international practices which enshrine the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of States", he said.

==Rejection of guardianship and dictates==

In response to the European Parliament's Resolution, the Arab Parliament called on the latter to immediately stop setting itself up as a guardian of Arab States and not to politicize human rights issues by using them as a pretext to interfere in the internal affairs of the Algerian Republic, especially since there are constitutional and judicial institutions which are able to ensure and apply all the guarantees necessary for freedom of opinion and the protection of the rights of man in Algerian society.

The Pan-Arab Parliamentary Institution further called on Algeria and other Arab countries to disregard such suspicious statements from a party that is not mandated to assess the human rights situation in the countries. Arabs.

The European Parliament has suffered another harsh condemnation from the Parliamentary Union of Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (PUIC), whose Secretary General, Mouhamed Khouraichi Niass, strongly condemned, in a statement on Friday, the resolution of the European institution on Algeria, calling on it again to "respect the sovereignty of Algeria and of all the countries of the PUIC".

The Arab Interparliamentary Union (UIPA) has also expressed its indignation and its rejection of the European Parliament's resolution on freedom of expression and of the press in Algeria and the misleading information it contains and which aims to undermine the achievements of Algeria in regional and international fora, warning against the consequences of this political blackmail and these attempts to alter the facts.

The UIPA presidency condemned, in a statement, "the flawed policy of the European Parliament towards Arab countries, which reject tutelage and diktats of flagrant interference in their internal affairs, in particular its latest resolution on freedom of the press and of expression in Algeria".

The Arab parliamentary institution called in its press release on the European Parliament to "return to the path of reason and credibility" and "not to be carried away by some of its members, who have sold their conscience for personal interests ", noting that Algeria "has taken important steps in terms of establishing the rule of law and justice and the separation of powers".

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune chairs ceremony to celebrate World Press Freedom Day.(APS,03/05/2023)

ALGIERS-The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune chaired Wednesday at the International Conference Center (CIC) Abdelatif Rahal (Algiers) the ceremony to celebrate the World Press Freedom Day (May 3).

Senior State officials, Government members, national press representatives, and international reporters accredited in Algeria attended the ceremony.

On this occasion, the Communication Minister, Mohamed Bouslimani delivered a speech in which he welcomed the ongoing reforms affecting his sector and State’s efforts to develop it.

The Minister also reaffirmed Algeria’s support for the struggles led by free journalists and all freedom-loving people worldwide.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf receives Saudi Shura Council speaker.(MFA,04/05/2023)

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf, received today the speaker of Saudi Shura Council, Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh, currently on a working visit to Algeria.

During the meeting, the two sides tackled Algerian-Saudi relations and the prospects for boosting them, as part of the preparation for the next bilateral meetings and the efforts to ensure a legal and institutional framework for the bilateral cooperation in various areas.

The two sides stressed the role of parliamentary diplomacy, an important driver to enhance ties between the two sister countries and the two brother peoples.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf receives the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Zimbabwe.(MFA,04/05/2023)

ALGIERS- The Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf received, on Wednesday, the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Mr. Jacob Mudenda who is on a working visit to Algeria, says a press release from the Ministry.

The two sides reviewed the relations between the two countries and "the common historical legacy marked by militancy against the colonizer, solidarity and mutual support".

They welcomed "these relations which have a special character, reflected in a total convergence of the views of the two countries with regard to the various challenges that arise at the continental and international levels", added the press release.

Regarding the relaunch of integrated projects at the continental level, MM. Attaf and Mudenda discussed the ways and prospects for strengthening economic cooperation between Algeria and Zimbabwe, through the intensification of efforts and the contribution of all actors, in particular the legislative Institutions of the two countries, concludes the same source.

Algeria-Italy: Examination of means of cooperation in the field of public works.(APS,04/05/2023)

ALGIERS - The Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructures, Mr. Lakhdar Rakhroukh, received the Ambassador of Italy in Algiers, Mr. Giovani Pugliese with whom he discussed the areas of cooperation and partnership between the two countries, says a statement from the Ministry.

During the meeting held on Tuesday at the ministry's headquarters, the two parties discussed "the relations between Algeria and Italy and the areas of cooperation and partnership between the two countries in the field of public works and basis," the statement added.

The two sides reviewed "several issues of common interest, as well as partnership opportunities and ways to strengthen and develop cooperative ties", stressing "the importance of continuing efforts to promote bilateral relations uniting the two countries.

The two officials discussed several important projects in progress, as well as the participation of Italian companies in the realization of the new programs that the sector intends to launch, according to the same source.

Consumption: The winners of the 2023 edition of the "Elected product of the year Algeria" competition rewarded.(APS,04/05/2023)

ALGIERS - The winners of the 3rd edition of the competition for the best product "Elected product of the year" and of the audit "Elected best customer service of the year", for the 2023 financial year, were rewarded during a ceremony held in Algiers.

During this ceremony held on Tuesday evening, the winners of this annual competition were rewarded "for having distinguished themselves in terms of innovation, quality and consumer satisfaction", specify the organizers.

The products that entered this competition in different categories, such as food, beauty, health, hygiene and home, were decided after eight weeks of testing and evaluation by a sample representative of the Algerian population of more than 3,000 people and 150 households, they explained.

Concerning the awarding of the label for the best customer service of the year, the customer services of operators in the field of services (telecoms, banks, insurance, etc.) were audited on several criteria: quality of reception, responsiveness to messages and calls, cleanliness of agencies, queue management system, according to the organizers.

The winning brands will be able to use the label "Chosen product of the year-Algeria 2023" on their packaging and in their communication to enhance their distinction, they further indicated, adding that the objective being to distinguish innovative products and more recommended by Algerian consumers.

Batimatec Show 2023: 900 exhibitors at 25th edition .(APS,04/05/2023)

ALGIERS-Nine hundred (900) Algerian and international exhibitors will take part in the 25th edition of the International Building Materials and Public Works Show (Batimatec 2023) scheduled for 7-11 May at the Exhibition Palace (Pins Maritimes) in Algiers, according to the organizers.

"The Batimatec 2023, a flagship event of the building and public works sector, will bring together this year 900 exhibitors, including 550 national exhibitors and 350 international exhibitors from twenty foreign countries," said Batimatec-Expo Company, which organizes this show in cooperation with the Algerian Fairs and Exports Company (Safex).

Placed under the aegis of the Minister of Housing, Urban Planning, and City, the show will bring together all branches of construction, building materials, and public works.

"This show is an opportunity for national and foreign professionals to showcase their expertise, their new products, and processes, and establish new business relationships.”

The program of activities, scheduled at the conference room Ali Maachi and the room of the Directorate General of Safex, will focus on various topics provided by experts in the field and hosted by a panel of experts from the Ministry of Housing, Urban Planning and City, said the release.

The conferences will address topics related to the "post-disaster management platform DIMA", "energy efficiency in the building" and "the company facing the challenge of export.

On the sidelines of these conferences, the 12th edition of the competition of young architects "The Golden Cart" is open to students and young architects, themed "The Gainfulbox, Exploring the Economic Benefits of Off-site Architecture Prefabricated in Series.”

This competition will select three finalist projects whose designers will receive trophies and medals, said the statement.

The show is open to visitors from 11:00 am to 06:00 pm.

The 2022 edition attracted 750 exhibitors including 500 national companies and 250 foreign companies from 15 countries. The show stretched over an area of approximately 22,000 m2.

International Workers' Day : Message from the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune.(APS,01/05/2023)

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent, on Monday, a message to Algerian workers, on the occasion of International Workers’ Day celebrated on May 1 of each year, of which here is the APS translation of the full text:

“In the name of Allah, Clement and Merciful,

Prayer and Peace upon His messenger,

My hardworking sisters, my hardworking brothers,

The Workers’ Day celebrated on May 1 of each year is an opportunity to express our consideration and gratitude to the workers who contribute each of their positions, all trades and functions combined, to the development of Algeria and the well- to be citizens.

Convinced that the human element is the basis of sustainable development and the source of wealth creation, since 2020 we have placed the improvement of the situation of workers at the heart of our priorities, thanks to measures taken gradually. increasing the guaranteed national minimum wage, exempting low incomes from taxes, and increasing wages and retirement pensions and allowances.

We have also ensured the professional integration of contract workers into permanent jobs and the transformation of the contracts of beneficiaries of the social integration scheme into permanent contracts, which has made it possible to confirm in a very short time, more than half a million workers in stable jobs..

To encourage entrepreneurship, we have introduced business start-up leave to enable civil servants to carry out investment projects without fear of losing their jobs, and launched a new mechanism for citizens working abroad to voluntarily join the national social security system, and therefore benefit from the right to retirement.

- And in order to reinforce this progressive approach, we are constantly striving to improve the living environment and support purchasing power based on the country’s financial balance, while ensuring that the right conditions are met through the promotion of social dialogue and supervising trade union action to preserve the rights of workers and their professional future.

- Thus, the achievements obtained in the world of work attest to our determination to preserve the dignity of the citizen, to value the efforts and to establish work as an essential value for the construction of a modern and strong economy with the hands of Algerian women. and Algerians whom we call to adhere to the process of change that the new Algeria is experiencing in this phase, and to win the bet of the knowledge economy and digital transformation..

To do this, it is a question of ensuring the optimal use of the mechanisms and systems created with the aim of encouraging initiative and the spirit of innovation, and of enshrining transparency in the management of public affairs and the principle of equal opportunities for workers and economic and social partners.

Finally, I would like to extend my congratulations to the workers, and I take this opportunity to pay tribute with them to the militancy of the workers and trade unionists who have engraved their names thanks to their national commitment and their loyalty to the fatherland.

I would also like to bow to the memory of the two martyrs Aissat Idir and Abdelhak Benhamouda and their companions among trade unionists and workers, who fell as martyrs during the Glorious War of Liberation, as well as the martyrs of national duty, who , through their bold nationalist positions, stood in the way of supporters of violent extremism and barbaric terrorism during the years of tragedy.

Glory to our martyrs,

Long live free, sovereign and haughty Algeria,

Peace, Mercy, and the Blessings of Allah be upon you.”

The Prime Minister, Mr. Aimene Benabderrahmane praises Algerian workers' professional commitment.(APS,01/05/2023)

ALGIERS-The Prime Minister, Mr. Aimene Benabderrahmane congratulated Monday the Algerian workers on the occasion of the International Workers' Day, praising their professional commitment and their adherence to the process of building the new Algeria.

"On the occasion of International Workers' Day, I would like to pay a vibrant tribute to Algerian workers, pillars of development," wrote the Prime Minister in his congratulatory message.

And to continue: "I send you my best wishes, and I salute your professional commitment and your support for the construction of the new Algeria, the foundations of which were laid by the President of the Republic".

"Despite the challenges, our objective today remains the improvement of the living environment and the purchasing power of citizens", added Mr. Benabderrahmane, stressing that "the Algeria of tomorrow requires the combination of our efforts today 'today'.

Communiqué of the Council of Ministers.(APS,30/04/2023)

ALGIERS - The President of the Republic, Supreme Head of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defence, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, chaired, on Sunday, a meeting of the Council of Ministers devoted to bills relating to several sectors, indicates a press release of the Council of Ministers, of which here is the APS translation:

"Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the Republic, Supreme Head of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defence, today chaired a meeting of the Council of Ministers devoted to bills relating to the protection and preservation of the lands of the State, to the conditions and procedures for granting economic land intended for investment, to the organization of the profession of judicial officer, in addition to a presentation on the preventive measures to deal with fires during the summer and another on the social protection of fishing professionals.

After the opening of the meeting by the President of the Republic, the reading of the agenda and the presentation, by the Prime Minister, of the Government's activity report over the past two weeks, Mr. President gave the following instructions and guidance:

*Regarding the protection and preservation of state lands:

- The bill must include a second chapter relating to the definition of the terms and conditions for the regularization of illegal constructions.

- The obligation to distinguish between reclaimed land under the protection of the State and other anarchic constructions, erected in many cases with the complicity of local authorities, and which have disfigured town planning.

- The local administrative authorities must assume the protection of the lands and land recovered from the first hours following the completion of the rehousing of their undue occupants.

- Apply coercive measures to prosecute and hold to account anyone involved in or responsible for the grabbing of state land, imposing on them the most severe penalties.

- He enjoined the promulgation of a law relating to the fight against forgery and the use of forgery in residence certificates for the undue obtaining of land or housing.

- Mr. President concluded the debate on this bill by insisting on the priority given to the restoration of the authority of the State, in complete transparency, with the protection of citizens' rights.

* Concerning the granting of economic land in the private domain of the State, intended for the realization of investment projects:

- Mr. President ordered the Government to adopt a purely economic approach in this bill in order to encourage investments, the granting of economic land should be the sole responsibility of the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency .

- All measures taken in this direction must go through the one-stop shop, the only one authorized to take charge of and facilitate all investment operations.

- The adoption of an economic vision will facilitate investment operations and provide the State with the means, far from all forms of intervention and mentalities that have mortgaged the future of the country and generations who aspire to live in an Algeria in constant evolution.

- Introduce amendments to the bill so as to allow the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency to acquire economic land within the framework of the organization of investment, in parallel with its monitoring and verification missions and distribution.

* Regarding preventive measures to deal with fires during the summer:

- The President of the Republic stressed that the success of the fight against forest fires required the establishment of an effective monitoring system which issues the alert and precisely defines the points of intervention in order to contain the fire before it spread.

- The President ordered the launching of a call for tenders for the acquisition of six (6) medium-sized water bomber planes to fight against forest fires, in reinforcement of the fleet of planes and helicopters from Algeria.

- Mr. President ordered the Government to use state-of-the-art technologies, designed locally, for monitoring forest areas during the summer season.

- He ordered the launch of a call for tenders aimed at start-ups for the modernization of tools and equipment dedicated to the monitoring of plant cover through drones, and to coordinate with the General Staff of the People's National Army to facilitate these vital operations and control this phenomenon.

Regarding the presentation on the marble industry:

- The President of the Republic has enjoined the Prime Minister to prohibit the import of ready-to-use marble and to authorize only the import of raw marble until the end of July, without this measure creates a shortage.

- Encourage start-ups to access this sector and develop it with the use of cutting-edge technologies.

- The President of the Republic has enjoined the Government to further encourage all innovation and creativity initiatives in all areas, regardless of the weight of their contribution to creating jobs and meeting the needs citizens, particularly in the sectors of industry and new technologies.

Regarding social protection for professionals in the fishing sector:

- The President of the Republic hailed the progress made in the aquaculture sector, enjoining the Minister of the sector to consolidate this achievement and expand it, while allowing fishermen on the high seas to acquire second-hand vessels of less than five years old.

- He enjoined to help professionals, by all means, to produce what the sector needs, for the sake of protecting their profession which provides jobs and generates significant wealth in the food chain of Algerians.

After presentation and approval of the bill regulating the profession of judicial officers, the Council of Ministers approved a proposal from the Minister of Religious Affairs and Wakfs, extending the duration of the holidays of Aid El-Fitr and Aid El -Adha, three (03) days off and paid instead of two (02).

General guidelines:

- As part of the continuous improvement of the standard of living of citizens, and in addition to the previous increases decided by the President for the benefit of retirees, the Council of Ministers approved the annual revaluation, as of May 1, of pensions and retirement allowances, as follows:

- 5% for the category benefiting from an allowance or a pension equal to or less than 20,000 DA.

- 4% for the category whose pension or allowance is greater than 20,000 DA and equal to or less than 50,000 DA.

- 3% for the category whose pension or allowance exceeds 50,000 DA.

- The President of the Republic has firmly enjoined the Minister of Agriculture to set up an office in charge of purchasing from farmers all widely consumed agricultural crops, including fruits and vegetables, which may be stored, such as onion, garlic and potato, in order to ensure the balance of the national market, considering that the effort of the Farmer remains a red line not to be crossed.

- Mr. President has ordered the Government to continue the fight against all forms of corruption and against corrupters and corrupt people, in particular against this small group which haggles over the most basic administrative rights of citizens, to the detriment of public service, hence the urgency to punish the authors implicated in a direct or indirect way.

- Initiate, towards the end of June and officially, the first operation of the housing bank, alongside the two Algerian banks in Nouakchott and Dakar.

At the end of the meeting, the Council of Ministers approved appointments and terminations of functions in senior positions and functions of the State".

Algeria strongly condemns cowardly terrorist attack on army detachment in Burkina Faso.(MFA,28/04/2023)

ALGIERS- Algeria strongly condemns the cowardly terrorist attack that targeted Thursday an Army's military detachment in the town of Ougarou, in the east of Burkina Faso, causing dozens of casualties among the Burkinabe Army, and expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery to the wounded.

Algeria also expressed, to the people and the government of Burkina Faso, a sister country, its full solidarity in these painful circumstances.

Algeria expresses its strong commitment to fight this scourge, in all its forms, urging the international community to join forces for a more effective fight against this terrible phenomenon that is hindering the achievement of peace and development in the Sahel and Africa.

Africa-Latin America-Caribbean relations: Algiers, Bogota play pioneering role .(APS,30/04/2023)

BOGOTA - Algeria and Colombia play a leading role in the development of relations between Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean, Algeria's Ambassador to Bogota, Ahmed Hachemi, said.

In an address entitled "Algeria-Colombia: Together for a Strategic Relationship between Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean," at a seminar on relations between Africa and Colombia, held at the Colombian Senate, Hachemi said Algeria and Bogota carry out many projects for the benefit of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

At the bilateral level, the creation of the Algerian-Colombian and the Colombian-Algerian friendship parliamentary groups in May 2002 "is a significant stage for both countries to enhance friendship ties between the two friendly peoples, and to promote bilateral and multilateral parliamentary cooperation in the respect of the principles, values and interests of the two countries."

In addition, the Algerian ambassador stressed Algeria's efforts for the development and well-being of Africa.

Hachemi said Algeria was behind and actively contributed to several continental structuring projects.

The decision of the president of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to allocate one billion dollars to the Algerian Agency for International Cooperation for Solidarity and Development, for Africa's development, is part of the same objective, he noted.

The diplomat emphasized Algeria's action in favor of peace and security in Africa to have a "continent without conflicts and get rid of the remnants of colonialism".

He added that Algeria was one of the main actors of the African Union's Fund for Peace."

Algeria to celebrate Arab Financial Inclusion Day on Thursday.(APS,01/05/2023)

ALGIERS- Algeria will celebrate, Thursday, May 4, the Arab Day of Financial Inclusion, marked by the holding of an information day on financial inclusion and climate change, organized by the Professional Association of Banks and Financial Institutions (ABEF).

Organized at the National School of Statistics and Applied Economics (University Pole of Koléa), this information day will have as its theme: "financial inclusion to strengthen efforts to fight against climate change", chosen by the Arab Monetary Fund, explains the ABEF in a press release.

This "important" event will bring together representatives of the various ministerial departments, employers' organizations, banking, insurance and finance professionals, the world of communication as well as business experts, said the same source.

Regarding the themes that will be discussed throughout the day, they will be organized in two interactive discussion panels and led by business experts each in the field that concerns them.

The first panel will address the theme of "financial inclusion and financial education", focusing in particular on the definition of climate change and financial inclusion, the role of digitization in the development of financial inclusion, as well as the protection of consumers of banking and digital services in Algeria, explains ABEF.

As for the second panel, it will be devoted to the "development of the culture of green finance", during which it is a question of discussing the means of supporting the green finance sector and green projects, the contribution of banks in the culture of green finance, as well as green bonds, the same source pointed out.

Algerian dates, organic products prized locally and internationally.(APS,01/05/2023)

ALGIERS - With an abundant production exceeding 1 million tons annually, Algerian dates occupy a prominent place locally and internationally, thanks to their superior quality, in addition to the fact that they are purely organic products free of any harmful chemical substance, experts in the field tell APS.

Rich with a capital of 20 million palm trees across the national territory, including 4 million in the wilaya of Biskra alone, ranked first in date production, Algerian dates, also produced in the wilayas of Ouled Djellal, Oued Souf , El Meghair, Ouargla, Touggourt, Ain Salah, Adrar or even Ghradaia, constitute "a very competitive product internationally", notes the president of the National Interprofessional Council for the date palm industry, Kheireddine El Mouaiz.

This requires, in the opinion of the same interlocutor, the mobilization of all investment efforts to enhance this wealth, through the extension of palm tree surfaces and the renewal of oases.

For his part, the Secretary General of the same Council, Messaoud Guemari affirms that Algerian dates, in particular "Deglet Nour de Tolga" are experiencing great enthusiasm from foreign operators because of their "distinguished nutritional characteristics linked to the quality of the soil. and the climate of the region in which they are grown", underlining, for this purpose, "the important role" that Algerian embassies and diplomatic representations must play to facilitate the mission of date exporters and the promotion of this product.

In this wake, he explained that "the production of date palm cultivation in Algeria still retains its aspect of traditional culture which provides a completely organic product, free of various harmful chemicals that can affect its quality".

An opinion widely shared by the spokesperson for the National Union of Algerian Farmers (UNAA), Djaalali El Hadj, who adds that "Algerian dates stand out at the world level through their several competitive varieties not available in other countries. , in particular Deglet Nour, in addition to the fact that these are organic products that do not undergo any chemical interference".

Also, date producers have confirmed to the APS, "the abundant production" of dates during the 2023 season, highlighting organic dates produced with natural fertilizers consisting mainly of animal waste.

On this subject, Abdelmadjid Khobzi, investor in the date palm sector in the wilaya of Biskra welcomed the support provided by the State to date exporters, revealing the effort made by investors in this sector to conclude preferential agreements with several countries importing Algerian dates.

For his part, Hadoud Salim, owner of a date production farm and a date packaging and export company in the commune of Tolga, pointed out that the malicious campaigns that targeted the national production of dates, and the false statements claiming the use of pesticides harmful to health, "have at no time affected the progress of export operations of various varieties of Algerian dates".

Pesticides comply with international standards

With regard to the pesticides used in Algeria in the treatment of dates, the researcher at the agricultural experimental station of Sidi Mehdi (Touggourt), under the Algerian National Institute for Agronomic Research (INRAA), Yakoub Arif affirmed that "this treatment takes account of all international standards".

Dr. Arif explained to APS that Algeria, as a member of the International Plant Protection Convention, relies on international standards relating to the sale, production, transport and use of pesticides for agricultural use, adding that, according to these standards, Algeria has promulgated laws relating to the registration of pesticides, attached to an information sheet for each substance with precision of the levels of toxicity and pesticide residues on the agricultural crops.

In this context, the researcher pointed out that "it was in no way possible to use any pesticide without registering it in the register of agricultural phytosanitary products and subjecting it to very specific criteria to obtain the certificate of its use. , which must be approved by the national sectoral certification commission after having fulfilled all the phytosanitary conditions applicable internationally".

Dr. Arif revealed that at the level of the agricultural experimental station of the wilaya of Touggourt and certain neighboring oases of Oued Righ, "a biodegradable and disintegrable pesticide in just 10 days is used", given, he said, that the pesticide is intended to fight the palm tree spider "boufaroua" whose activity is perceptible from the month of July.

During this period, dates are in a stage of evolution between "balah" and "bsir" (two of the five physiological stages of development of dates), where they are unsuitable for consumption, and still require, depending on the conditions climatic conditions and the variety, between 60 and 90 days to reach the stage of full maturity, he developed.

The researcher also explains that this period is theoretically "sufficient" for the dissolution of the active substance.

In this sense, he continued by affirming that the research carried out, that linked to the research projects of the agricultural experimental station or even to the supervision of students at different levels of training (graduation and post-graduation) on the subject of study of the physico-chemical components and volatile substances of dates, confirmed that "no residue of the pesticide used was found".

For his part, the researcher at the experimental station of the wilaya of Adrar, affiliated to the same institute, Dr Abdelkader Laboudi, assured that the use of pesticides "is limited to fighting against the scourge of boufaroua", caused by a tiny spider, adding that "very few" palm trees, not exceeding 5% are treated to fight against this pathology which is not present in all the oases.

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune chairs a meeting of the High Security Council.(APS,25/04/2023)

ALGIERS - The President of the Republic, Supreme Head of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defence, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune chaired, Monday in Algiers, a meeting of the High Security Council devoted to the assessment of the general situation in the country , indicates a press release from the Presidency of the Republic.

"Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the Republic, Supreme Head of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defence, today chaired a meeting of the High Security Council devoted to the assessment of the general situation in the country", reads -on in the release.

Communiqué of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad - Launch of the evacuation process of members of the national Community residing in Sudan.(APS,24/04/2023)

In application of the instructions of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and as part of the measures undertaken to assist members of the national community in Sudan, following the deplorable crisis in this brotherly country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad announces the launch today, April 24, 2023, of an evacuation operation of members of the national community established in Sudan and wishing to leave this country, and the staff of the Algerian embassy in Khartoum and stresses that all means have been mobilized to ensure the success of this operation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely monitoring the situation in Sudan through a crisis cell set up for this purpose, under the chairmanship of the Secretary General of the Ministry, and calls on Algerian nationals in that country to be vigilant and cautious and to remain in constant contact with its services via :

• The toll-free number 00213.21.504.500

• The e-mail address: cvgc.alertes@mae.dz.

Special Envoy of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf in Nouakchott (Mauritania): Strengthening cooperation and intensifying consultation.(APS,25/04/2023)

ALGIERS- The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf began on Monday, as Special Envoy of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, a working visit to Nouakchott (Mauritania ), as part of the strengthening of relations of brotherhood, cooperation and coordination between the two countries, said a press release from the Ministry.

At the start of his visit, Mr. Attaf had face-to-face bilateral talks with his Mauritanian counterpart, Mr. Mohamed Salem Ould Merzouk, subsequently extended to delegations from the two countries, in a working session that focused on bilateral relations and prospects for continuing efforts to strengthen cooperation in various vital areas and intensify consultation and coordination on developments in the situation at the regional and continental levels, the statement said.

On this occasion, the two parties welcomed "the exceptional dynamics marking Algerian-Mauritanian relations within the framework of the concretization of the orientations of the Leaders of the two countries on the occasion of the State visit to Algeria in December 2021 by the President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, and what followed as deadlines that enabled the implementation of the results of the bilateral meeting at the Summit level, in particular the 19th Session of the Great Mixed Commission held last September in Nouakchott , sanctioned by the signing of 26 Agreements and a Memorandum of Understanding covering several economic, social, cultural and scientific fields", notes the press release.

The two Ministers also discussed the level of progress in the implementation of joint projects, led by that of the road linking Tindouf to Zouerate (Mauritania), given its strategic importance, the same source specifies.

Within the framework of political coordination between the two countries, the two Ministers addressed issues of common interest at the Maghreb and Arab level, as well as the developments of the situation in the Sahelo-Saharan region and on the continental level in general, stressing in this regard "the need to strengthen the convergence of positions between the two countries in order to face the various common threats and contribute effectively to the promotion of the objectives of peace, security and development at the regional, continental and international levels", we read in the press release.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune offers wishes to Algerian people.(APS,21/04/2023)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune offered on Thursday evening his wishes to the Algerian people on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, hailing the gestures of solidarity and charity works carried out nationwide and among the national community abroad during the holy month of Ramadan.

“In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Beneficent, prayers and peace be upon His prophet, my fellow citizens, I am pleased to offer my best wishes to all of you, inside and outside the country, on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. Praise be to Allah for allowing us to fast and pray during Ramadan. May God Almighty accept our fasting, our good deeds and our prayers,” said President Tebboune in his message to the Algerian people on the eve of Eid al-Fitr.

“My brothers and sisters, it behoves us to welcome the solidarity gestures and charity works that we witnessed throughout the national territory and among the national community abroad during this holy month. These works constitute a support to the State at the service of the citizens and the handling of their concerns,” added the President of the Republic.

“I hope that the facilitations of movement decided by the State for our community abroad have contributed to the gathering of the Algerian family,” he added.

“The celebration of Eid al-Fitr shouldn’t make us forget the sufferings of our brothers in occupied Palestine and the desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the first qibla and third holiest place in Islam, in broad daylight, and the division among our brothers in Sudan, to whom we reiterate our call to the necessity of privileging the path of reason and the best interest of the country in order to preserve our Arab-Muslim nation,” he added.

Algeria condemns the terrorist attacks in the area of Sévaré in Mali.(APS,23/04/2023)

ALGIERS- Algeria strongly condemns the terrorist attacks that occurred on Saturday, April 22, 2023, in the area of the airport of Sevaré, in the region of Mopti (central Mali), which caused several victims among Malian soldiers and civilians.

Algeria presents its sincere condolences to the Government and the brotherly people of Mali, and expresses its sympathy to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.

Algeria assures the Malian people and government of its solidarity and firm support in its fight against terrorism and reiterates, once again, its call for the strengthening of efforts to eradicate this abject scourge which continues to negatively impact peace, security and development in the Continent.

Situation in Sudan: President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid sends messages to UN SG, AU President and IGAD Executive Secretary.(APS,19/04/2023)

ALGIERS-The President of the Republic, and current chairman of the Arab Summit, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune has sent messages to the United Nations (UN) Secretary General (SG), the current chairman of the African Union (AU), and the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), as part of a common and unified approach to stop the fighting in Sudan.

"As part of his careful and continuous monitoring of the dangerous developments in the Republic of Sudan, the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, current President of the Arab League at the Summit level, has sent messages today to the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, the current President of the African Union, President of the Republic of Comoros, Osmani Ghazali, and the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu," said the statement.

"The initiative of the President of the Republic comes in the context of the accelerated deterioration of the situation in Sudan, against the background of continuing armed clashes between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces, causing heavy human and material losses, which requires international action to stop the bloodshed and return to the peace process for the settlement of the deep Sudanese crisis," said the same source.

The President of the Republic stressed in his three messages that "the dangerous and regrettable developments in the Republic of Sudan, a brotherly country, with its internal complications and external repercussions, now pose a common challenge that requires the combined efforts of all regional and international actors," the Presidency statement continued.

According to the same source, President Tebboune called for "joint and urgent action to avoid further escalation and put an end to the fighting between the Sudanese brothers, by urging them to prevail wisdom and give priority to dialogue in resolving their differences, while avoiding the Sudanese people the risks of engaging in the spiral of deadly violence that constitutes a danger to both social peace and the process of political settlement in Sudan.”

Hailing the individual steps taken by these organizations, the President of the Republic affirmed that "it is still possible to enhance them and to fructify the expected gains through collective efforts aimed at urging, with one voice, the brothers in Sudan to stop all confrontations immediately, and the need to make the supreme interest of the country prevail and to prevent bloodshed.”

On the same occasion, the current chairman of the Arab Summit highlighted "Algeria's readiness to intensify its efforts in cooperation and collaboration with regional and international partners to effectively contribute to the efforts and steps to stop the clashes between the Sudanese brothers and urge them to quickly return to the peace process for a final and lasting settlement of the Sudanese crisis.”

In this regard, the President of the Republic called for "thinking about a common and unified approach between the four organizations (UN, AU, Arab League and IGAD) to help the Republic of Sudan to overcome the current crisis.”

"Pooling the efforts of international and regional actors, collectively and urgently, aims to work for a ceasefire, to calm the situation and establish a new era that meets the ambitions and aspirations of the Sudanese people brother to a dignified life in peace, harmony, and stability," said the same source.

Mali crisis settlement: UN commends Algeria's key role, President Tebboune's laudable efforts.(APS,14/04/2023)

NEW YORK (United Nations)- UN Security Council members, at a meeting Wednesday in New York, unanimously commended the role of Algeria, which is spearheading the international mediation efforts, and its continued commitment alongside the Malians on the path of stability recovery in Mali, mainly through the different consultations held in Algiers and Bamako.

The members of the Security Council also paid tribute to the tireless efforts of the international mediation, aimed at preserving intact the commitments of the signatory parties of the Agreement of Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, the outcome of Algiers process, as part of the Monitoring Committee of Algiers Agreement, under the chairmanship of Algeria, to reconcile views for a full implementation of the agreement.

In this regard, the Security Council members urged the Malian parties to fully implement the Algiers Agreement, the cornerstone for sustainable peace and stability in Mali, whose implementation is more important today than ever, especially in terms of transition.

In a report presented to the United Nations Security Council, at the same meeting, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres commended the personal involvement of the president of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who "received in Algiers a Malian delegation, at a ministerial level, and representatives of the signatory movements of the Peace Agreement."

Taking part in the meeting, Mali's permanent representative joined the members of the Security Council to extend the thanks of the Malian authorities to the international mediation, especially the mediation leader, namely "the sister Republic of Algeria." The Malian representative reiterated his country's willingness to work with the international mediation to restore peace and stability in Mali.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Amar Belani and the Kuwaiti Ambassador in Algiers examine the strengthening of political consultations and the promotion of bilateral cooperation.(APS,14/04/2023)

ALGIERS- The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Amar Belani received on Thursday the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait in Algeria, Mr. Mohamed Marzouk Salimane Motlaq Ech-Choubou, with which he discussed ways and means of strengthening political consultations and promoting bilateral cooperation in various fields, said a statement from the Ministry.

During this meeting, the two parties highlighted the privileged fraternal relations uniting the two brotherly countries, relations that have always been marked by mixed cooperation and mutual respect.

They welcomed, at the same time, the positive momentum instilled in bilateral relations thanks to the visit of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune to Kuwait on February 22 and 23, 2022, particularly in terms of consolidating the coordination and political consultation between the two countries and the promotion of Algerian-Kuwaiti cooperation in the areas of economy, trade and investment.

In this regard, continues the same source, Mr. Belani and the Kuwaiti diplomat stressed "the importance of intensifying efforts to guarantee the full realization of the results of this visit, particularly with regard to the immediate activation of the bilateral cooperation mechanisms decided by the two parties on this occasion and at the head of which the joint commission on political, security and economic issues".

The two parties agreed, within the same framework, to hold a session of political consultations at the level of the Secretaries General of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries.

In terms of bilateral cooperation, the two parties highlighted "the need to work together to define ways and frameworks to explore and take advantage of all the promising opportunities of the Algerian market", particularly in the light of legislative guarantees, tax incentives and administrative facilitations provided for by the new investment law.

In this context, the Kuwaiti Ambassador stressed the deep attachment to the implementation of the instructions given by Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to the Kuwaiti Sovereign Fund (KIA) at the end of the visit of Mr. President of the Republic to the State of Kuwait, a sister country, in order to contribute to the realization of large-scale projects in Algeria.

In addition, the talks between the two parties made it possible to "exchange views on regional and international issues of common interest".

The two parties welcomed, in this respect, the convergence of views between the two countries on a number of fundamental Arab issues, at the top of which the Palestinian question, the situation in Libya and Yemen, and the question of Syria's return to the Arab League.

Regarding the Palestinian issue, the SG of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the serious Zionist violations against the Al-Aqsa Mosque and all Islamic and Christian holy places in the city of El-Quds.

Emphasizing "the importance of unifying Palestinian ranks to confront the occupation and defeat its plans to stir up discord and stir up differences among Palestinians to serve its colonial and racist project in the occupied Palestinian territories", Mr. Belani reiterated Algeria's "attachment to continuing its efforts aimed at the reunification of Palestinian forces and factions, and to enabling Palestine to obtain full membership in the United Nations, in application of the resolutions of the Arab Summit held in Algiers on November 1 and 2, 2022".

The wisdom of Algerian diplomacy and the correctness of its approach to the imperative return of Syria to the Arab League hailed

Referring to Syria's return to the Arab League, the two parties welcomed the positive dynamic in relations between Syria and its Arab brother countries, a dynamic that will soon be sanctioned by Syria's return to its seat in the Arab League.

The Kuwaiti diplomat praised, in this context, the "wisdom of Algerian diplomacy and its enlightened vision concerning this file", affirming that time had proven "the correctness of the Algerian approach calling for a return of Syria to the League Arab", thus promoting the settlement of the political crisis in this country and preventing the risk of secession.

The talks between the two sides further focused on positive developments in the region, including the unwinding of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and expected outcomes in terms of consolidating regional security and mitigating and hotbeds of crisis and conflict in several countries in the region, the statement concluded.

Algeria-Türkiye: Trade increased by 30% in 2022.(APS,14/04/2023)

ALGIERS- The Ambassador of Turkey in Algeria, Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas, underlined in Algiers the excellence of Algerian-Turkish relations on the political and economic levels, which is reflected in particular by a clear evolution of the volumes of commercial exchanges which grew by 30% in 2022.

"Political and economic relations between the two countries are progressing excellently, in particular with the visit of the President of the Algerian Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune to Turkey. Our trade has increased by 30% in one year to reach 5.3 billion dollars, despite a period of stagnation in global trade," Goktas said.

The diplomat was speaking on Wednesday evening during a meeting with Turkish businessmen and economic operators operating in Algeria at the initiative of the World Council for Turkish Affairs (DTIK Algeria), in partnership with the Turkish Embassy, and in which took part the Ministers of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Lakhdar Rekhroukh, and of Health, Abdelhak Saihi.

Noting that the objective set by the two countries to reach 10 billion dollars, both for trade and for Turkish investments in Algeria, is achievable in the long term, Ms. Goktas welcomed the constantly growing number of Turkish companies in Algeria and which are today some 1,550 entities activating in various sectors.

"Today, I would like to affirm that we are the foreign country with the largest number of companies present in Algeria. The amount of our investments in Algeria exceeds 5 billion dollars and the employment capacity exceeds 30,000 employees" , did she say.

In addition to the BTPH and industry, the ambassador expressed the Turkish side's interest in investing "in the short and medium terms in the energy and agriculture sectors, to which the Algerian State attaches special importance".

For his part, Okay Tosyali, representative of the DTIK in Algeria, noted the deep and historical ties of friendship between Algeria and Turkey, welcoming Algeria's outpouring of solidarity towards Turkey following the earthquake which hit the country in early February.

As for the President of the Algerian-Turkish Business Council, on the Algerian side, Maamar Djalel Serandi, he affirmed that the new law on investment is able to open the way to "new partnerships and structuring and solid projects between operators Algerians and Turks" in various fields.

Algeria has great capabilities to produce drones.(APS,14/04/2023)

ALGIERS- The Minister of Economy, Knowledge, Start-ups and Micro-enterprises, Yacine El Mahdi Oualid, said Thursday in Algiers that Algeria has great capacities to develop models of drones, used in several areas such as agriculture and the fight against natural disasters, which allows it to move from research to production and marketing.

Mr. Oualid indicated at the opening of a study day on drones, placed under the theme "Drones: applications and perspectives", in the presence of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kamel Baddari, senior executives from the Ministries of National Defence, Post and Telecommunications, Agriculture and Rural Development, in addition to several heads of public companies, that Algeria has "great capacities" to produce drones , adding that many young innovators and start-ups have succeeded in "designing drone prototypes".

The Minister pointed out that these machines "have a promising future in different areas of life, such as agriculture, natural disaster control, mining, defense, etc., which requires "more efforts and strong government interest in moving from research and development to production and commercialization".

Mr. Oualid also specified that the objective of this study day is to discover these skills to help them realize their projects financially or by accompanying them to learn about the regulations in this sector, recalling that many regulatory texts concerning the field of drones have been released in recent years.

For his part, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research has indicated that his sector will begin in the coming weeks the development of specifications for the creation of a higher school of independent systems to which the drones.

Mr. Bidari welcomed the "promising innovations" developed by students and researchers in the field, saying that his ministerial department and the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Startups and Micro-enterprises will work to create of "mixed economic companies between the research centers activating in the field of independent systems and the centers financing these companies with a view to developing and marketing these manufactured models".

The organization of this event takes place "in the context of the dynamics of technological change in the use of drones and their applications, knowing that they cover several areas including control activities and instantaneous and precise detection and are at the reach of private individuals, administrations, businesses and governments", according to a document distributed by the Ministry of the Knowledge Economy, Startups and Micro-Enterprises to the press.

This study day, which brought together local actors specialized in the design of this type of technology, also aims to examine the prospects and projects available for start-ups and project leaders in addition to mastering this technology in the scientific fields, practical and economical.

It is also an opportunity for public and private companies as well as for economic operators to explore the means provided by these techniques in order to remedy their problems and improve their performance.

This event was marked by the presentation of presentations on some drone models developed by Algerian students and startups.

World Health Day: Algeria spares no effort to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.(APS,14/04/2023)

ALGIERS- The Minister of Health, Mr. Abdelhak Saihi indicated Thursday that Algeria was mobilizing all available means to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the field of health by 2030.

This statement was made during the opening address of the work of the World Health Day at the headquarters of the Ministry of Health under the theme "Health for all".

The ceremony took place in the presence of the Resident Coordinator of the World Health Organization (WHO), representatives of UN organizations and experts from the sector.

"This day is an opportunity to officially reaffirm Algeria's desire to mobilize all available means for the management of projects by 2030, in particular projects for the construction of specialized hospitals", underlined the Minister.

Recalling the most important stops in Algeria, since its independence, in terms of socio-economic development as well as the efforts made in the field of health through free healthcare, Mr. Saihi emphasized "the evolution of the health sector thanks to a battery of reforms that gave rise to more than 700 health structures nationwide".

He also recalled "the notable increase in the age expectancy per individual which rose from 50 years after independence to 78 years currently, in addition to the eradication of several diseases".

And to add that "these positive results have been obtained thanks to the efforts of the State which devotes the necessary financial envelopes in order to establish a quality health system".

The Minister did not omit, on the occasion of World Health Day, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of the creation of the WHO, to thank health personnel for the efforts made, particularly during the pandemic. of Covid-19 which has claimed many victims among professionals in the sector".

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune to Al-Jazeera Podcast: All Algeria's economic indicators are green.(APS,07/04/2023)

ALGIERS - The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, indicated that all the economic indicators of Algeria were green and that the national economy was in the right direction, underlining the attachment of the State to its character social, and the end of the administrative management of the economy.

In a podcast broadcast by the Qatari news channel "Al-Jazeera", President Tebboune said that "all Algeria's economic indicators are green and the national economy is in the right direction", noting that the country recorded "growth, development, hopes, and horizons, as evidenced by all international bodies".

"The real strength of peoples is not military might, but rather economic strength," he observed.

He recalled, in this context, that Algeria was the 3rd or 4th economy in Africa and has no external debt with an internal economic growth of 4.3%, adding that the per capita income in Algeria is higher by two and a half times that in some neighboring countries.

The country has a foreign exchange reserve of 64 billion dollars, a financial surplus, investments have been launched and many jobs created, he added, stressing that salaries in Algeria have been revised upwards to the third time in a row with a rate of increase of 32% for an inflation rate of 9%.

The Head of State will also recall the institution of unemployment benefit which benefits some two million unemployed.

In his analysis of the country's economic indicators, President Tebboune pointed out that the current momentum of the national economy was marked by a reduction in imports "without depriving citizens of essential needs", on the one hand, and an increase export record, on the other hand.

The other highlight in this dynamic, continues President Tebboune, is that sectors like Agriculture now contribute effectively to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Algeria having recorded an agricultural production of 34.5 billion USD at the end of 2022 or 17% of GDP, while the forecast contribution of the industrial sector to GDP is expected to increase to at least 10% by 2024-2025.

Referring to the hydrocarbons sector, President Tebboune highlighted Algeria's willingness to increase its production capacities, affirming that the increase in gas exports will not be to the detriment of the comfort of Algerian households, that it whether gas supply, or water and electricity supply.

Emphasizing that "internal gas consumption is colossal", he recalled that the household gas connection rate had reached 72% nationally.

Moreover, President Tebboune affirmed that the contribution of the private sector was among the strong points of the Algerian economy, in particular with the realization of the one-stop shop for investment and the eradication of bureaucracy.

"85% of Algerian capital is private, and the era of administrative management of the economy is over," he argued, citing as an example, the forecasts of the Algerian Economic Renewal Council (CREA). that "private investment will exceed USD 30 billion by the end of 2027".

More than 1,300 investors are waiting for authorization to start work, which will help create 55,000 jobs in just 18 months, he added.

On prices, President Tebboune considered that no country supports prices as Algeria does, which is a social state par excellence.

Within the framework of the economic dynamics initiated in recent years, Algeria is working to consolidate its presence in Africa, in particular through four "real" African integration projects, continues the President of the Republic.

These are, he said, the fiber optic link project with Niger and Nigeria, the Nigeria-Europe gas pipeline passing through Niger and Algeria, prospecting for gas in Niger, as well as the railway line that will link Algiers to Bamako and Niamey.

Regarding the supply of gas to Europe, President Tebboune once again affirmed that Algeria remains a reliable supplier, noting that Algerian gas was cheaper compared to liquefied gas imported into Europe.

== BRICS: Algeria's membership will be first as an observer country before being a member ==

Addressing Algeria's accession to the "BRICS", President Tebboune affirmed that this is a step that will strengthen the national economy.

“Algeria will take other initiatives with stronger economies.

Banks and investments in the BRICS will strengthen Algeria economically. Even politically, as countries of the Non-Aligned Movement, we are close to this pole,” he said.

"China, Russia, South Africa and Brazil are in favor of the application for membership, and India has not opposed it", added President Tebboune.

Algeria should join during the next periodic meeting of the Group scheduled for next summer as "an observer country at first. With the improvement of the indicators, we will become a full member within the BRICS", said he let know.

== Looted funds: 22 to 23 billion USD recovered internally ==

Responding to a question on the process of recovering the looted funds, President Tebboune explained that this process had first been initiated internally, noting that "we have been able to recover so far, through court decisions, nearly 22 to 23 billion dollars".

Regarding the funds diverted abroad, the President of the Republic affirmed that the operation was continuing, citing the example of Spain which "agreed to return 3 five-star hotels to the Algerian Treasury".

With regard to regional issues and the Malian file, President Tebboune affirmed that Algeria was working to establish security in Mali.

"Nobody will prevent us from helping our Malian brothers and we will not accept any split between the north and the south of Mali", he underlined.

"The approach of Algeria and France regarding Mali is not the same and I had informed the French President of this... France sees that the solution is military, while we consider it economic and social ", he said.

Referring to Libya, the President of the Republic recalled that Algeria respected the Libyan sovereign decision, emphasizing that "the change of Governments is not a solution but a temporary balm".

"We are equidistant from all the parties and we will not accept manipulation since the change of government has not produced any results, and the sovereign solution lies in the elections", affirmed the Head of State.

With regard to Tunisia, President Tebboune affirmed that Algeria will never abandon Tunisia and the Tunisian people, and it will not tolerate "the collapse of the Tunisian state", wishing that the Tunisian people preserve his country.

The political tussles in Tunisia are an internal matter and are part of the democratic process, noted the President of the Republic.

Regarding Western Sahara, President Tebboune recalled that the issue is in the hands of the United Nations.

"The first and the last word belongs to the Saharawi people, alone to dispose of their fate", he argued.

As for the Palestinian question, the President of the Republic indicated that "the stability of the Middle East, indeed of the world, is based on the establishment of a genuine Palestinian state".

"We are going to help our Palestinian brothers to unify their position, and for Palestine to become a full member within the UN," he said, noting that Algeria's problem with the entity Zionism lies only in Palestinian law and that Algeria will never renounce this right whatever the circumstances.

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune presides over the ceremony presenting the credentials of five new Ambassadors.(APS,07/04/2023)

ALGIERS- The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, chaired, on Thursday, the ceremony of presentation of the credentials of five new Ambassadors as Heads of Diplomatic Missions of their countries, indicated a press release from the Presidency of the Republic.

"It is:

- His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of Peru, Mr. Jorge Eduardo Wurst Calle.

- His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Mr. Mamadou Allu Jalo.

- Her Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mrs Mariana Nicoaleva Boyadjieva.

- His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana, Mr. Yaw Sidney Bimpong.

- His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Mohammad Reza Babaie,” the statement said.

The accreditation ceremony took place in the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf and the Director of Cabinet at the Presidency of the Republic, Mr. Mohamed Nadir Larbaoui.

The new Ambassador of Peru in Algeria highlights the principles uniting the two countries

The new Ambassador of the Republic of Peru to Algeria, Mr. Jorge Eduardo Wurst Calle said Thursday that his meeting with the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune was an opportunity to discuss the principles uniting the two countries. , in particular that of non-alignment.

In a statement to the press at the end of his accreditation ceremony, the new Ambassador of Peru in Algiers indicated that his meeting with the President of the Republic was "an opportunity to discuss the principles uniting the two countries , in particular that of non-alignment", adding that President Tebboune "sent an official invitation to the President of Peru to pay a visit to Algeria".

After describing the meeting as "rich and very important", the Peruvian Ambassador said he had expressed to President Tebboune "his great desire to devote his diplomatic experience to the development of bilateral relations".

Guinea-Bissau wants to further strengthen its bilateral relations with Algeria

Guinea-Bissau wants to further strengthen its bilateral relations with Algeria, the new Ambassador of Guinea-Bissau, Mr. Mamadou Allu Jalo, declared Thursday in Algiers.

"My presence in Algeria testifies to the will of Guinea-Bissau, its President and its Government, to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries", indicated Mr. Mamadou Allu Jalo in a declaration at the end of a ceremony. presentation of credentials to the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

Affirming that the two countries have "long-standing" diplomatic relations, he recalled that "Guinea-Bissau's first currency was made in Algeria".

The new Ambassador also indicated that "Algeria and Guinea-Bissau are brotherly and friendly countries", adding that "Algeria has always helped us and will continue to do so".

"Guinea-Bissau offers many opportunities for investment and our Embassy is open to anyone who wants to go and invest there," he said.

Bulgaria expresses willingness to further consolidate cooperation relations with Algeria

The new Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria, Ms. Mariana Nicoaleva Boyadjieva, expressed Thursday in Algiers her country's desire to further consolidate cooperation relations with Algeria.

"Relations between Algeria and Bulgaria are historic and good," said Nicoaleva Boyadjieva in a statement after a ceremony presenting credentials to the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

She added that she will work, during her mandate, to further improve cooperation relations with Algeria.

Ghana's new Ambassador to Algeria pleads for strengthening of bilateral relations

The new Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana, Mr. Yaw Sidney Bimpong, pleaded Thursday in Algiers for the strengthening of bilateral relations, particularly economic, between Algeria and his country.

"I discussed with the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the strengthening of economic relations between Algeria and Ghana through the joint commission for cooperation between the two countries," said Mr. Sidney Bimpong in a statement. declaration to the press at the end of a ceremony of presentation of credentials to the President of the Republic.

He affirmed that the President of the Republic "took a great decision to better strengthen this cooperative relationship, in particular through the support of Ghanaian students wishing to continue their studies in Algeria" and "we are very grateful for this", he said. -He underlines.

World Health Day: The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune sends his wishes to professionals and workers in the sector.(APS,07/04/2023)

ALGIERS - The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, addressed, on Thursday, his wishes to the professionals and workers of the health sector in Algeria, on the occasion of the celebration of the World Health Day, underlining the commitment of the State to guarantee the right to the protection of public health and to the prevention of communicable diseases and epidemics, which commitment is constantly reinforced thanks to the efforts of the Government for the preservation and promotion of the national health care system free healthcare, says a press release from the Presidency of the Republic.

"Our country celebrates World Health Day having accomplished many achievements and achieved as many gains in the health sector, which testify to the State's commitment to guaranteeing the right to the protection of public health. and the prevention of communicable diseases and epidemics A commitment that is constantly being strengthened thanks to the Government's efforts to preserve and promote the national system of free health care, which has enabled Algeria to occupy a place advanced in the ranking of African countries leading in universal health coverage,” the statement read.

The celebration of World Health Day coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the creation of the World Health Organization (WHO), "the President of the Republic takes the opportunity to pay tribute to the professionals and to workers in the health sector in our country, to salute the efforts made by the World Health Organization in all parts of the world to help vulnerable categories and ensure the development of adapted and inclusive health systems", adds the same source.

President Tebboune, in this regard, insisted on "the importance of the cooperation maintained with this organization through, he said, the support of his Office in Algiers for the efforts of the Algerian Government, which he invited , thereby strengthening the partnership with the WHO for the implementation of the strategic cooperation framework aimed at guaranteeing health for all in Algeria".

Peace and reconciliation in Mali: The Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres salutes the personal commitment of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune.(APS,05/04/2023)

NEW YORK (United Nations) - In a report sent to the Security Council on April 4, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres, praised the personal commitment of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune in the promotion of peace and stability in the Republic of Mali.

In this context, Mr. Antonio Guterres praised the direct involvement of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in the efforts aimed at revitalizing the process of implementing the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali resulting from the process of 'Alger.

He particularly recalled that the President of the Republic had successively received in January and February last delegations representing all the Malian parties signatories to the Algiers Agreement, in this case the Government and the politico-military movements.

In the light of these developments, the SG of the United Nations welcomed Algeria's leadership, in its dual capacity as leader of international mediation and President of the Monitoring Committee of the Agreement, emphasizing highlighting his initiatives to overcome the current stalemate in the process of implementing the Agreement, which remains, according to the Head of the United Nations, the preferred instrument for promoting lasting peace and reconciliation in Mali.

It should be noted that the SG's report comes ahead of a Security Council meeting on the situation in Mali, scheduled for April 12, under the Russian Presidency.

On this occasion, and in addition to developments relating to the political transition in the country and the ongoing restructuring of MINUSMA, the interest of the fifteen members of the Council will, in all likelihood, be focused on the current difficulties in the implementation of the Algiers Agreement.

This situation is a source of deep concern for the international community, which encourages the Malian parties to continue to adhere to the spirit and dynamics of the Algiers Agreement, the ultimate objective of which remains to bring together the conditions for peace, security and prosperity in Mali.

Government meeting: Several sectors examined.(APS,06/04/2023)

ALGIERS - The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane, chaired, this Wednesday, a meeting of the Government which was devoted to the examination of draft executive decrees and the presentation of communications concerning several sectors, indicates a press release from the services of the Prime Minister, of which here is the full text:

"The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane, chaired, this Wednesday, April 5, 2023, a government meeting held at the Government Palace.

During its weekly meeting, the Government examined the following points:

In the field of Start-ups and Micro-Enterprises:

The Government examined three draft executive decrees, presented by the Minister for the Knowledge Economy, Start-ups and Micro-Enterprises, determining: (i) - the organization and operation of the National Agency for the auto-entrepreneur, (ii) - the list of activities eligible for auto-entrepreneur status and the procedures for registration in the national register of auto-entrepreneurs and (iii) - the model of the business card 'auto entrepreneur.

These draft executive decrees are part of the implementation of the provisions of Law No. 22-23 of December 18, 2022 on the status of the auto-entrepreneur.

Thus, the first draft of the Executive Decree, establishing the organization and operation of the National Auto-entrepreneur Agency, aims to create a public establishment of an administrative nature, called "National Auto-entrepreneur Agency ", placed under the supervision of the minister in charge of start-ups.

The creation of this Agency aims to contribute to the regulation of new economic activities, particularly in the digital sector and to develop the entrepreneurial spirit by facilitating young people's access to self-employment and by promoting their integration into the formal economy. . In particular, it will be responsible for setting up and managing the national register of auto-entrepreneurs through the electronic registration platform created for this purpose.

The second draft Executive Decree, fixing the list of activities eligible for the status of auto-entrepreneur and the procedures for registration in the national register of auto-entrepreneurs, aims to create, with the National Agency of the auto-entrepreneur, of the auto-entrepreneur's activities committee, responsible for managing the list of activities in order to issue an opinion and formulate proposals and recommendations concerning eligible individual activities.

Registration in the national auto-entrepreneur register takes place through an interoperable digital platform allowing the issuance of an auto-entrepreneur card bearing a unique national registration number.

Finally, the third draft Executive Decree aims to fix the model of the auto-entrepreneur card which is produced electronically in accordance with the technical standards in force.

In the area of trade and export promotion:

The Government heard a joint communication presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad and the Minister of Trade and Export Promotion on the deployment of the Algerian Fairs and Exports Company (SAFEX) abroad. 'foreign.

The SAFEX representations will have as their essential mission, in a first stage, the promotion of the national product and non-hydrocarbon exports in certain African countries.

In the field of Energy:

The Government heard a communication from the Minister of Energy and Mines on the prospects for the development of national gas production.

In this respect, a retrospective on the exploitation of natural gas in Algeria was presented, having highlighted the efforts made by the State to ensure a rhythm of production guaranteeing the security of supplies of the national market in natural gas and to maintain a level of export allowing the satisfaction of external demands.

Finally, in the field of Higher Education:

The Government heard a communication from the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research on the plans to create two (2) national higher schools.

These are the projects for the creation of the National Higher School of Nano and Nanotechnology and the National Higher School of Autonomous Systems Technology.

The main objective is to develop and modernize the technological center of Sidi Abdallah and raise it to the rank of center of excellence in terms of higher education and this, by the creation of these schools with a vocation of high qualification training of a multi-sector nature. "

Algeria condemns in strongest terms storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli occupation authority.(APS,06/04/2023)

ALGIERS-Algeria condemned in the strongest terms the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by the Israeli occupation authority and the attacks on the faithful and defenders of the mosque, said Wednesday the Presidency of the Republic in a communiqué.

"Algeria condemns in the strongest terms the storming of the Al-Aqsa mosque by the Israeli occupation authority and the attacks on the faithful and defenders of the mosque. These barbaric criminal practices constitute a clear aggression against the holy places and a flagrant violation of all international laws and rules," said the source.

"Algeria urges the international community, including the Security Council, to assume its responsibilities and to stop these criminal practices which constitute a serious escalation and a provocation for all Muslims, especially in this holy month," according to the same source.

Algeria "reaffirms its constant position in favor of the just Palestinian cause and the right of the brotherly Palestinian people to the establishment of their independent state with al-Quds as its capital. (To vanquish without peril is to triumph without glory).

Algeria recovers rare Islamic manuscript dating back to 1659.(APS,06/04/2023)

ALGIERS-The Algerian authorities have recovered a rare Islamic manuscript dating back to 1659 which was seized by colonial authorities in 1842, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad Wednesday in a statement.

The Ministry "brings to the knowledge of Algerian men and women inside and outside the country that the Algerian authorities have succeeded in recovering a rare Islamic manuscript dating back to 1659, which the colonial authorities seized in 1842, after an attack by the French army against the Emir Abdelkader in the mountains of Ouarsenis," the statement read.

The recovery of this manuscript "of high historical value and great symbolism, was made possible thanks to the combined efforts of the public authorities, on the direct guidance of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, as well as the members of our Community in France who mobilized, animated by a high sense of patriotism, to prevent the auction of this manuscript", the press release stated.

"The Algerian authorities who highly appreciate this nationalist burst which honors the members of our Community abroad, salute in them their high nationalist spirit and their attachment to the history of their country and to the heritage of their great ancestors, and recall that the recovery of this manuscript and its repatriation to the country, are part of the tireless efforts and the continuous steps that the highest authorities of the country have never ceased to deploy, with a view to recovering all the looted Algerian heritage, for the sake of preserving and safeguarding the national memory", adds the same source.

"This is a supreme objective which has a sovereign dimension and constitutes an absolute priority among the commitments of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to build a New Algeria faithful to the sacrifices of the chouhada and to the values and principles of the November message," the statement concluded.

Ramadan: President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune receives wishes from Syrian counterpart.(APS,04/04/2023)

ALGIERS-The President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune received Monday a phone call from his brother, the President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Bashar al-Assad, who offered his wishes and those of the Syrian people on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, said the Presidency of the Republic in a statement.

"The President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune received today a phone call from his brother the President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Bashar al-Assad, who offered his wishes and those of the Syrian people on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan,” said the source.

"On his behalf and behalf of the Algerian people, the President of the Republic offered him his wishes on the occasion of the holy month.”

"President Bashar al-Assad informed the President of the Republic of the situation in Syria. He warmly thanked the Algerian leaders and people for their support to Syria in the ordeal of the earthquake that hit it a few weeks ago,” said the source.

The two Presidents also exchanged their "views on the strong bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries and peoples.”

The President of the People's National Assembly, Mr. Brahim Boughali calls from Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire) to operate "a qualitative leap" to enshrine Africa's right to global governance.(APS,04/04/2023)

ALGIERS- The President of the People's National Assembly, Mr. Brahim Boughali called, Monday in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), to make "a qualitative leap" allowing the African continent to access its right to global governance and to impose its agenda, says a press release from the APN.

Speaking at the opening of the ordinary annual session of the Ivorian National Assembly, Mr. Boughali insisted on the imperative of "choosing partnerships while ensuring respect for the interests of the peoples of the African continent in order to enable them to enjoy fully of its riches.

"It is important to support the changes in the current international situation so as not to marginalize the African continent again," he said.

The countries of the continent "will be better prepared, by enshrining democracy, governance and the rule of law, by respecting the specificities of the peoples, and by associating all the living forces, in particular young people and women", he added. he argued, saying he was convinced that "parliamentary bodies will be mobilized to support this strategic approach".

As for relations between Algeria and Côte d'Ivoire, Mr. Boughali affirmed that these "are based on trust and respect", emphasizing the imperative to exploit "the capacities and strengths of countries to achieve more integration".

He welcomed the joint action of the two countries within the framework of the African Union (AU) to resolve conflicts and fight against terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking and the effects of climate change.

The President of the APN also affirmed that Algeria "welcomes the notable progress made by Côte d'Ivoire at the political and economic levels, under the leadership of President Alassane Ouattara" to whom he conveyed "greetings and the congratulations of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, for these precious achievements which serve the brotherly Ivorian people".

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf receives a phone call from his French counterpart.(APS,04/04/2023)

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed ATTAF, received today a phone call from his French counterpart, Mrs. Catherine COLONNA, who congratulated him on his appointment as head of the Algerian diplomacy.

This communication between the two Ministers was a follow-up to the telephone conversation between President Abdelmadjid TEBBOUNE and his French counterpart Emmanuel MACRON on March 24, 2023. It enabled them to examine the prospects for strengthening bilateral relations in view of the bilateral events that have been agreed upon, in particular the State visit that President Abdelmadjid TEBBOUNE will soon make to France.

Within this framework, Mr. Ahmed ATTAF and Mrs. Catherine COLONNA have proceeded to the evaluation of the progress of processing of the main files that should constitute the substance of this State visit.

To this end, the heads of diplomacy of the two countries informed each other about the designation of focal points to ensure the coordination of sectoral cooperation actions in the spirit of the "Algiers Declaration for a renewed partnership between Algeria and France".

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune Chairs meeting of Council of Ministers.(APS,03/04/2023)

ALGIERS-The President of the Republic, Supreme Chief of the Armed Forces, and Minister of National Defense, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune chaired Sunday a meeting of the Council of Ministers on a bill that includes special provisions for receiving alimony and several presentations related to the finance sector, said the Presidency of the Republic in a statement.

«Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the Republic, Supreme Chief of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defense, chaired a meeting of the Council of Ministers on a bill that includes special provisions for receiving alimony and several presentations on the finance sector, including the digitization of services of state property, taxes, and customs, as well as the opening of the capital of public banks," said the statement.

After opening the meeting and giving the floor to the Prime Minister for the presentation of the Government's activity report over the past two weeks, the President gave the following instructions, directives and guidelines:

Regarding the Justice and Solidarity sectors, with regard to measures for obtaining alimony by divorced women:

The President ordered the revision of the bill in order to enrich it further, taking into account the following guidelines:

The alimony fund for divorced women must remain under the supervision and authority of the Ministry of Justice.

The implementation of fund management provisions and measures at the local level is also the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice.

The President has ordered the revision of the solidarity allowance for the benefit of destitute families, currently estimated at 3,000 DA, within the framework of the preservation of the dignity of our fellow citizens of all categories and the protection of purchasing power.

Regarding a presentation on the terms and conditions for granting economic land in the private domains of the State intended for investment:

- The President of the Republic ordered the development of three draft Presidential Decrees governing the distribution of economic, tourist and urban land.

- The creation, organization and management of industrial zones must respond to a new vision which attracts investment, including private investment.

- Need to distinguish between economic, tourist and urban investments, managed by land agencies, in order to enshrine transparency and achieve economic efficiency.

- Preparation of a presentation by the Minister of Housing, Urban Planning and the City, before the Council of Ministers, on the prospects of the new city of Boughezoul, in order to begin its urbanization and its optimal exploitation, especially since the project has been soulless since its launch decades ago.

Regarding the digitization of Domains, Taxes and Customs:

- Mr. President affirmed that the objective of digitization is not only to modernize administrative transactions, but is a matter of national security and aims to serve the citizen, in particular through the exact definition of State property and individuals.

- The establishment, immediately and urgently, of an Algerian data bank by the Ministry of Finance, in order to facilitate the various State services, the exercise of their functions and the accomplishment of their duties to their citizens, in the most effective way.

- The President instructed the Ministers of Finance and Digitization to materialize the digitization project in the aforementioned sectors, within a maximum of 6 months, as a first phase before the global digitization.

- Resort to the achievement of this vital objective for the State to the best experts, national skills and international design offices.

Regarding the progress of the file related to the opening of the capital of public banks:

Mr. President insisted on the principle of transparency to initiate financial reform and adapt to international changes in this sector, a pillar of the national economy.

- Accelerate the process of opening the capital of public banks according to a scientific and skilfully studied method which encourages the change of the old mode of governance, currently based on administration instead of economic efficiency.

Regarding the presentation on the housing bank and the opening of Algerian banks abroad:

Mr. President insisted on the acceleration of the operation of opening Algerian banks abroad, taking care to complete all the procedures according to a new and effective approach.

- Make up for the delay in the launch of the housing bank by reducing the deadlines set for its entry into service.

At the end of the meeting, the Council of Ministers approved decrees on appointments and termination of functions in senior state positions.

OPEC+: Algeria to voluntarily cut its oil production quota by 48,000 bpd from May.(APS,03/04/2023)

ALGIERS-Algeria will implement a "voluntary" cut 48,000 barrels/day, starting next May and until the end of the current year, in coordination with some OPEC and non-OPEC countries, the Ministry of Energy and Mines said Sunday in a statement.

"Algeria will carry out a voluntary reduction of 48,000 barrels per day, from May to the end of 2023, in coordination with certain OPEC member and non-OPEC member countries in the declaration of cooperation", said the same source.

"This voluntary reduction is a preventive measure in addition to the production reduction agreed at the 33rd OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting on October 5, 2022," the statement said.

9th edition of the African Investment and Trade Forum on May 16 and 17 in Algiers.(APS,03/04/2023)

ALGIERS - The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Arab-African Center for Investment and Development (CAAID), Amine Boutalbi announced the organization, on May 16 and 17 at the Sheraton Hotel (Algiers), of the 9th edition of the African Forum on Investment and Trade, under the theme "The African Gateway to Industry, Agriculture and Trade".

In a statement to APS, on the sidelines of an "Iftar" dinner organized by CAAID in honor of members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Algeria, in the presence of investors from the public and private sectors, representatives of banks, insurance companies, as well as experts, teachers and African students, Mr. Boutalbi said that the event will bring together more than 650 economic actors of different nationalities.

The Forum will see "the signing of 30 agreements and the organization of more than 400 bilateral meetings (B to B) between Algerian and foreign companies with the aim of concluding partnerships in various fields and attracting foreign investment in Algeria, in particular within the framework of the facilities granted by the new Investment Code", he specified.

The economic meeting will also make it possible to associate the Algerian community abroad with the effort of investment, diversification of the national economy and promotion of exports, in particular towards African countries, to be in tune with the the country's economic policy which "is part of the process of promoting the economy, investment and export, by providing all the necessary means".

On the agenda of the Forum is, according to the CEO of CAAID, the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ZLECAf) in promoting investment and intra-African trade.

In addition to experts from several regional and international organizations and centers, the economic event will see the participation of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), to which Algeria joined as a member country in July 2022, recalled Mr. Boutalbi, saying that this bank "will play a leading role in promoting exports between African countries and providing guarantees to exporters for the transfer of currency".

In addition, the Iftar dinner was an opportunity to raise awareness of the national cultural heritage as well as the investment opportunities offered in Algeria and its contribution to the development effort in Africa, according to the CEO of CAAID.

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune : Algeria continues its efforts to support neighboring countries in their fight against terrorism.(APS,29/03/2023)

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, affirmed on Tuesday that Algeria is continuing its efforts in the “same spirit” to support its neighbors and African countries in their fight against terrorism and violent extremism, guided by its experience, “which has certainly been “bitter but successful.”

On the occasion of the high-level debate of the Security Council on the fight against terrorism and violent extremism through the strengthening of cooperation between the UN, regional organizations, and mechanisms, Mr. Tebboune, as the Coordinator of the African Union (AU) on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism and Violent Extremism, delivered a speech that was circulated as an official document of the Security Council to serve as a reference during the discussions.

Therefore, after recalling that “Algeria was able to confront and defeat terrorism in the 1990s in the almost total absence of the expected material or moral support from the international community,” the President of the Republic affirmed that Algeria “continues today in the same spirit its efforts to support its neighboring countries and at the continental level in their fight against terrorism and violent extremism, guided by its experience, which, although bitter, has been crowned with success.”

In this context, President Tebboune shared the initiative presented by Algeria to give a new impetus to counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel-Saharan region. The initiative was approved in October 2022 by the member states of the Joint Operational Staff Committee (CEMOC) which includes Algeria, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger.

At the continental level, Mr. Tebboune noted that, under his mandate as Coordinator of the AU on the prevention and fight against terrorism and violent extremism, Algeria continues its efforts to contribute to strengthening the common African action in the field of the fight against this scourge.

In this regard, Mr. Tebboune listed Algeria’s initiatives through the development of a new action plan for the AU in the field of counterterrorism, the activation of the African Fund for the fight against terrorism, the establishment of an African list of individuals, groups, and entities involved in terrorist acts, including foreign terrorist fighters, as well as the implementation of the African arrest warrant.

Additionally, the President of the Republic notes that “Algeria continues to support African agencies and mechanisms specialized in this field, notably the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (CAERT) and the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL), whose headquarters are located in Algeria, as well as the African Security and Intelligence Services Committee (CISSA), located in Addis Ababa.”

In this regard, noting “a decline in the international community’s interest in the growing threats posed by the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism to African states and peoples in a globally agitated and polarized context,” Mr. Tebboune pointed out that “Africa is facing a global threat that recognizes no borders and is not linked to any religion, race, or nationality.”

In this regard, he emphasized that “this threat should in no way be equated with the legitimate struggle of peoples under occupation to regain their legitimate rights, foremost among which is their inalienable and imprescriptible right to self-determination and independence enshrined by international law.”

Addressing the participants, Mr. Tebboune emphasized the terrorist threat facing Africa in recent years, pointing out that “the African continent has become, over the past decade, more affected by this scourge than any other region in the world, given the extension of its geographic scope to regions that we considered immune to the scourge of terrorism.”

He pointed out that “the growing severity of this scourge in many African regions, particularly in the Sahel-Saharan space, has become the main threat to the security and stability of African countries, hindering their efforts towards economic development and achieving the goals of the AU’s Agenda 2063.”

In this regard, while acknowledging “the great efforts made by African countries in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism,” the President of the Republic called for “effective support” from the international community.

He urged “international partners to work both bilaterally and multilaterally within the framework of the United Nations to support African efforts” against terrorism, focusing on strengthening the capacities of African states, preventing the use of international partners’ territories as bases for inciting and/or supporting terrorist activities in other countries, and redoubling efforts to avoid directly or indirectly contributing to the financing of terrorism.

Mr. Tebboune also highlighted support for joint operations mandated by the AU to combat terrorism, the need for new and improved peacekeeping operations that are better equipped to deal with evolving threats such as terrorism and organized crime, and increased investment in the economic development of the African continent.

In this context, the Head of State reiterated his commitment to inject a sum of one (01) billion US dollars into the budget of the Algerian Agency for International Cooperation for Solidarity and Development, to effectively contribute to advancing the priority of African continent development.

Reaffirming Algeria’s constant commitment to pursue its efforts to implement the continental mission entrusted to it in the field of preventing and combating terrorism and violent extremism, Mr. Tebboune expressed his ambition “to strengthen our contribution in this field and in many others” through Algeria’s candidacy for the position of non-permanent member of the Security Council for 2024-2025.

Deputies adopt bills relating to the fight against human trafficking and the use of narcotics and psychotropic substances.(APS,29/03/2023)

ALGIERS- The deputies of the People's National Assembly (APN) adopted, on Tuesday, the bill relating to the prevention and the fight against trafficking in human beings and the bill relating to the prevention and repression of the use and trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic substances.

The vote on the two bills took place in plenary session chaired by the President of the APN, Mr. Ibrahim Boughali, in the presence of the Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, Abderrachid Tabi, and the Minister of Relations with Parliament, Besma Azouar.

In his speech at the end of the adoption, the Minister of Justice affirmed that the vote of the texts of the two Laws "reflects the firm will of the APN to fight against all forms of serious criminality, and also proves the level of awareness of these criminal phenomena".

In the same vein, he noted that the vote of the Bill on the prevention of trafficking in human beings "will make it possible to strengthen the judicial system which criminalizes this dangerous phenomenon by a special text and in line with the international commitments of the Algeria, especially since it provides important provisions guaranteeing the necessary protection for the victims of this crime, which has taken on international dimensions".

Concerning the bill relating to the prevention and the fight against the trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, the Minister recalled that this amendment "intervenes 18 years after the promulgation of the law in 2004", noting that the text adopted will in particular to eliminate the problem of the classification of certain substances which have spread in society", in addition to "strengthening the provisions for the prevention of drugs and psychotropic substances, and strengthening legal assistance and cooperation through new provisions that take into account the international dimensions of this dangerous crime", concluded the Minister.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf receives a phone call from his Libyan counterpart.(APS,29/03/2023)

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf, received Tuesday a phone call from his Libyan counterpart, Najla Al-Mangoush, who congratulated him on the occasion of his appointment as head of the Algerian diplomacy.

On this occasion, the two parties discussed the fraternal relations between the two brotherly countries and peoples, and ways to strengthen them, in addition to the latest developments on the regional scene. They also exchanged views on ways to overcome the obstacles hindering the process of political settlement of the Libyan crisis.

Mr. Attaf reiterated, by the same occasion, the permanent solidarity of Algeria with Libya in every effort to strengthen its unity and to consecrate the consensus of its people regarding the organization of free and fair elections that will put an end to the division and restore Libya in its natural place on the continental and international levels.

For her part, Mrs. Najla Al-Mangoush welcomed the constant support of Algeria to the security and stability of Libya, welcoming, in this sense, the historical depth and the exceptional character of the Algerian-Libyan fraternal relations, in addition to the promising prospects of their strengthening to meet the aspirations of the two brotherly peoples.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf receives a phone call from his Sudanese counterpart.(APS,27/03/2023)

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf, received today a phone call from his brother, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Sudan, brotherly country, Ali Al-Sadiq Ali, mainly focused on the review of ways to strengthen bilateral relations and consultation on the developments of issues of common interest at regional level.

Minister Ali Al-Sadiq Ali took the opportunity to congratulate Minister Ahmed Attaf for his appointment as head of the Algerian diplomacy.

During their meeting, the two ministers expressed their satisfaction with the historical relations of brotherhood, cooperation and solidarity between the two brotherly countries, stressing their aspiration to explore together the promising prospects of bilateral cooperation in the economic fields in the best interests of both parties.

Mr. Attaf reaffirmed the permanent solidarity of Algeria with Sudan, a brotherly country, in favor of its security, stability and recovery of its rightful place in the continental organization.

Regarding political coordination, the heads of diplomacy of the two countries exchanged views on a number of Arab and regional issues of common interest, reaffirming the importance of reforming and strengthening joint Arab action for the preservation of Arab national security in all its dimensions.

Algerian Energy Company Sonatrach's: Nearly USD60 billion of exports in 2022.(APS,27/03/2023)

ALGIERS- The value of exports of Sonatrach group reached about USD60 billion in 2022, said the group on Monday in its annual report, underlining that the primary hydrocarbon production increased by 2% during the same period.

Algerian Energy Company Sonatrach's exports reached about $60 billion in 2022, a company note on last year's balance sheet said, according to which the company's investments amounted to about $5,5 billion in 2022. , while initial production reached 189,6 million tons of oil equivalent. As regards the total number of workers in Sonatrach, in the last year these amounted to 55.361 on permanent contracts. Sonatrach has also strengthened its position in the international oil and gas market, thanks to 15 discoveries recorded during 2022, including three in partnership with other Companies.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune holds phone conversation with his French counterpart.(APS,25/03/2023)

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune had, Friday afternoon, a phone conversation with the President of the French Republic, Mr. Emmanuel Macron, on a number of issues, including in particular the method with which a national holding dual Algerian-French nationality was exfiltrated by the French consular services in Tunisia, on the date of 06 February 2023.

The phone conversation has cleared up several ambiguities concerning this case that has caused dissension in bilateral relations. The two presidents agreed to strengthen the means of communication between the administrations of the two countries, in order to avoid the recurrence of such situations.

On this occasion, the President of the Republic informed his French counterpart of the forthcoming return of the Algerian ambassador to Paris.

The two presidents also discussed bilateral relations and the various ways to implement (the Algiers Declaration), signed between the two countries during President Macron's visit to Algeria last August.

The telephone conversation has, moreover, allowed to discuss ways and means to strengthen and promote cooperation between the two countries, including the state visit to be made by the President of the Republic in France, and to review regional and international issues of common interes.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf receives a phone call from his Jordanian counterpart .(APS,27/03/2023)

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf, received on Sunday a phone call from his brother the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the brotherly Kingdom of Jordan, Ayman Safadi who congratulated him on his appointment as head of the Algerian diplomacy. The two Ministers exchanged greetings on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadhan.

This phone conversation was an opportunity to review the bilateral relations and the prospects for their strengthening. The two ministers expressed their satisfaction with the progress made in the implementation of the guidelines of the leaders of the two countries, the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune and his brother King Abdullah II Ben Al-Hussein, particularly with regard to the launch of a direct airline Algiers-Amman and the activation of the economic cooperation committee in addition to strengthening exchanges between economic operators on both sides. They also agreed on the need to schedule preparatory meetings in anticipation of upcoming bilateral events.

The two Ministers also discussed several issues related to the priorities of joint Arab action including the Palestinian cause and the challenges it faces in addition to efforts to unify the Arab ranks and the restoration of the Syrian Arab Republic to its rightful place at the regional and international levels.

Sonelgaz Group’s record exports in 2022 worth €217 million.(APS,27/03/2023)

ALGIERS-Sonelgaz Group’s record exports in 2022, including electricity and advanced equipment manufactured in Algeria, hit €217 million, said Thursday the group in a communiqué.

"In accordance with the guidelines of the high authorities of the country to diversify the national economy, Sonelgaz announced that the group’s exports soared significantly in 2022 to reach hit €217 million," said the source.

According to the same source, these exports include electricity, advanced equipment manufactured in Algeria, and professional training services.

Sonelgaz "seeks to develop production to contribute to the increase in the rate of national integration and reduction of the import bill.”

Algeria aims to supply Europe with 10% of its clean hydrogen needs by 2040 in new national H2 roadmap.(APS,24/03/2023)

ALGIERS-The roadmap for the development of hydrogen aims to make Algeria a pioneer country at regional and international levels in the production and marketing of this new energy by working to provide the European market with 10% of its needs by 2040, said Thursday the Ministry of Energy and Mines.

According to data provided at a workshop organized by the ministry on the presentation of the roadmap for the development of hydrogen, "Algeria intends to produce and export between 30 and 40 billion kilowatts of hydrogen gas, liquefied and derived, and to supply the European market with nearly 10% of its needs by 2040 at very competitive selling prices.”

Algeria is able to achieve annual revenues estimated at nearly US$10 billion dollars. In this regard, Algeria aims through the adoption of this roadmap to make hydrogen a strategic sector for the strategic transition and compliance with its climate-related commitments.

According to the same source, Algeria has several competitive advantages that allow it to develop the hydrogen industry in order to create sustainable jobs and achieve additional income in non-hydrocarbon currencies.

The development of the hydrogen sector in Algeria goes through three (3) main phases starting with the start-up and training (2023-2030), then the expansion and the creation of the market (2030-2040), and finally the industrialization and the export (2040-2050).

Regarding the types of hydrogen on which Algeria is focusing, the national roadmap for the development of renewable and clean hydrogen refers to two types: blue hydrogen (produced by the conversion of methane) and green hydrogen (through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy).

International strategic partnerships covering the entire value chain of hydrogen will be sealed, according to the same source that stressed the need for "Algeria to seize the opportunities of international funding to implement these projects on the ground.”

However, the development of hydrogen will depend on several factors, including reducing the cost of production of renewable energy (solar and wind), developing the electrical grid to increase the rate of integration of renewable energy, and lowering the cost of production of electrolyzers (from US$1,000 /KW to US$400/KW), in addition to the development of storage techniques, transport, infrastructure, and competitive hydrogen markets.

This roadmap had been approved by the Government in 2022.

National Water Desalination Agency created.(APS,26/03/2023)

ALGIERS- The National Water Desalination Agency (ANDE) was created by virtue of an executive decree published in Official Gazette No. 16. The text, signed by the Prime Minister aïmene benabderrahmane, also sets the missions, organization and functioning of this agency.

The national water desalination agency “ANDE”, “is a public establishment of an industrial and commercial nature, endowed with legal personality and financial autonomy”, indicated the text, which specified that the agency was placed under the supervision of the Minister in charge of hydraulics and its headquarters are located in Algiers.

According to the executive decree, “the agency is an instrument for implementing the national policy on water desalination” and “its action aims to strengthen national water production capacities in order to ensure the water security. »

As such, added the text, “the agency’s mission is to carry out, operate and ensure the maintenance of water desalination plants and related infrastructure and equipment, by carrying out all actions and operations contributing to this effect”.

It is also responsible for conducting all studies and analyzes relating to water desalination, making the water produced at desalination stations available to organizations responsible for water distribution and contributing to the development of the national strategy for water desalination.

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune: Algeria empowered to play a role of mediation between Russia and Ukraine.(APS,23/03/2023)

ALGIERS - The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune affirmed, Wednesday, that Algeria was authorized to play a role of mediation between Russia and Ukraine.

Responding to a question during an interview given to the "Al-Jazeera" news channel on the possibility for Algeria to play a role of mediation between Russia and Ukraine, President Tebboune declared that " it is qualified to do so, being among the countries with enough credibility to mediate in many conflicts, even those that do not concern the African continent".

"We have done it many times given the weight of Algerian diplomacy. There has always been a result. Algeria never intervenes in mediation if it is not sure of the result," he said. he rocks.

Regarding the request made to Algeria by the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell to mediate in the Ukrainian crisis, President Tebboune replied: "We hope that the two parties to the conflict accept mediation. We have already made an attempt at the head of an Arab delegation chaired by the Arab League, but unfortunately it did not succeed".

Asked whether the relations that bind Algeria to Russia did not bother the United States, the Head of State declared: "We are trying to explain to them that our membership is not military and that nor is it an ideological bias. We are a neutral state and we consider ourselves friends of the United States. Non-alignment is our policy. We deal with Moscow and Washington. The biggest oil companies in Algeria are Americans and there is no problem".

Relations between Algeria and Russia are "good", he said, indicating that he will visit Moscow next May, at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In addition, President Tebboune referred to the Algerian-Chinese relations which he described as "good" relations which have continued since the pre-independence period.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune: The sahrawi question, a matter of decolonization and algeria militates for the freedom of peoples.(APS,23/03/2023)

Alger. The President of the Democratic and People’s Republic of Algeria, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, affirmed that the question of Western Sahara was a matter of pure decolonization, stressing that “Algeria, which militates for the freedom of the peoples supports the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination”.

In an interview granted to the Qatari channel “Al-Jazeera”, broadcast on Wednesday, President Tebboune affirmed that the question of Western Sahara was a matter of pure decolonization, registered at the level of the Decolonization Commission at the UN. “We have campaigned in his favor and we continue to campaign for the freedom of peoples. We support the right of the Saharawi people to the referendum and we support their choice, whatever it is”, he declared.

The opening of consulates in the occupied Saharawi territories is part of “diplomatic folklore”, he said, recalling “the large number of countries which recognize the Saharawi Republic, one of the founding members of the African Union”.

Referring to the outbidding and mystifications around the Algerian position with regard to the Sahrawi question, the Algerian president indicated that the Spanish government of Franco had proposed Western Sahara to Algeria in 1964, a proposal rejected at the time by the late President Ahmed Ben Bella.

On a possible change in the Algerian position vis-à-vis Spain in the event of a change of government in this country, President Tebboune maintained that “the words of the head of government Pedro Sanchez (concerning Western Sahara) will not be no more bets in the event of a change of Spanish government”, considering that “what he has done is unjust towards the Saharawi people and constitutes a violation of international practices and international law”.

The Algerian president wanted to reassure the Spanish people about the continuity of its natural gas supply. “The gas benefits the people and not Sanchez. There has even been an increase in supplies because we are thinking about the peoples’ future,” he explained.

For President Tebboune, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell has attempted mediation with a view to finding a solution to the crisis between Algeria and Spain.

“Nevertheless, I explained to him that it was difficult for Sanchez to reverse his decision politically,” he said before adding that Spain was expected to take “a position similar to that of Spain. EU and Borrell have been understanding of our position.”

President Tebboune believes that the Spanish government “has violated” the treaty of good neighborliness and cooperation which bound it to Algeria”, stressing that Spain remains a friendly state with a “very good” relationship with Algeria, which did not change with the Spanish institutions, the people and the royal palace”.

The Algerian president also noted that “the Spanish government pretends to ignore that it is the administering power of Western Sahara, as attested by international law and international customs”, indicating that Spain was supposed to be neutral, “but was impartial because of secret actions which do not relieve her of her responsibility”.

President Tebboune claimed that the King of Spain, government ministers and even the Spanish Parliament were unaware of Sanchez’s position, which we consider to be “individual position and difficult to manage”.

For the Algerian president, commercial exchanges with Spain have not been interrupted, even noting the existence of certain commercial contracts still in force between private individuals, even if exchanges have “significantly decreased, the Algerian operators having been assigned to the same title as the Algerian State by the Spanish attitude which was not up to the level of trust and friendship which united us”.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf and his Saudi counterpart: Continue efforts to strengthen joint Arab action.(APS,23/03/2023)

ALGIERS - The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal Ben Farhan Ben Abdallah Al Saoud reaffirmed, during a telephone communication, the importance of pursuing efforts to strengthen joint Arab action, said a Ministry statement on Thursday.

"The Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ahmed Attaf received a phone call from his brother the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, brother country, His Highness Prince Faisal Ben Farhan Ben Abdallah Al Saud who congratulated him on his appointment as head of Algerian diplomacy, wishing him every success in the accomplishment of his missions", reads the press release.

The two parties reviewed, on this occasion, the Algerian-Saudi relations marked "by a historical capital made of the most beautiful images of brotherhood, cooperation, solidarity and mutual support between the two countries and brotherly peoples", expressing their willingness to work together to ensure the proper preparation of the next bilateral meetings to serve the common objectives in the political and economic fields.

The two Ministers expressed "their satisfaction with the great convergence of the positions of the two brotherly countries around the main issues of common interest at the regional and international levels, insisting on the importance of continuing efforts to strengthen joint Arab action, especially since Saudi Arabia will be entrusted with the Presidency of the Arab Summit by Algeria during the work of the next Summit in Riyadh", adds the same source.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Amar Belani receives the Ambassador of the United States of America in Algeria.(APS,24/03/2023)

ALGIERS- The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Amar Belani, received, Thursday, the Ambassador of the United States of America in Algeria, Elizabeth Moore Aubin, indicated a press release from the Ministry.

The meeting enabled the two parties to discuss bilateral relations and the means of developing them in various fields, and to exchange their views on regional and international issues of common interest, "in particular the latest developments of the Sahrawi question in the diplomatic and judicial plans," the statement said.

The two parties also referred to the efforts made by the Personal Envoy of the Secretary General of the United Nations in Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, to "relaunch the process of political negotiations between the two parties to the conflict, the Kingdom of Morocco and the Polisario Front, in good faith and without preconditions, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions," added the same source.

"The talks between the two parties also focused on Algeria's tireless efforts to promote stability and security in the region," the statement concluded.

Algeria takes part in the 10th edition of the International Tourism Fair in Croatia.(APS,24/03/2023)

ALGIERS- Algeria takes part from March 24 to 26 in the 10th edition of the International Tourism Fair "PLACE 2 GO" in Zagreb (Croatia), to promote the tourist destination Algeria and make known its tourist and cultural potentialities, indicated Thursday a press release from the National Tourist Office (ONAT).

The first of its kind, Algeria's participation in the Croatian market aims, according to the press release, to "strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries, and to benefit from the Croatian experience in the field of tourism".

This participation is part of "the pursuit of tourism promotion at the international level by taking part in events and exhibitions dedicated to this purpose".

This fair, specifies the same source, will be "an important opportunity to make known the tourist potential of the country and the variety of handicraft products, and to program artistic activities in order to attract visitors to this event".

The presence of Algeria at this show "will allow it to benefit from several advantages to promote its tourist destination on a stand with an area of 120 M2, with the participation of dozens of exhibitors representing organizations responsible for tourism and professionals tourism and hospitality".

This stand, designed in an Algerian architectural and artistic design, presents several photos of Saharan and cultural tourism, archaeological sites, in addition to a traditional Saharan tent.

In addition to photos and videos of hotel structures, archaeological sites and museums presented in 3D, the stand will also include large and small screens on the outer sides, to display a series of films and advertising videos to publicize the Algerian tourism and its diversity.

Products from the Algerian craft industry will be on display, with a traditional tent and craftsmen's workshops, in addition to the organization of certain activities such as a musical number played by the Association "Gharnata of Andalusian music.

It should be noted that this event, considered to be "the leading international travel and tourism trade exhibition for Croatian travel enthusiasts", will see "the participation of 36 States with more than 620 exhibitors and number of professionals specialized in the subject, coming from Croatia and from different countries".

Ramadan 2023: The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune extends his wishes to the Algerian people.(APS,23/03/2023)

On Wednesday evening, the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, addressed the Algerian people in a speech to extend his wishes on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, calling on merchants to promote the spirit of “solidarity, mutual aid, and mercy.”

“To my fellow citizens, praise be to God who has blessed us to reach and live this holy month in an atmosphere of piety and fraternity among all Algerians inside the country or abroad,” he said.

In this context, President Tebboune called on honest merchants who “are the majority, especially neighborhood merchants, to promote, as usual, the spirit of solidarity, mutual aid, and mercy and to revive authentic Algerian moral values on such occasions.”

The President also affirmed that the state “has taken all measures to supply the market, in order to avoid any disruption in distribution and fight against any attempt to manipulate citizens’ food,” calling on Algerians to “avoid bad consumption habits, especially waste, in all its forms.”

President Tebboune extended his wishes to Algerians inside the country and members of the national community abroad on the occasion of the holy month, “praying to Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate, to grant us His forgiveness and accept our fasting and prayers.”

The President of the Republic grants an interview to the Qatari news channel Al Jazeera: insight into major international issues.(APS,23/03/2023)

On the current state of Algerian-Spanish relations resulting from Madrid's reversal on the Western Sahara issue, President Tebboune declared in this interview, broadcast the day before yesterday on the Qatari channel: "We consider Spain's position -à-vis Western Sahara as an individual position of the Sanchez Government”, stressing that Spain “has aligned itself in the Western Sahara file with secret attitudes that do not relieve it of its responsibilities”.

The President, however, stressed that "trade between Algeria and Spain continues and the majority is carried out by the private sector in both countries". On the crisis with Morocco, the Head of State said he "regrets that Algerian-Moroccan relations have reached this stage between two neighboring countries", stressing that relations between the two countries have reached "a point of no return" and that the Algerian position was a "reaction".

The President recalled in this regard the constant position of Algeria vis-à-vis the cause of decolonization in Western Sahara and its defense of all just causes in the world and the rights of peoples to self-determination. Referring to relations with Italy, the Head of State affirmed that they were "strategic, historical and very solid, going back to the time of the War of Liberation", noting that the energy agreement with Italy “covers electricity, gas and hydrogen, and we are working to implement it in cooperation with Europe”. Asked whether Italy was benefiting from the cooling of relations with Spain, the President of the Republic affirmed that relations with these two countries were established in a "balanced way", adding that Italy "has not not benefit from the break with Spain, insofar as relations with this country cover another aspect of treaties, which are more strategic".

In this context, President Tebboune mentioned the new gas pipeline project between Algeria and Italy, which will allow Algeria to export gas, electricity and even hydrogen in the future. He also specified that this project, previously frozen, has been relaunched, but "is facing difficulties in financing by the European Union (EU)", underlining in this regard the possibility of its financing by Algeria. and Italy within the framework of the partnership that binds them. With regard to the crisis in Ukraine, President Tebboune indicated that "Algeria is entitled to play a role of mediation in the Ukrainian crisis, Algeria being among the few countries to enjoy the necessary credibility to carry out this mission", adding that "my visit to Russia is still relevant and will take place in May at the invitation of the Russian President". Regarding Algerian-French relations, the President of the Republic indicated that “our relationship with France is fluctuating” and that “the Algerian ambassador will soon be back in Paris”. President Tebboune referred to the Palestinian cause, which he described as a "central cause" and a "quasi-internal issue in Algeria".

The Algerian President also described relations with China as excellent and deep and that Algeria considers the United States as a friendly country. Addressing relations with Arab countries, the Head of State said that relations between Algeria and Qatar are more than good, they go beyond the economic aspect and that they are now fraternal. As for Saudi Arabia, President Tebboune spoke of very strong ties, specifying that Algeria will not accept any attack on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. At the same time, the Head of State affirmed that Algeria will continue to support Tunisia while refraining from interfering in its internal affairs. Regarding membership of the BRICS, President Tebboune considered that Algeria has the assets that defend its candidacy for this group, stressing that Algeria continues to work to improve its economic indicators.

To remember :

- Spain “has aligned itself in the Western Sahara file with secretive attitudes”.

- Relations between Morocco and Algeria have reached "a point of no return" and the Algerian position was a "reaction"

- Relations with Italy are “strategic, historical and very solid”.

- "Algeria is empowered to play a mediating role in the Ukrainian crisis, Algeria being among the few countries to enjoy the necessary credibility to carry out this mission."

- Algerian-French relations "are ordinary" and "evolve in sawtooth at certain times".

- The return of our ambassador to France “cannot be ruled out”.

- "The Palestinian cause is a central cause and an almost internal issue in Algeria."

- Relations with China are excellent and deep.

- Algeria considers the United States a friendly country.

- With Qatar, relations are more than good, they go beyond the economic aspect and they are now fraternal.

- Algeria will not accept any attack on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

-Algeria has the assets that defend its candidacy for the Brics.

Algerian-French relations: A checkered evolution

The return of the Algerian ambassador to Paris “cannot be ruled out”

President Tebboune affirmed that relations between Algeria and France "are ordinary", and "evolve up and down at certain times", specifying that the return of the Algerian ambassador to Paris "is not to exclude”. “Relations with France are ordinary, and often evolve in sawtooth, in view of a painful past of 132 years of colonization”, specified the President of the Republic. The colonial period was marked by "very tragic events", recalled President Tebboune, emphasizing that the Algerian people "are attached to their memory and their history, which they are not ready to renounce, through their concern for keep in mind all the stages through which he has passed”. In response to a question on a possible return of the Algerian ambassador to Paris to resume his duties, the President of the Republic indicated that this return "cannot be excluded", given the strong Algerian community established in France and the need to "ensure consular missions" to take care of his concerns.

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune: The majority of member countries in favor of Algeria joining the BRICS.(APS,23/03/2023)

ALGIERS- The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, said on Wednesday that Algeria's request for membership of the BRICS should be decided next summer during the meeting of the Group, stressing that the majority of member countries were in favor of Algeria's membership.

Asked during an interview with the Qatari news channel "Al Jazeera" about Algeria's membership of the BRICS, particularly given its important place as the largest Arab and African country, the leading gas exporter in Africa, the fourth largest economy in Africa and free of external debts, President Tebboune clarified that these were "factors enabling Algeria to join the BRICS".

He remarked, however, that "a lot of work remains to be done this year to increase GDP and the rate of contribution of the industrial sector to GDP, as well as several economic indicators that we need to reform further to enter the BRICS with our heads held high". , supported President Tebboune.

On the forecasts of the approval of Algeria's request, the Head of State affirmed that the countries of the Group such as "China and Russia have shown themselves favorable in the same way as South Africa, and Brazil headed by President Lula da Silva".

"This means that the door is wide open", rejoiced President Tebboune who added: "I believe that the decision to join will be taken during the next meeting of the Group scheduled for this summer".

South Africa holds the periodic chairmanship of the BRICS during this year. The Group's Summit is scheduled to take place next summer in South Africa.

Government meeting: Agriculture and Public Works on the agenda.(APS,23/03/2023)

ALGIERS - The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane, chaired, Wednesday, a meeting of the Government, devoted to the examination of files related to the sectors of Agriculture and Public Works, indicates a press release from the Services of the Prime Minister, including here is the full text:

"The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane, chaired, this Wednesday, March 22, 2023, a government meeting held at the Government Palace.

During its weekly meeting, the Government examined the following points:

In the field of Agriculture:

The Government has examined a draft Executive Decree, presented by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, on the downgrading of a plot of agricultural land intended for the construction of rental-purchase housing with accompanying public facilities at the level of the commune of Oued Chaaba in the Wilaya of Batna.

In addition, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development presented a communication on the diagnosis and perspective for the development of pilot farms.

As such, the productive potential of these pilot farms, the model of their organization as well as the results achieved in relation to the objectives assigned to them were reviewed.

Particular interest was given to the aspects relating to the evaluation of the revival of investment within the framework of the partnership, in particular with companies and public establishments in the agricultural sector with the definition of clear and measurable objectives and setting timelines for implementation.

Emphasis was also placed on the need to guide the activity of these farms in a perspective that tends to gradually set up reference farms that contribute in a tangible way to strengthening the bases of national food security.

The new approach adopted consists of putting the pilot farms on the path of innovation and performance, allowing them to play a more significant role in the realization of the production plans of the agricultural sector. These objectives are broken down into a precise roadmap.

In the field of Public Works:

The Government heard a presentation from the Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure on the problems of the silting up of ports and the silting up of dams on a national scale.

In this context, the presentation unveiled the program in progress which concerns the dredging of eleven (11) ports and fishing shelters and a commercial port as well as de-sludge operations which currently affect eleven (11) dams .

At the end of this communication, it was decided to put in place an intervention plan according to a precise timetable including the study operations to be registered as well as the mode of action to be followed and which would take into account the nature of the these basic infrastructures.

Also, it was examined the need to promote the national tool, activating in this field, to allow an optimization of the socio-economic profitability of structuring public investments in the port and hydraulic fields.

The option chosen consists in including this whole process within the framework of a global approach that also includes the rehabilitation and restoration of port and hydraulic infrastructures".

Message from President of the Republic on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of Victory Day.(APS,19/03/2023)

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has sent a message on the occasion of the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Victory Day, according to a statement by the Presidency of the Republic.

Below is the full text of the message:

“In the name of Allah the most Gracious, the most Merciful and Peace and Blessings be upon His messengers

Dear citizens,

Tomorrow we celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of a historic national day, immortalized by the sacrifices of the Algerian people and the righteous martyrs as a symbol of victory and breaking free from the dominance of the hideous colonialism. The cease fire, declared following the Evian accords was a victory and ushered in the defeat of the oppression of the aggressors on our pure land who were motivated by the illusion to obliterate our identity and our civilization, culture and heritage but they failed in front of the will of a brave people determined to remain free and authentic.

This historical moment in the victorious path of the nation, had a great echo in the world thanks to the glorious revolution, and the great sacrifices that had never stopped since the French colonizer set a foot on our homeland through heroic popular resistance movements which remain enshrined in the memory and history to inspire – today and tomorrow – the new generations of the loyalty to the martyrs as well as enthusiasm and the will to build and grow.

The omens of victory shone in the skies of Algeria on that day. The Algerian people drew strength and determination to confront the effects of widespread and horrific destruction that evidence the heinous colonizer’s crimes which remain unforgettable and are imprescriptible. Therefore, a fair and impartial treatment of the memory and history file in an atmosphere of frankness and trust is inevitable, and in this regard, I reiterate that this issue will remain at the core of our concerns and we will continue our relentless efforts to emphasize the right of our country to recover the archives and shed light on the fate of the missing during the glorious revolution, in addition to compensating the victims of nuclear tests and other issues related to this file… in order to preserve the trust of the righteous martyrs.

Dear citizens,

The celebration on this renewed historic event and other national days, remind us of the sacrifices of the champions and braves who defended the country, in the mountains, bushes and valleys. Since the Algerians are linked to those brave and righteous martyrs and to the great historic heritage of Algeria, they managed to built a solid basis on which lies the National Independent State, which remained steadfast and achieved victory over all the difficult situations and hurdles, and which is aware today of the deep transformations at the regional and international level and is heading in all security towards creating the conditions to preserve Algeria’s position in a global context, marked by fluctuations and turmoil.

As we live with the world in these complex special circumstances, with decisive regional and international changes, we affirm that our aspiration to building a growing Algeria requires reconsideration of the value of effort and work, and the determination to strengthen our national unity in all its aspects and dimensions and to unify our ranks efforts, deepen a sense of patriotic duty, and assume responsibilities in the fullest manner, in various sectors, and in all positions, towards the nation and the homeland.

Finally, we pay tribute, on this Victory Day, to the souls of the righteous martyrs, renewing the loyalty to their sacrifices and we salute their comrades, the Mujahideen, may Allah prolong their lives.

Glory and eternity to our martyrs

Long live Algeria

Peace be upon you “.

58th Council of Arab Health Ministers: Algeria’s proposals to create health development agency, HIV research centre adopted.(APS,15/03/2023)

ALGIERS- The 58th Council of Arab Health Ministers adopted Algeria’s proposals on the creation of an Arab Agency for health development and an Arab Centre for cooperation and research on HIV, Minister of Health Abdelhak Saihi said Tuesday in Algiers.

In a statement to the press following the works of the second and last day of the 58th Council of Arab Health Ministers, hosted and chaired by Algeria under the slogan “Strengthening health security to improve population’s health and prepare for the next pandemics,” Saihi said that the session “adopted the constructive proposals submitted by Algeria and related to the creation of an Arab agency for health development and an Arab Centre for cooperation and research on HIV, whose headquarters will be in Algeria.”

In this regard, he underlined that the Arab centre for cooperation and research on HIV “will be a centre of reference for the Arab world,” adding that this session “has also adopted new mechanisms aimed to improve the citizens’ health in the Arab countries.”

For her part, Assistant Secretary General of the Arab League and head of Social Affairs Sector Haifa Abu Ghazaleh said the this session’s works were successful, welcoming the “good” organization by Algeria of these works, which allowed, shed said, exchanging views and opinion son several issues related to health in the Arab world.

She also said that the session has adopted 25 clauses proposed by different Arab countries.

2nd Conference on Environmental Justice in Mediterranean: Algeria attaches great importance to environmental challenges.(APS,15/03/2023)

ALGIERS- The Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, Abderrachid Tabi affirmed on Tuesday that Algeria attaches great importance to environmental challenges, as evidenced by the general national legislations and policies drawn up from the 2020 Constitution.

In a speech at the opening of the work of the second Conference on Environmental Justice in the Mediterranean, organized by the Ministry of Justice in collaboration with those responsible for the "Euro-Mediterranean-Justice V" program and the "European Cooperation Agency in Criminal Justice (Eurojust)", Mr. Tabi affirmed that Algeria "has worked and continues to work to establish a judicial system for the protection of the environment, based on the most important principles enshrined in the international conventions adopted".

After emphasizing that the Algiers Conference takes place in a global context marked by climatic crises and environmental risks, the Minister affirmed that "Algeria is aware of the scale of the environmental challenges and therefore grants great importance to this component in its legislation and general policies", citing what is stipulated in the preamble of the 2020 Constitution.

Recalling the legal arsenal put in place for the protection of the environment, the Minister emphasized the law relating to the protection of the environment in the context of sustainable development, being the appropriate framework in this area, in addition the provisions of the new law on investment which requires the investor to comply with the legislation and standards in force, in particular those relating to the protection of the environment.

On the penal level, Mr. Tabi indicated that the Algerian legislation provided for "mechanisms aimed at repressing the various acts harmful to the environment, by granting importance to the means of control of the sources of pollution, the preservation of the resources natural resources and the protection of available resources".

For example, the Law on Patents for Invention prohibits "the obtaining of patents for inventions whose exploitation on Algerian territory would harm the health and life of people and animals or the preservation of plants or would seriously harm the protection of the environment".

Regarding the role of civil society, "the law on the protection of the environment gives approved associations the right to file a complaint with the competent authorities for any damage to the environment", added the Minister.

In the same vein, Mr. Tabi stressed the importance of international cooperation in the fight against environmental crime, because these threats, he said, "know no borders".

The Director of the European Agency for Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters "Eurojust", Ladislav Hamran, also pleaded for the strengthening of environmental cooperation in the Mediterranean area, considering that the Algiers conference "allows to examine the case from several angles based on mutual trust and full respect for the different legal systems and cultures in the region".

This two-day conference aims to encourage Mediterranean countries to adapt their legislative framework to the specific international framework for dealing with environmental issues such as climate change, pollution and threats to biodiversity.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community abroad, Mr. Amar Belani receives the President of the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation.(APS,15/03/2023)

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community abroad, Mr. Amar Belani received Tuesday the President of the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation, Ladislav Hamran.

This meeting comes within the framework of the discussions held Monday by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune with the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Mr. Josep Borrell.

After recalling the commitments of the President of the Republic relating to the fight against corruption, money laundering and the recovery of funds illicitly transferred abroad, the SG of the Ministry affirmed "the political will which animates the Algerian authorities to initiate close cooperation with the EU Agency for Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters with a view to benefiting from its extensive expertise and unique experience in terms of freezing, confiscation and recovery of funds and assets illicitly transferred to abroad, in addition to the strengthening of cooperation relations between the judicial authorities in Algeria and the member countries of the EU".

For his part, Ladislav Hamran expressed "the availability of his body and its commitment to provide all forms of support and technical assistance to the Algerian courts in terms of investigations and facilitation of communication with their European counterparts in the treatment files relating to the recovery of funds looted in Algeria", concludes the press release.

Bank of Algeria specifies: Foreign exchange reserves increased to USD64.63 billion by late February.(APS,15/03/2023)

ALGIERS- The figures related to a note on the monetary trends of the Bank of Algeria (BA), relayed on Tuesday by the national press, let believe that foreign exchange reserves for 2023 are USD52.76 billion while it is an amount of the exchange reserves until 30 September 2022, the Bank of Algeria said in a note of clarification.

“On the other hand, the level of these reserves has reached USD64.63 billion for 2023,” said the note, underlining “that we are in the beginning of 2023 and that this figure is likely to rise.”

Algeria, Russia discuss ways to enhance bilateral industry cooperation.(APS,15/03/2023)

ALGIERS-The Minister of Industry, Ahmed Zaghdar received the Minister of the Moscow City Government, Head of the Moscow City Department for External Economic and International Relations, Sergei Cheryomin with whom he discussed ways to enhance industry cooperation between Algeria and Russia, said the Ministry in a statement.

During this meeting held Monday at the headquarters of the Ministry, the two sides discussed ways to "boost business cooperation between Algeria and Russia, especially in the field of industry to raise the level of historical and political relations between the two countries.”

The two officials focused on the fields that “offer opportunities for fruitful partnership between Algerian economic operators and their Russian counterparts, such as mechanical and railway industries, pharmaceuticals, mining, and steel, in addition to the sectors of agriculture, tourism, and culture," said the same source.

The two sides "agreed to intensify visits and contacts between businessmen and economic operators of both countries to define projects and partnerships feasible for the next period.”

Mr. Sergei Cheryomin is on a working visit to Algeria, accompanied by a delegation of Russian economic operators.

Metal & Steel Algeria Fair opened its doors.(APS,14/03/2023)

ALGIERS- The Ministers of Industry, Ahmed Zaghdar and of Trade and Promotion of Exports, Kamel Rezig chaired Tuesday at the Palais des Expositions (Pins maritimes) in Algiers the opening of the 1st edition of the International Exhibition of Iron, steel and mining products which will continue until March 16.

In his speech at the opening of the Show, Mr. Zaghdar underlined that iron and steel are among the main strategic industries due to "their close relationship" with several industrial activities, specifying that this sector "has succeeded in producing 3 .5 million tons of iron or 10.8% of the production of Arab countries, which encourages us to increase our national production of iron and steel, especially after Algeria's ranking as the third Arab iron producer after Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Regarding the Sider Annaba steel complex, the Minister stressed that his ministerial department is betting on the launch of the second tranche of the investment plan, which provides for the modernization and renewal of the generators and the oxygen unit, with the acquisition of equipment dedicated to the production line to enable the plant to recover its competitive capacity and exceed the threshold of 1.2 million tonnes of iron, while its current production capacity is 800,000 tonnes of products flat and long ferrous metals, rebars and pipes.

The Bellara (Jijel) complex produced 250,000 tons of ferrous products in 2020, realizing financial revenues of around $220 million, Zaghdar said, citing the export of 571,000 tons of ferrous products for a value of 450 million dollars by the Tosyali steel complex (Oran) during the first half of 2022.

Algeria is also betting on the Gara Djebilet mine in Tindouf, whose reserves are estimated at more than 3 billion tonnes, the minister stressed, noting that the mine had entered the exploitation phase with a production capacity varying between 2 and 3 million tons of iron ore, "which will increase in the next phases".

Mr. Zaghdar urged the operators participating in the Fair to "form specialized and integrated professional blocks of miners, technologists and mining professionals with a view to uniting our energies for a high quality, competitive Algerian product that meets the needs of the national industry, diverse and growing", emphasizing the readiness of the Ministry of Industry to iron out all obstacles and work to ensure a favorable working environment.

For his part, Mr. Rezig indicated that Algeria was aiming to achieve self-sufficiency in the steel industry "in view of the great development that we have achieved in this sector and the enormous industrial capacities", considering that the figures achieved in the field of export are "reasonable" and that it is possible to achieve $1.5 billion in exports of these materials "in the near future".

Organized by the company Stall Expo Event in cooperation with the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (formerly ANDI), the Fair brings together more than 50 local and foreign exhibitors and aims to contribute to shedding light on the iron, steel and mining products in Algeria in addition to the creation of a space for economic operators in this field to exchange and conclude agreements.

Opening of the 2nd inter-African import-export fair in Algiers.(APS,14/03/2023)

ALGIERS- The 2nd edition of the Inter-African Import-Export Fair "Impex 2023" opened on Tuesday at the Palais des Expositions, Pins Maritimes-Algiers, with the participation of nearly 70 national and African exhibitors.

The opening of this economic event, which aims to promote inter-African trade, was chaired by the Minister of Trade and Export Promotion, Kamel Rezig, and the Minister of Industry, Ahmed Zaghdar, in the presence of representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Algeria.

In a speech on this occasion, Mr. Rezig affirmed that Africa "is a promising market and a space for the future for Algerian production, cooperation and partnership", highlighting the role of Algeria in the activation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ZLECAf).

He also underlined that Algeria has achieved, since 2020, thanks to the policy of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, "excellent figures" in the field of foreign trade with Africa, "with a strong participation in the various international and continental trade fairs, approaches crowned by an increase in the volume of trade with the various African countries".

This Fair will bring together Algerian business leaders and their African counterparts with a view to engaging in talks leading to the establishment of trade and partnership agreements, specifies Mr. Rezig, who adds that such international economic events are intended "an opportunity to breathe new life into trade between Algeria and the rest of the African countries".

He recalled, at the same time, the measures taken by Algeria in this direction, particularly with regard to the opening of the Algiers-Nouakchott-Dakar maritime line and the construction of border posts, without omitting the contribution of the groups " Logitrans" for the land transport of goods and the airline Air Algérie in efforts to promote Algerian non-hydrocarbon exports to countries on the continent.

Algeria has capacities in several production and service sectors, making it one of the countries with the largest quota in African foreign trade", he argued.

The "IMPEX 2023" exhibition is attended by operators from several sectors of economic activity including the textile industry, clothing, the pharmaceutical industry, medical equipment, plastic products and their derivatives, the food industry, transport services, banking, insurance and tourism.

According to the organizers, this event aims to highlight business opportunities between Algerian and African operators and the potential for taking advantage of the advantages offered within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ZLECAf).

It is also a question of "raising awareness of the Algerian product, particularly the capacity of Algerian economic operators to strengthen their presence in African markets".

The B to B meetings scheduled during this three-day show will lead to the conclusion of agreements both in the commercial field and in terms of partnership.

Algeria will host the Arab Sports Games next July.(APS,15/03/2023)

Khair El-Din Barbari, a member of the Executive Office of the Federation of Arab Olympic Committees, said that Algeria won the bid after its request was accepted by all members of the Executive Office of the Federation.

Barbari added in televised remarks "The application submitted by Algeria to host the tournament was studied, as everyone agreed unanimously, and this is good news and embodies a great upward dynamic for Algeria in embracing international sporting events.".

Barbari confirmed that a delegation from the Federation of Arab Olympic Committees will visit Algeria to study all technical and organizational matters with the higher authorities in Algeria, which attaches great importance to hosting this event.

Qatar hosted the last edition of the Arab Games in late 2011, noting that the Arab Sports Association was launched in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1953.

Egypt excels in the number of hosts for the Arab Sports Association three times, the last of which was in 2007, and the Egyptian athletes dominated the medal standings in most of the tournaments.

After hosting the Mediterranean Games in Oran last summer, and the African Cup of Nations for local football (Al-Shan), which concluded last month, Algeria is preparing to host the Arab Games for the second time in its history, 19 years after it hosted the tenth session in 2004.

Khair El-Din Barbari, a member of the Executive Office of the Federation of Arab Olympic Committees, said that Algeria won the bid after its request was accepted by all members of the Executive Office of the Federation.

“The request submitted by Algeria to host the tournament was studied, as everyone agreed unanimously, and this is good news and embodies a great upward dynamic for Algeria in hosting international sporting events,” Berbari added in televised statements.

Barbari confirmed that a delegation from the Federation of Arab Olympic Committees will visit Algeria to study all technical and organizational matters with the higher authorities in Algeria, which attaches great importance to hosting this event.

Qatar hosted the last edition of the Arab Games in late 2011, noting that the Arab Sports Association was launched in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1953.

Egypt excels in the number of hosts for the Arab Sports Association three times, the last of which was in 2007, and the Egyptian athletes dominated the medal standings in most of the tournaments.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune receives EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security.(APS,14/03/2023)

ALGIERS-The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune received Monday at the Presidency of the Republic, the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, who is visiting Algeria.

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy pays tribute to National Liberation War martyrs

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell said on Monday he was touched by the minute's silence he observed at the Martyrs’ Memorial in Algiers, in tribute to the martyrs of the National Liberation War and all those who lost their lives for the independence of Algeria.

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Mr. Josep Borrell: Algeria, reliable partner for European Union .(APS,14/03/2023)

ALGIERS- EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell said Monday, in Algiers, that Algeria was a reliable partner and a key player in the fight against terrorism, announcing that Algeria and the European Union had agreed to revive high-level dialogue on security.

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, described Algeria as a reliable partner in the energy sector, adding that it has proven itself in this "sensitive juncture".

In an interview with El Khabar newspaper, Borrell said that "Algeria is a major partner of the European Union (EU) in the sector of energy," and since it is considered a reliable supplier of natural gas, it plays "a very significant role in securing European energy supplies" at time when supplies have been negatively impacted by the Russia-Ukraine war.

The EU, he added, "wishes to strengthen and deepen this mutually beneficial partnership by working together to face the double challenge of energy security and the sustainability of energy resources."

He said Algeria "has excellent potential" in the field of renewable energy, which are still underutilised, asserting that Europe is ready to mobilise technology and capital to support development in the North African state.

Borrell's visit to Algeria is the third such trip and includes talks with senior officials, particularly President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Prime Minister Aymen Benabderrahmaneand Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra.

According to a statement by the European External Action Service (EEAS), these meetings will grant an opportunity to discuss regional and international issues including the situation in the Sahel region and common challenges in the current global context after the "Russian aggression against Ukraine."

Sonatrach, Uganda's National Oil Company sign MOA.(APS,14/03/2023)

ALGIERS- The Group Sonatrach and Uganda's National Oil Company has signed, in Algiers, a Memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the assessment of cooperation opportunities in hydrocarbons, Sonatrach said Monday in a statement.

Automotive After-Sales: 200 Exhibitors at 16th Equip Auto Algeria show.(APS,14/03/2023)

ALGIERS- The 16th International Automotive After-Sale and Mobility Services Show (Equip Auto Algeria) opened Monday in Algiers, with the participation of about 200 Algerian and foreign exhibitors, in addition to public companies and agencies.

International Women's Day: Message of President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune.(APS,08/03/2023)

ALGIERS-The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent Tuesday a message to Algerian women on the occasion of International Women's Day (March 8). Here is the APS translation:

"In the name of Allah Clement and Merciful,

May the prayers and peace of Allah be upon His Messenger,

The Algerian woman celebrates International Women's Day (March 8) in the midst of the struggle to build a modern state and a society where stability and tranquility reign. She is proud that she belongs to an authentic people who love freedom and who knows how to exalt the sacrifices of their daughters who knew how to impose themselves and illustrate the nationalist spirit in its most beautiful expressions during the harshest trials.

Militant, fighter and martyr, the Algerian woman was during the Glorious War of Liberation, an example of bravery and attachment to freedom and dignity, her achievements have made her a symbol of the defense of the land and honor. She was committed with as much bravery in the fight against the barbaric terrorism which had targeted the nation-state and its Institutions.

The Algerian woman of today, baking on this valiant legacy, advances resolutely on the way to success following the footsteps of her grandmothers who gave birth to the heroes of November and to the valiant women martyrs witnesses of the barbarity of the iniquitous colonizer.

It is not surprising to see the Algerian woman rise, with scientific and professional skills, in free and independent Algeria, on the scale of the ranks in the constituted bodies, to reach senior positions in the administrations and companies while excelling in the most pointed specialties of sciences and knowledge and the most complex fields of advanced technologies within the universities and the research centers. She also invested herself in the wealth-producing work in our farms and villages that preserve the purity and dignity of the rural woman, while adhering to the process of economic revival that we have launched.

Algeria, which has enshrined in its legislation the principle of equity and equal opportunity, is setting up its public policies, fully aware of the necessary development and qualification of human resources. The woman shares with the man the citizen values as well as the rights and duties on the same footing of equality. Moreover, the statistics attest to the achievements of women, who have top employment rates and quality positions in several vital sectors, as evidenced by the number of women working in the justice, education, and health sectors.

This Algerian woman has proved that she is the pillar of the new Algeria which advances toward the investment in human capital, competence, and excellence to establish a culture of transparency and the value of work while rejecting any form of corruption for a new era where the only allegiance is lent to Algeria and where nothing prevails over the interest of the people and the fulfillment of their aspirations.

While reiterating my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of your International Day, I assure you that the issues of women and the family will remain at the center of the concerns of the Government which I urge, on this occasion, to intensify its support for all efforts to strengthen national solidarity, to promote women's rights and to preserve the Algerian family.

Long live Algeria,

Glory to our martyrs,

May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon you".

International Women's Day: President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune honors host of Algerian women .(APS,08/03/2023)

ALGIERS-The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune honored Wednesday in Algiers a host of Algerian women who have distinguished themselves in many fields during a ceremony held at the International Conference Center (CIC) "Abdellatif-Rahal", on the occasion of the International Women's Day.

The President of the Republic has awarded certificates of honor to a host of Algerian women who have distinguished themselves in many vital sectors and creative fields, including Lila Houti (professor of epidemiology), Zahia Kaabouche (professor of organic chemistry), Lieutenant Colonel Baya El Kort (professor of nephrology) and Colonel Souad Nasri (a senior executive at the Directorate General of Civil Protection).

President Tebboune also honored Benna Messaoudi (transcriber of the Holy Quran in Braille), Fatma Mahfoudi (craftsman in traditional weaving), Rafaat Zinou (director of a company manufacturing natural pesticides), Bariza Berzak (journalist at Channel 1 of the National Radio), Zoulikha Bounar (novelist and cultural adviser), and Dounia Bouguenbour (manager of a startup of robotics for children).

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune visits exhibition of products of Algerian craftswomen.(APS,08/03/2023)

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune highlighted Wednesday the need to protect the Algerian legacy of imitation during a visit to an exhibition of products of Algerian craftswomen, held at the International Conference Center (CIC) “Abdellatif-Rahal” (Algiers) on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

President Tebboune visited this exhibition on the sidelines of the ceremony organised in honour of a host of women who have distinguished themselves in many sectors, highlighting during his discussions with exhibitors, the contribution of craftswomen in the enhancement of Algerian heritage, marginalised in the past, which has exposed it “to theft and attempts to appropriate”.

In this regard, he stressed the need to “develop and protect Algerian heritage through its classification as a safeguarded intangible heritage within the framework of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)”.

Highlighting the need to “protect the national heritage and traditional dress, such as the ‘Chedda’, from imitation”, the President of the Republic pointed to the classification of this type of garment as part of the Algerian heritage, through “a certificate of conformity granted by the Government to the craftswomen and to be published in the Official Gazette”.

President Tebboune has, in this context, expressed” the State’s willingness to support and assist craftswomen in the sale of traditional products “, noting the importance of ” promoting the Algerian product through a wide participation in international exhibitions “.

Government meeting: Several sectors examined.(APS,07/03/2023)

ALGIERS- The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane, chaired, on Tuesday, a government meeting which examined draft texts and heard presentations and communications concerning the sectors of Justice, Agriculture, Religious Affairs, Industry and Housing, says a press release from the Prime Minister's office, the full text of which is as follows:

"The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane, chaired, this Tuesday, March 7, 2023, a Government meeting held at the Government Palace.

During its weekly meeting, the Government examined the following points:

In the area of Justice:

The Government examined in first reading a draft law amending and supplementing Ordinance No. 66-156 of June 8, 1966 on the Penal Code, presented by the Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals.

This draft text aims in particular to strengthen the protection of society and certain vulnerable categories, to improve the performance of the public service of justice and to relieve the criminal court by correcting certain crimes and aggravating other crimes.

It also aims to protect and support managers and investors, in particular through the decriminalization of the act of management and the criminalization of the obstruction of the act of investing.

In the area of Religious Affairs:

The Government heard a statement from the Minister of Religious Affairs and Wakfs on the results of the mission of the multisectoral delegation commissioned in Saudi Arabia to proceed with the examination of offers of services and the conclusion of contracts relating to the organization of the Hajj campaign 1444h-2023.

This approach is part of the guidelines of the President of the Republic in order to provide our hajjis with the best conditions of stay and full support at the level of the holy places, during the hajj campaign.

In this respect, the multisectoral delegation, during its stay, examined and visited the offers of 218 hotels and companies, which concern the support by the national office of pilgrimage and umrah and by private travel agencies, having allowed to retain 135 hotels, 40 catering companies and 5 companies for the transport of pilgrims and luggage.

In the field of Agriculture:

The Government heard a joint communication from the Ministers of Industry, Agriculture and Rural Development and Trade and Export Promotion on the status report on the project to build grain storage units.

The evaluation of this operation aims to have a map of national cereal storage capacities in order to guarantee the optimization of their use and to ensure the results achieved in terms of strengthening the bases of food security for this which is this consumer product.

In the field of Industry:

The Minister of Industry presented a communication on the national strategy for the promotion of the national metrology infrastructure.

In this context, the strategic importance of developing and consolidating the national metrology infrastructure was highlighted, aimed primarily at protecting the national economy during trade with different countries, but also to guarantee the conformity of local or imported products with the norms and standards required in this area.

Finally, concerning the construction of the new seat of Parliament:

The Minister of Housing, Urban Planning and the City presented a communication on the project to build the new seat of Parliament with its two chambers (the Council of the Nation and the National People's Assembly) currently occupying old cramped buildings at the level of the Capital".

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Amar Belani receives chairman of foreign affairs committee in Croatian parliament.(APS,07/03/2023)

ALGIERS-The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Amar Belani received Tuesday in Algiers the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Croatian Parliament, Gari Cappelli, said the Ministry in a statement.

The meeting "provided an opportunity to reiterate the will of the two parties and their common aspiration to deepen the excellent relations uniting the two countries, to develop and expand bilateral cooperation, particularly in the light of the successful Algerian-Croatian political consultations, including the third session was held in Algiers on February 21” under the chairmanship of Mr. Belani and the Secretary of State for Political Affairs at the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Frano Matusic, the statement added.

Emphasis was placed, in this context, on the importance of implementing the recommendations resulting from the 3rd session of the political consultations, particularly with regard to increasing the volume of bilateral trade, the development of bilateral cooperation and the exchange of expertise and successful experiences in the field of agriculture, tourism, energy, culture, sport and the naval industry with the establishment of a comprehensive economic partnership between the two countries".

The two officials also agreed to "strengthen parliamentary cooperation", welcoming the establishment of the Algeria-Croatia parliamentary friendship group, which is intended to be a new mechanism likely to strengthen cooperation and dialogue between the two friendly countries around of all issues of common interest," the statement continued.

During the discussions, the two officials exchanged views and analyzes on the current situation at the international level, expressing their "great satisfaction" with the convergence of views between the two countries on the demand for the strengthening of the system. of multi-party action and the call for the application of international legality and international law without exception, far from the policy of double standards in the treatment of the various crises and conflicts raging in the world", concludes the communiqué of the Ministry.

Algeria places the fight against corruption at the top of the priorities for the construction of the rule of law.(APS,09/03/2023)

ALGIERS- The Chairman of the Committee for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and the National Community Abroad at the Council of Nation, Mr. Omar Dadi Addoune affirmed, Wednesday in Doha (Qatar), that Algeria placed the fight against corruption at the top of the priorities for the building of the rule of law, indicated the Upper House of Parliament in a press release.

Speaking at the opening of the Parliamentary Dialogue on the United Nations Convention against Corruption and the annual general meeting of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC), Mr. Dadi Addoune specified that "good governance and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) require a fight against all types of corruption", stressing that Algeria "places the fight against corruption at the top of the priorities for the construction of the rule of law within Algeria news whose foundations were laid by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune".

The head of the Algerian parliamentary delegation explained, in the same context, that the fight against corruption in Algeria "is carried out through an effective strategy targeting the corrupt and dirty money, and is based on the strengthening of coercive mechanisms, as well as only on a regular updating of the texts of laws, by taking care to establish transparency and integrity in the management of public funds and by strengthening and protecting the independence of justice, considered as the main guarantor of the fight against corruption".

More explicitly, he pointed out that these measures are applied "within the framework of the provisions of the Constitution, acclaimed by the people on November 1, 2020, which highlights Algeria's commitment to the prevention and fight against corruption in accordance with ratified international agreements".

Mr. Dadi Addoune also reviewed the prerogatives of the High Authority for Transparency, Prevention and Fight against Corruption, as well as the achievements of Parliament within the framework of this important national orientation, reflected in particular by the adoption of several laws, to mention only the law relating to the prevention and fight against corruption and the law relating to the prevention and fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

The Algerian parliamentary delegation, led by the President of the Foreign Affairs Commission at the Council of Nation, is made up of Senators Aboudjerra Soltani and Debabeche Mohamed Hachemi.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune receives US Undersecretary of State for International Security.(APS,07/03/2023)

ALGIERS-The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune received Monday in Algiers the US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Bonnie Denise Jenkins.

The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Presidency of the Republic, in the presence of the Chief of Staff at the Presidency of the Republic, Abdelaziz Khellaf, and the Adviser to the President of the Republic in charge of affairs related to defense and security, Boumediene Benattou, and the U.S. Ambassador to Algeria, Elizabeth Moore Aubin.

The United States grateful to Algeria for its efforts to promote peace and security in the region.(APS,07/03/2023)

ALGIERS- The Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Mrs. Bonnie Denise Jenkins expressed, Monday in Algiers, the recognition of her country to Algeria for its incessant efforts in favor of peace and security in the region, noting the "convergence" of the two countries' approach in this regard.

In a statement to the press at the end of the audience granted to her by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune at the headquarters of the Presidency of the Republic, Mrs. Jenkins affirmed that the meeting was "fruitful and we discussed at length the Algerian-American partnership, security in the world and the situation in the Sahel. We noted the convergence of our countries' approach to security in the region and in the world, focusing on the issue of 'arms embargo'.

In the same context, the American official affirmed that "the United States is grateful for the tireless efforts of Algeria in favor of peace and security in the region", adding that the partnership between the two countries in the fight against terrorism "remains strong through our joint bilateral action, side by side, to support peace and prosperity in the region".

Mrs. Bonnie Denise Jenkins also stressed the need to "continue this high level of exchanges, with a view to mutual benefit, with the aim of consolidating our defense capabilities".

For the American official, the meeting with the President of the Republic was "an affirmation of the convergence of views on security issues of interest to the two countries" which are working, she said, "to build security ties, strong economic and cultural ties, ties that are stronger today than before".

And to emphasize that "the technical partnership plays a role in building and strengthening our security relations at all levels".

The American Undersecretary of State indicated that the bilateral partnership "plays a major role in the economy, in view of American companies seeking investment opportunities in Algeria, others are already established there and are working to create jobs in different fields".

"The United States supports Algeria in the diversification of its economy", she declared, underlining that the visit of the Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane carried out last December in Washington within the framework of the United States Summit /Africa, had a "great impact" on the consolidation of bilateral relations.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune receives Sheikh of Tarika Tijania in Nigeria.(APS,07/03/2023)

ALGIERS-The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune received Monday in Algiers the Sheikh of the Tarika (brotherhood) Tijania in Nigeria, Sheikh Taher Othman Bawchi, said the Presidency of the Republic in a statement.

The audience took place at the headquarters of the Presidency of the Republic, in the presence of the Director of Cabinet at the Presidency of the Republic, Abdelaziz Khellaf, representative of the Presidency of the Republic, Hassouni Mohamed, the press release concluded.

The Minister of Trade and Export Promotion, Mr. Kamel Rezig opens 2nd International Beverage Industry Fair.(APS,07/03/2023)

The Minister of Trade and Export Promotion, Kamel Rezig opened Monday in Algiers the 2nd International Beverage Industry and Liquid Foods Fair (BEVALG) which runs until March 11 at the Palace of Exhibitions, with the participation of nearly 90 national and foreign companies.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Rezig said that this economic event is an opportunity to promote national products, especially in the upcoming holy month of Ramadhan, but also a space to promote this sector and increase the added value and quality of Algerian products for export.

In this respect, Rezig said that the volume of Algerian beverage exports increases every year, reaching nearly 20 million dollars between 2020 and 2022, a volume exported by 100 Algerian economic operators.

The Minister said he expects a significant increase in exports of these products in 2023 given the strong demand for Algerian beverages, particularly by African markets, welcoming the market access of products from this sector to Arab, European and even American markets.

Algerian beverages “have achieved self-sufficiency and cover the needs of citizens to 100%”, he said, adding that “we were relying heavily on this sector to contribute to the increase in the volume of the country’s non-hydrocarbon exports due to their good quality”.

He also called on economic operators to provide special and promotional offers during the holy month of Ramadhan.

For his part, the commissioner of the exhibition, Djalal Louz, explained that the number of participants and economic operators at this edition, has doubled by about two times compared to the first edition, “and given the large attendance recorded, the area of the exhibition has been expanded by three times”, forecasting 20,000 visitors at this edition.

The Sonatrach Group presents the investment prospects in Algeria at the "CERAWEEK" Forum in Houston.(APS,07/03/2023)

ALGIERS - The Sonatrach Group takes part with a high-level delegation, led by the Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, at the "CERAWEEK" Forum in Houston (United States), where it will present to the heads of large companies energy investment prospects in the field of hydrocarbons in Algeria, said Monday a press release from the Group.

The 41st edition of this international event, scheduled for March 6 to 10 and placed under the slogan "Navigating in a turbulent world: energy, climate and security", will be an opportunity for Sonatrach to present the group's investment prospects in the oil and gas industry, in particular in view of the advantages offered under the new law on hydrocarbons", specifies the press release.

The Algerian delegation will have, on the sidelines of this forum, a series of meetings with officials of major international energy companies, and will participate in the conferences of the forum which will discuss topics related to global energy and energy transition, adds the same source.

The "CERAWEEK" Forum, one of the most important economic events on energy, brings together every year energy industry leaders, experts, government officials and decision makers, in addition to heads of technology groups, financial and industrial partners to discuss the main questions and the major challenges inherent in energy for the decades to come.

The meeting also discusses the current challenges and the next strategy of the sector, while ensuring more low carbon solutions.

It also offers the opportunity to discuss securing energy supplies, supporting emerging markets, and energy transition, as well as environmental objectives such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving consumption efficiency and respect for the rights of countries to develop and exploit their natural wealth, while stressing the need to adopt emerging solutions to reduce these emissions, according to the source.

International Judo competitions: Mixed fortunes for Algerian judokas in Doha and Tashkent.(APS,07/03/2023)

ALGIERS - Algerian judokas have experienced mixed fortunes in the two major international tournaments in which they have recently participated, with the Arab title for some in Qatar and less brilliant rankings in the Grand Slam of Tashkent for others.

At the Arab Championship played on Friday and Saturday in Doha, the Algerian team distinguished itself by winning first place in the general classification (men and women), with a harvest of 15 medals (6 gold, 3 silver, 6 bronze).

Big favorites on Qatari soil, the "Greens" confirmed their supremacy by winning six gold medals thanks to Houd Zourdani (-73 kg), Mehdi Lili (+100 kg), Faiza Aissahine (-52 kg), Souad Belekhal (-70 kg), Louiza Ichallal (-78 kg) and Narimene Gueraoua (+78 kg), while those in silver went to Bilal Yakoubi (-60 kg), Houaria Kadour (-48 kg) and Zina Bouakache (- 57kg).

The less fortunate settled for bronze like Dounia Rezoug (-63 kg), Rachid Cherrad (-66 kg), Djamel Souillah (-81 kg), Oussama Kabri (-90 kg), Réda Lamri (-100 kg). kg) and Sofiane Belekra (+100 kg).

The events of this deadline are part of the preparation for the 2023 Worlds of the discipline (May 7-14) in the Qatari capital, it is recalled.

Modest participation for Algerians in Tashkent

While the participants in the Arab Championship left their mark on their time in Doha, their compatriots in Uzbekistan (3 to 5 March) did not experience the same success at the Grand Slam in Tashkent.

Of the four Algerians involved, only Dris Messaoud (-73 kg) was able to reach the quarter-finals. His compatriots Wail Ezzine (-66 kg), Belkadi Amina (-63 kg) and Sonia Asselah (+78 kg) left the competition prematurely in the second and third rounds.

With a record of two wins and two losses, Messaoud finished in 7th place, earning 260 points in the process, which should help him improve his world ranking.

For her part, Belkadi Amina (-63 kg) exempted from the first round of pool A, won in the second round ahead of the Austrian Lubjana Piovesana, before losing in the third round against the Romanian Florentina Ivanescu. Despite the defeat, the Algerian has garnered 160 points.

The other Algerian involved in the tournament, Sonia Asselah, exempted from the first round was eliminated in the second round over 78 kilos, against the Italian Geri Eleonora. .

Their compatriot Waïl Ezzine (-66 kilos) was the first to enter this tournament and from the first day, where he was eliminated in the first round, by Uzbek Bobur Vadjiev.

This competition involved a significant number of points with a view to qualifying for the next Summer Olympic Games, scheduled for 2024 in Paris (France).

Meeting at the Summit of the Contact Group of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM): Speech by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune.(APS,02/03/2023)

BAKU - The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane delivered on Thursday in Baku (Azerbaijan) the speech of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, during the meeting at the Summit of the Contact Group of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) on post-Covid-19 recovery.

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, reaffirmed in his speech on the occasion of the NAM Contact Group Summit, which is taking place in Baku (Azerbaijan), Algeria’s constant commitment to the principles and objectives of the NAM, as the course of the events have proven their accuracy and validity in the current context.

President Tebboune called in his speech read on his behalf by Prime Minister Aïmene Benabderrahmane during the meeting devoted to the post-Covid-19 recovery, all member countries to the imperative of “renewing their commitment to the movement and redoubling their efforts to boost its role in the re-balancing of international relations marked by new challenges and issues”.

The President of the Republic considered, in this context, that “the current international situation puts our movement in front of the imperative to assume its responsibilities with regard to the challenges facing our countries, in the first place the multiplication of the hotbeds of tension and regional and international conflicts, the challenges imposed by the arms race and the worsening of the climatic and sanitary crises linked to the spread of pandemics which threaten the lives of millions of human beings throughout the world “.

Referring to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, President Tebboune recalled that “we all predicted that the Covid-19 pandemic was not just a health issue, given the exceptional challenges imposed by its unprecedented impact on all socio-economic levels and which suggest major changes in the architecture of international relations in the world today.

“This difficult situation obliges us to mobilise more collective efforts to accelerate the pace of post-pandemic recovery and to face its dangerous aftermath,” he said, describing the Baku meeting as “a concrete step towards the achievement of this collective approach, in addition to its contribution to the establishment of the objectives and principles of our movement and our common will to build a just world where the values of peaceful coexistence and the spirit of solidarity and sustainable development in peace and stability reign”.

President Tebboune also explained that the preventive strategy adopted by the Algerian authorities to deal with the spread of the Coronavirus “has proved its effectiveness during the various phases of the pandemic” and has enabled ” strengthening of our prevention capacities and consolidation of our health system”.

As far as post-pandemic development the Algerian state is still dealing with the socio-economic impact of Covid-19, notably through measures to preserve the purchasing power of citizens and strengthen the social protection system,” he said.

In this regard, the Head of State expressed Algeria’s full readiness “to support initiatives aimed at strengthening solidarity and mutual assistance among the countries of the Movement with a view to post-pandemic development, and to support friendly and brotherly countries in their efforts to overcome this crisis.

President Tebboune: Algeria has contributed to assistance to brotherly and friendly countries affected by Covid-19

The President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune said in an address at the Summit-Level Meeting of the Contact Group of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) on the post-Covid-19 recovery, held Thursday in Baku (Azerbaijan), that Algeria had helped to lend a hand to brotherly and friendly countries affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

In his speech read on his behalf by the Prime Minister, Aimene Benabderrahmane, the President of the Republic said that Algeria "has not ceased to lend a hand to brotherly countries and friends affected by the effects of the health crisis caused by the pandemic Covid-19, and to advocate the establishment of the principle of equal access to vaccines, especially for developing countries.”

Since the beginning of the health crisis related to Covid-19, Algeria "has advocated the establishment of the principle of equal access to vaccines, especially for developing countries, regardless of their level of economic and technological development, to enable them to enjoy their right to adequate and essential healthcare and achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs)," he said.

In addition to the financial contribution to the United Nations COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, Algeria "called on international financial institutions to loosen the stranglehold on developing countries and adopt a series of initiatives that provide to support their national post Covid-19 policies.

Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Baku has ended, the final document has been adopted.(APS,02/03/2023)

The Summit-level Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement Contact Group in response to COVID-19 in Baku ends. Thank you to each and every one of you for being here today, said Jeyhun Bayramov, Azerbaijan Foreign Minister, APA reports.

The Minister said that although the countries on the platform have different historical, cultural and political traditions, there are common principles.

"We held fruitful meetings and discussed important bilateral agendas within the framework of this summit. Members of the National Assembly became active when the pandemic broke out. During the post-pandemic period, we must devise effective solutions for recovery "the minister emphasized.

Jeyhun Bayramov noted that Azerbaijan has taken a number of initiatives since the beginning of the pandemic and received full support from these initiatives.

"Today, we discussed climate change, food security, peace, and other global issues. Today, Azerbaijan's President announced two initiatives, one of which is related to post-pandemic assistance to small island states and African countries. We believe that the international community will support our initiative. We will hand over our chairmanship to Uganda at the end of this year. Although our chairmanship is over, our activism on this platform and our determination to realize its principles will not end," the Foreign Minister noted.

In the end, the document on the conclusions of the Summit meeting was adopted.

President of Azerbaijan receives Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane.(APS,02/03/2023)

BAKU (Azerbaijan)- The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received Thursday in Baku, Prime Minister, Aymen Benabderrahmane, on the sidelines of his participation as representative of President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Contact Group Summit on the post Covid-19 era.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev has met with Prime Minister of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Aïmen Benabderrahmane.

President Ilham Aliyev recalled his participation in the 31st Arab League Summit at the invitation of President of Algeria Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

The head of state noted that, as part of the trip, discussions were held on the prospects for bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Algeria.

The PM conveyed the sincere greetings of President of Algeria Abdelmadjid Tebboune to the head of state.

The head of state thanked for the greetings, and asked Aïmen Benabderrahmane to pass on his greetings and invitation to visit Azerbaijan to the President of Algeria.

Expressing gratitude for the invitation to attend the Summit-level Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement in Baku, the Prime Minister congratulated President Ilham Aliyev for the excellent organization of the event and Azerbaijan`s successful chairmanship of the NAM. He emphasized that thanks to the chairmanship of Azerbaijan, the role of the Movement in international relations had strengthened even further.

The Premier said that Algeria is interested in comprehensive developing mutual relations with Azerbaijan. Aïmen Benabderrahmane noted that interparliamentary cooperation and relations in the justice sphere are developing today, adding a political dialogue mechanism at the level of ministries of foreign affairs had started with political consultations to be held shortly.

President Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijan’s Non-Aligned Movement chairmanship would end by the end of the year, and underlined that the chairmanship was very active in institutionalization of the Movement.

The head of state pointed out that Azerbaijani specialists including oilmen, geologists and culture figures are successfully working in Algeria.

Prime Minister Aïmen Benabderrahmane, for his part, stressed that contribution of Azerbaijani specialists to development of Algeria after country’s gaining its independence is widely lauded.

Algeria-Portugal: Strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of transport.(APS,02/03/2023)

ALGIERS - The Minister of Transport, Kamel Beldjoud received, on Thursday in Algiers, the Secretary of State attached to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, in charge of International Trade, Bernardo Ivo Cruz, with whom he examined the ways and means of strengthening bilateral relations in areas related to the transport sector, said a press release from the Ministry.

During this audience, which took place in the presence of the Portuguese Ambassador to Algeria, Luis De Albuquerque Veloso, the two parties discussed the level of bilateral relations and the ways and means of strengthening them in areas related to the sector. transport, adds the same source.

Fish farming: The sector records a 67% increase in 2022.(APS,02/03/2023)

SKIKDA - During 2022, the fishing sector made a jump, in terms of production, of 67% compared to the year 2021 in the fish farming sector, the Minister of Fisheries and Fish Production revealed on Thursday , Hicham Sofiane Salaouatchi.

In a statement to the APS on the sidelines of his inspection of a "Royalaqua" floating cage fish farm, the first of its kind in the east of the country, the minister added that the fish farming sector has experienced proven growth in recent years. by extending its practice from 6 wilayas in 2021 to 9 wilayas in 2022.

The Minister announced on the occasion the mobilization of a financial envelope of nearly 267 million DA, which will be used to finance several projects in the fishing sector in the wilaya of Skikda, including the revival of the pilot breeding farm. of prawns and practical research in El Marsa (east of Skikda), the study and construction of a port in R'mila, the construction of a fishery in Stora and the rehabilitation of the fishing school in Collo.

During his visit to the fish farm at sea "Royalaqua", Mr. Salaouatchi praised the efforts made by the authorities of the wilaya at their head the wali Houria Medahi in monitoring the realization of this project which entered into operation last January.

The Minister gave his encouragement to the investor who has eight floating cages and a fish stock of nearly 300 tons of fattening gilthead seabream, knowing that the latter's cycle extends over 14 months, a period to obtain a fish weighing between 300 and 400 grams.

The Minister chaired on the same site the signing of a partnership agreement in the field of production and distribution of fish from fish farming between the Chamber of Fisheries and Aquaculture of Skikda and this fish farm.

The agreement covers the purchase and marketing of fish farming products from this farm and its support in the acquisition of fingerlings and food and the import of equipment.

The farm, 5 km from the mainland, undertakes to make available to the chamber its production of sea bream and sea bass from each cycle according to its means.

The Minister listened to the concerns expressed on the spot by professionals in the sector, including the problem of silting up of the port, affirming that the public works sector has mobilized a financial envelope for the dredging of the sand deposits in the port of El Marsa.

Government meeting: Several sectors on the agenda.(APS,02/03/2023)

The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane, chaired on Wednesday a government meeting that examined draft texts and presentations on justice, agriculture, solidarity and fisheries sectors, according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s office:

“The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahamane, chaired, on Wednesday March 1, 2023, a Government meeting held at the Government Palace.

During its weekly meeting, the Government discussed the following items:

In the justice field:

The Government has examined a draft bill on special measures for obtaining alimony, presented by the Minister of Justice.

The purpose of this new legislative provision is to reform the framework for state intervention in terms of guaranteeing the right to alimony, for the benefit of children and women, following the closure of the alimony fund by the Finance Act for the year 2021.

In the field of agriculture:

The Government examined a draft executive decree on the assignment of a parcel of the Ouled Antar state forest, in the commune of Ouled Antar, in the province of Médéa, as part of the reinforcement of the quality of public services provided by public bodies.

In the field of national solidarity:

The Government was addressed by the Minister for National Solidarity, the Family and the Status of Women on the situation of the specialised establishments under her ministry’s authority and their prospects.

In this respect, the main constraints hindering the proper functioning of these facilities, particularly those intended for the care of delinquent children and elderly people, were reported.

In the field of fisheries:

Finally, the Minister of Fisheries and Fishery Productions presented a communication on the progress in the implementation of the roadmap related to the application of the specific scheme of social protection for fishery professionals.

This roadmap aims to improve the working conditions of fisheries professionals, in particular by setting up a support system for some categories of fisheries professionals who have no source of income during periods of bad weather and biological recovery of fish.

Representing the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane, Prime Minister participates in the Summit meeting of the contact group of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).(APS,02/03/2023)

Representing the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the Prime Minister, Mr. Aimene Benabderrahmane, will participate on Thursday in Baku (Azerbaijan), in the work of the summit meeting of the contact group of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) on post-Covid-19 global recovery.

This meeting will be attended by Presidents and representatives of the Governments of 76 States, including Algeria, on the theme: “The post-Covid-19 global recovery”.

The meeting will discuss ways and means of responding to the post-Covid-19 global recovery and its aftermath, as well as the future activities of the Non-Aligned Movement.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune: Digitization - Fully fledged programme, not circumstantial slogan.(APS,02/03/2023)

ALGIERS- Digitization, like several files of strategic dimensions contained in the programme of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, is far from being a circumstantial slogan as claimed by those trivializing everything.

Established as a State policy by the President of the Republic, the digitization is a complete and integrated programme, placed at the heart of his 54 commitments to serve the citizens and ensure their well-being, while promoting the national economy towards further progress and resilience.

The interest granted by the President of the Republic every time he broaches digitization in his meetings with the media where he addresses the Algerians, emanates from his deep conviction about the importance of this vital file in accompanying the State’s efforts for the revival of all the sectors, notably the strategic ones.

The President of the Republic gives, on each occasion, more than an evidence that the digitization goes over its traditional concept ( transforming the information into digital data) to set itself up as a strategic tool exploited by the State in the development policies, on a political and economic scene marked mainly by a dynamic and accuracy in terms of implementation.

Digitization as perceived by the President of the Republic is a fully fledged programme, a pivot in the moralization process of the political and public life and the strengthening of the good governance.

Algeria celebrates World Civil Defense Day.(APS,01/03/2023)

ALGIERS-Algeria celebrates the World Civil Defense Protection, coinciding with March 1, through informative and awareness-raising events nationwide on various risks, said Wednesday the Directorate General of Civil Protection (DGCP) in a statement.

Algeria, like other member countries of the International Civil Protection Organisation ( ICDO), is celebrating this day, placed this year under the theme “the role of information technology in risk assessment”, by organising educational activities throughout the structures attached to the DGPC.

“Information technology is an essential component of any effective disaster management system and helps in particular in the collection, processing and analysis of potential risks as well as in the early warning and dissemination of preventive advice and recommendations,” the same source said.

Algerian Civil Protection services “use information technologies for disaster management, prevention, awareness, preparation and operational planning, with the aim of reducing vulnerability and increasing the resilience of communities, while guiding the strategies put in place to deal with disasters”.

The programme outlined by the DGPC includes preventive actions such as “the organisation of rescue and first aid manoeuvres, particularly on industrial risks, road accidents, domestic accidents, fires”, etc. This, in addition to the organisation of thematic television and local radio programmes, emphasising the role of prevention and awareness-raising in reducing the various risks.

Information and awareness campaigns are also planned for the general public, in schools, vocational training institutes, universities and youth centres, as well as training sessions on “life-saving gestures” for citizens, in particular workers, with delivery of certificates of participation and training.

Finally, the DGPC has also scheduled open doors in its different units to “highlight the importance and the role of this institution in emergency management “, concludes the press release.

Sonatrach Group : More than 30 million Euros saved thanks to the use of locally produced of spare parts.(APS,02/03/2023)

More than 30 million euros have been saved by Sonatrach Group in one year thanks to the use of national production of spare parts, Nasreddine Fatouhi, vice-president of the liquefaction-separation activity within the group, revealed Wednesday in Skikda.

At a press conference on the sidelines of the 3rd edition of the industry days held at the Skikda natural gas liquefaction complex, Mr. Fatouhi said that the Group is proud of the quality of the national industrial companies manufacturing spare parts.

He added that this “has contributed to the development of the national economy by putting an end to the import of these parts and by allowing the saving of foreign currency, adding that it has allowed to meet Sonatrach’s needs and to reduce import bill”.

” Sonatrach Group’s orientation in this matter started in 2020 with the recognition of the capacities of the national industrial network in this field “, underlined the same official who indicated that the active operators met in February 2022 have become, one year later, partners manufacturing high quality spare parts for Sonatrach’s machines and its production units and who maintain a relationship of mutual trust with the Group “.

“During 2023, we will move to the manufacturing stage of other electronic and electrical parts and others much more complicated,” assured the Vice-President of the liquefaction-separation activity at the national oil Group, who emphasised the efforts of the Group’s managers and technicians in developing local products in the group’s projects.

For his part, the LNG Divisional Director, Youcef Amara, said that the Group is now taking important steps towards the optimal exploitation of local product, assuring that support is provided to Companies that meet the required standards in total transparency.

He also emphasised Sonatrach’s efforts to raise the integration rate in the field of spare parts manufacturing on the national market, including highly skilled companies, as was noted during more than 40 visits conducted last year by group executives in the country.

The visit gave the opportunity to the signature of several contracts with public and private companies for supplying spare parts including the Algerian Company of Electrical and Gas Industries and the Company of Gas and Liquefied Petroleum for the manufacture of 1,534 turbine blades for 69 million DA which were previously imported from Germany leading to saving of 1.5 million euros.

Organised under the title ” Human resources role in the success of maintenance actions “, the two-day meeting gathers more than 50 national companies related to the sectors of hydrocarbons, maintenance, mechanics and industry as well as the subsidiaries of Sonatrach and Sonelgaz Groups, experts and engineering and scientific research Organisations.

Oran: the 2nd International Medical Tourism Fair in March.(APS,02/03/2023)

ORAN - The second edition of the International Health and Medical Tourism Exhibition (AMTEX 2023), will be held from March 9 to 11 in Oran with the participation of more than forty-five exhibitors, representing eleven countries, we learned Wednesday from the director of this event.

For this 2nd edition of AMTEX organized by Pharmex Communication, several foreign delegations (Tunisia, Lebanon, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Mali, India and Italy, among others) are expected, Dr. Yasser Badour told APS. .

The event aims to create a space for exchanges between professionals in the medical tourism sector in order to define the opportunities for investment in this field in Algeria, he underlined.

Medical tourism or health tourism allows patients to benefit from adequate care with the privilege of traveling to a new destination, and health professionals the exchange of knowledge, experience and new therapeutic techniques, said Dr. Badour.

This event will have as its main theme "How to develop medical tourism in Algeria", for three days, communications, workshops and workshops will be animated with a new context: The Masters Classes which provide practical training for doctors to be in tune therapeutic developments around the world.

A rich communication program has been drawn up for the Occasion including "How to start a sustainable medical tourism business and how to gradually develop it", "Trends and dynamics of medical tourism - Strategies on how to grow", "Medical tourism strategy for "Algeria: a concrete roadmap" and "Care offer in Algeria in 2023: what evolution, what communication to make it known?", among others.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune chairs opening of National Conference on Agriculture.(APS,01/03/2023)

ALGIERS-The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune chaired Tuesday at the Palace of Nations (Club des Pins) in Algiers the opening ceremony of the National Conference on Agriculture themed ''Agriculture: Sustainable Food Security.”

The opening ceremony took place in the presence of senior state officials, government members, and executives of the agriculture sector.

Held by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the conference will highlight the significant performance achieved in recent years by the sector, and will also focus on the ways to achieve sustainable food security.

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune highlights the achieved positive results

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, highlighted on Tuesday in Algiers, the positive results achieved in recent years by the agriculture sector, which contributes to 14.7% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“We welcome the positive results achieved in recent years by the agricultural sector, which contributes 14.7% of GDP,” said the President of the Republic in an address at the opening of the National Agriculture Conference, held at the Palais des Nations, under the theme “Agriculture: for sustainable food security”.

In this regard, he said that food security had become “a safety valve” to which governments remain attached, placing it at the top of their priorities and at the heart of their strategy, considering that the State relies on the agricultural sector to free itself from dependence on hydrocarbon revenues.

Referring to cereal production, which he described as a ” basic sector ” in view of the shortage in Europe, President Tebboune stressed the need to provide ” exact statistics ” on cereal production, recalling the imperative ” digitisation of the agricultural sector in order to accurately define production figures and exploit agricultural land “.

In the same line, he pointed out that the use of the potentialities and assets would allow switching to the export of cereals, by increasing the production.

The meeting, which was attended by senior state officials, members of the government and representatives of the agricultural sector, aimed to highlight the main achievements of the sector in recent years, to strengthen the gains made in the various agricultural sectors and to pursue measures to ensure sustainable food security.

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune: Algeria able to achieve food self-sufficiency by 2024-2025.(APS,01/03/2023)

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune stressed Tuesday the importance of the cereal industry to meet the country’s food security, adding that Algeria, through its potential and assets, is able to achieve food self-sufficiency by 2024-2025.

“I think we are not far from achieving food autonomy. We still have a few steps to go and we will surely reach it without any constraints. We will reach self-sufficiency by 2024-2025,” said President Tebboune in his speech at the opening of the national agriculture conference on the theme “Agriculture: for sustainable food security”, stressing that the independence of political decisions in countries is dependent on ensuring their food security.

President Tebboune welcomed the positive results achieved in recent years by the agricultural sector, which “contributed more than 14.7% to the GDP in 2022, where the value of agricultural production reached nearly 4550 billion DA, an increase of 38% compared to 2021.

Food needs are covered by national production at a rate of 75%, the President of the Republic said, adding that the agricultural sector currently employs more than 2.7 million workers.

The President of the Republic spoke of the modernisation of the sector, stressing the need to provide accurate figures on cereal production.

“The state, which intends to regain its economic strength, particularly in the agricultural sector, must provide accurate figures,” he said, arguing that the government’s emphasis on “statistics does not mean that we want to increase taxes, but it is to develop strategies.

Regarding the cereal sector, the President of the Republic affirmed that Algeria “is able to produce, by exploiting all its potential, a minimum of 60 quintals/hectare on average”, adding that the sector can “produce significant quantities of cereals, mainly in the south”.

Stressing the imperative of achieving “a breakthrough in the agricultural sector”, President Tebboune called on the Ministry of Agriculture ” to be active and to engage farmers so as not to miss out on the available opportunities”.

Algeria “is on the verge of achieving food sovereignty and has only a few steps left to take to reach self-sufficiency by 2025,” he said.

He added that for the vegetable and fruit sector, significant efforts are made even for the production of exotic fruits, stressing, however, the need to find “a definitive solution for the problem of agricultural land and to focus on the diversification of production in the various agricultural sectors to increase the income of the agricultural sector and consequently our reserves.

Among the indicators of deployed efforts on the ground, the President of the Republic adds, the achievement by the Algerian farmer of a good productivity in many sectors such as the argan, rapeseed, olive oil, sugar and other sectors, stressing the importance of reaching self-sufficiency and moving towards export.

President Tebboune encouraged young people to move into agriculture as part of start-ups, saying that “the doors are open to young university graduates specialising in the field to put their ideas into action”.

Stressing the need to “put in place a consumption strategy for agricultural products through storage in refrigerated chambers”, the President of the Republic maintained that farmers in Algeria have achieved a good yield in the cultivation of potatoes, hence the “stability of prices for the product”.

Regarding forest resources, President Tebboune said that “the revival of the green dam is an important idea, but nothing prevents, he said, that its rehabilitation is done with agricultural products, highlighting the imperative of mastering livestock breeding through the “exploitation of grasslands and the use of modern techniques while examining the possibility of improving breeds.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune honours farmers in recognition of their efforts to serve the sector.(APS,01/03/2023)

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, honored farmers in Algiers on Tuesday, recognition of their efforts to promote the agricultural sector and improve its performance in achieving food security.

In the margins of the opening ceremony of the National Agricultural Conference, at the Palais des Nations, the President of the Republic presented certificates of honor to Mr. Hadjadj Mahmoud, pioneer in the production of cereal seeds in El-Meniaa, Mr. Abdelatif Dilmi, Secretary General of the National Union of Algerian Peasants (UNPA), farmer and producer of milk and derivatives and one of the founders of the Hodna dairy and Mr. Azzaoui Djillali Ould Cheikh, President of the National Federation of Livestock Breeders.

President Tebboune also honored Mr. Hakim Alileche, organic olive grower in Jelfa, Ms Nadhira Oulebsir, vegetable and aromatic oil producer in Souk Ahras, Ms Halima Khaled, director of an experimental farm in the wilaya of El Meghaier, and Madjidi Driss, developer of software and digital applications for the agricultural sector in the wilaya of M’sila.

The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane: The recommendations of the National Conference on Agriculture will be submitted to the Council of Ministers.(APS,01/03/2023)

ALGIERS- The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane affirmed that the recommendations of the National Meetings of Agriculture which are held, Tuesday in Algiers, will be submitted to the Council of Ministers for their evaluation by the President of the Republic, so that they do not remain "dead letters".

In his speech at the closing of the work of the National Conference on Agriculture, which was held at the Palais des Nations in Algiers under the slogan "Agriculture: sustainable food security", Mr. Benabderrahmane affirmed that the recommendations will be debated at the level of the Government meeting, before submitting them to the Council of Ministers, in order to ensure their implementation on the ground.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is called, as the supervising Ministry, to define a timetable "not exceeding 12 months" for the application of the recommendations of the workshops organized within the framework of these Assizes which are held under the high patronage of the President of the Republic, added Mr. Benabderrahmane.

The Prime Minister stressed that the development of the timetable for the implementation of these recommendations, which are of great "importance", must be carried out in coordination with the other ministerial departments, including that of Finance, Trade, Fisheries and 'Industry.

The Prime Minister praised the quality of the interventions of the various players in the sector at the workshops organized within the framework of these meetings and it was "an opportunity to reinforce the achievements and evaluate the expected objectives while taking into account the current and future challenges related to food security and national security of Algeria".

The recommendations resulting from these Assizes will enable the government to draw up a strategy to develop the agricultural sector "on solid foundations and credible data reflecting the economic reality", with a view to achieving the objectives set out following an approach based on safeguarding the interests of farmers and herders who contribute to the achievement of food security.

Emphasizing the State's commitment to restoring farmers' confidence in the administration, the Prime Minister recalled the speech by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune at the opening of the Assizes, for having given " a strong message calling for a break with old practices".

Algeria exported nearly 70,000 tons of vegetables and fruits in less than a year.(APS,01/03/2023)

ALGIERS- The Minister of Trade and Export Promotion, Kamel Rezig, announced Tuesday in Algiers the export of nearly 70,000 tons of fruits and vegetables for more than 63 million dollars during the first 11 months of 2022.

In his speech at the National Conference on Agriculture, held at the Palais des Nations (Club des Pins), Mr. Rezig said that 69,700 tonnes of fruit and vegetables were exported during the first 11 months of the year. elapsed, for $63.4 million.

Algeria exported 83,200 tons of fruit and vegetables in 2021 for 82.4 million dollars, against 78,500 tons (75.4 million usd) in 2020.

According to the Minister, Algeria has put in place a strategy for the marketing of these products through the development of a program to improve and activate the marketing networks by supporting the marketing of fruits and vegetables through the wholesale markets and detail, reporting the completion of 7 new contracts by the public economic company (EPE) "MAGRO", received over the past 3 years across the four corners of the country.

The total number of wholesale markets for vegetables and fruits has reached 51 markets at the national level while waiting for the reception of the new wholesale market carried out at the level of the wilaya of Guelma.

Fruit and vegetable retail distribution spaces cover 880 markets across the country.

Mr. Rezig reported 5,081 intermediaries wholesale traders in the field of wholesale distribution of fruits and vegetables, 35,502 retail traders at the national level and 54,610 itinerant traders of fruits and vegetables.

Traders in the sale of meat are 5,252 wholesale traders and 39,691 retail traders, spread over the national market, according to the minister.

The trade sector recorded, for the year 2022, the import of 145,000 head of live cattle (ovines, bovines, camelina and goats) within the framework of border barter capable of supporting the supply of the northern wilayas .

Mr. Rezig mentioned the supply of milk and the development policy for this sector, recalling the battery of measures taken in this context, including the development and updating of the national map of distribution of dairies under agreement with the Office National Interprofessional Milk and Dairy Products Association (ONIL), which brings together 2,267 distributors and 39,674 retailers, and the determination of the list of non-contracted dairies, of which there are 118 nationally.

He also cited the ban on the sale of subsidized milk by economic operators and the ban on its inclusion in the procurement process under public contracts.

The Minister also recalled the joint roadmap drawn up by the Ministries of Agriculture and Trade to ensure the continuous supply throughout the year of agricultural products (vegetables, fruits and meats), the establishment a joint control system to monitor the traceability of agricultural products stored within the framework of the regulatory system and the creation of a joint monitoring unit responsible for monitoring the situation on the market and the price levels of agricultural products on a daily basis the markets to be able to intervene and avoid the disturbances at the origin of speculation and monopoly.

Algeria takes part in the celebration of the Arab Day of Cultural Heritage in Cairo.(APS,01/03/2023)

CAIRO - Algeria took part in the celebration of the Arab Day of Cultural Heritage, organized by the Arab League at its headquarters in Cairo (Egypt), in cooperation with the Emirati Heritage Institute of Sharjah.

During this event, which began on Sunday under the slogan "Popular heritage in the Arab world", the Algerian delegation highlighted Algeria's achievements in this area, particularly with regard to the census, documentation, classification and enhancement of the national heritage and protecting it from theft, highlighting the efforts of the public authorities in supporting national associations to animate festivals and popular activities, but also to link them to the tourism sector.

In the same context, the Algerian representative mentioned the national museums and national cultural parks that Algeria had built, across the entire national territory, in addition to the classification of the United Nations Educational Organization , science and culture (UNESCO) of a number of elements relating to Algerian intangible cultural heritage in its list of world heritage.

At the Arab level, the Algerian proposal for the creation of an "Arab Center for Archeology and Civilizational Heritage" in Tipasa, in coordination with the Arab Organization for Education, Culture and Science (ALECSO), was recalled.

This event was punctuated by the participation of the Algerian community established in Egypt, and this, to make known the outfits and the traditional Algerian jewels.

"Sahel Call": Participants adopt Algeria's comprehensive approach to counterterrorism.(APS,01/03/2023)

ALGIERS-Participants at the closing session of the second meeting of the “Sahel Call” affirmed the adoption of Algeria's comprehensive approach to the fight against terrorism as a pioneering model, calling for the need to distinguish between religion, violent extremism, and terrorism.

"Algeria has adopted, from the outset, a comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism in Africa, and has repeatedly stressed that the resolution of problems, especially in Africa, can only be done by Africa itself,” said the Speaker of the People's National Assembly (Lower House), Brahim Boughali at a press conference, held jointly with the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Duarte Pacheco.

Algeria was "one of the first countries to call, from the early stages of terrorism, to set aside the security approach which is insufficient to eradicate this scourge, and to integrate the economic, cultural and social aspects to address the real causes of religious extremism and terrorism.”

The underdevelopment, the vulnerability of the basic infrastructures, the deterioration of the cultural and educational level, and the lack of healthcare facilities further fuel the scourge of extremism and terrorism, which certainly have no nationality or borders, he stated.

“Hence the need for financial assistance to contribute to the development of the economies of the countries in the region so as to give hope to young people and prevent them from joining such networks, after having lost hope for a decent life in their own countries.”

Regarding the religious approach, Boughali stressed that "Algeria has experience in this area, through the Zaouia Tidjania which had the merit of spreading Islam in Nigeria," emphasizing the importance of "transposing the religious model based on moderation from the religious referent of Algeria which advocates moderation, coexistence, peace and stability in our countries.”

For the Lower House speaker, the fight against terrorism and the drying up of its sources can be achieved through the implementation of "a strategy oriented towards the effective mobilization to support security and achieve the goals of sustainable development (SDGs), especially, education and teaching.”

In this regard, he affirmed that "Algeria’s experience was a pioneering model in the fight against terrorism in that it is part of regional and international efforts to promote the development and coordination under the global counter-terrorism strategy of the United Nations and other regional mechanisms," recalling that Algeria is among "the founders of the global forum on counter-terrorism.”

Boughali stated that "the Sahel is a bastion to prevent the spread of insecurity and instability in other regions of the world," expressing the wish to see parliamentarians support the approach to prevention and resolution of crises, and eradication of factors that feed terrorism to give hope to young people in the Sahel to achieve development and a decent life.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune receives the Secretary of the Security Council of Russia.(APS,28/02/2023)

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Supreme Chief of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defence, received on Monday the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Mr. Nikolaï Patrouchev, according to a statement of the Presidency of the Republic.

The audience took place at the headquarters of the Presidency of the Republic, in presence of the Chief of Staff of the National People’s Army (ANP), General Saïd Chanegriha, the Director of Cabinet at the Presidency of the Republic, Mr. Abdelaziz Khellaf, and the Adviser to the President of the Republic in charge of Defence and Security Affairs, Mr. Boumediene Benattou.

Investment: Over 1,175 projects registered between November 2021 and February 2023.(APS,28/02/2023)

TIPASA - The number of investments registered with the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (AAPI) reached 1,175 projects, from November 2021 to mid-February, unveiled Monday in Tipasa, its Director General, Omar Rekkache.

"The projects registered with the AAPI, since the entry into force of the investment law in November 2021, represent an overall investment value estimated at more than 389 billion DA, and have enabled the creation of more than 30,000 jobs", indicated Mr. Rekkache, during the regional symposium on investment, organized at the University Center of Tipasa under the title "Investment to devote an efficient economic approach".

He made the case, in this regard, of 29 foreign investment projects, including 11 foreign direct investments and 18 projects within the framework of partnerships, stressing that the investment climate in Algeria is "conducive and encouraging for operators". .

"There are also advanced contacts with foreign investors, including large companies, for the launch of new projects in Algeria," he added.

Mr. Rekkache also estimated that "investment in Algeria will become very attractive for projects", following the "revision and enrichment of the draft law on economic land defining the conditions for granting economic land under domain of the State, as dictated by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, during the Ministerial Council of last January 24".

He reiterated, on this occasion, "AAPI's commitment to accompany and support investors and project leaders".

In turn, the Wali of Tipasa, Mr. Aboubakr Seddik Boucetta revealed that the strategy developed since November 2021, has enabled the identification of 28 investment projects with a total value of 18 billion DA, in the development phase. exploitation in Tipasa, and having enabled the creation of 4,000 jobs.

The Wilaya Commission in charge of smoothing out obstacles for investors, has regularized 12 projects, worth an estimated 4 billion DA, and having enabled the creation of 2,000 jobs. It has also granted 9 exceptional operating authorizations to December 2022, for an overall investment of more than 3.5 billion DA, and having enabled the creation of 1,820 jobs.

On the sidelines of this symposium initiated by the services of the wilaya, in coordination with the AAPI, an exhibition was organized with the participation of more than forty investors and economic operators from the wilayas of Tipasa, Algiers and Blida. , in addition to companies specializing in new pesticide technologies, vegetable oil extraction, cheese production and others.

The Director General of the Startup Financing Fund, Hachani Okba, also took part in this meeting, alongside executives from the General Directorate of Taxes, with the aim of facilitating communications on the role of each participating organization and on the facilitations granted to investors to contribute to the construction of a strong national economy.

"This meeting aims to promote the new law on investment and the implementing texts accompanying it, in the same way as on national organizations with a strategic dimension, and the promotion of national production, while constituting a space for an exchange of contacts and experiences between economic operators", indicated the organizers.

Water desalination plants to contribute up to 60% of drinking water supply by 2030.(APS,28/02/2023)

ALGIERS- Minister of Public Works, Hydraulics and Infrastructures Lakhdar Rekhroukh affirmed Monday, in Algiers, that the national water strategy aims to further strengthen the country’s water security, by increasing the quota of desalinated water to 60% of the total rate of drinking water supply by 2030.

In his presentation before the Committee on National Defense of the People’s National Assembly, chaired by Ahmed Belalem, in the presence of Minister of Relations with the Parliament Besma Azouar, Rekhroukh said that “the rate of desalinated water compared to drinking water needs is currently estimated at about 18%, and will increase to 42% in 2024 with the commissioning of five seawater desalination plants, currently under construction.”

“By 2030, and with the commissioning of six (06) other desalination plants whose construction works will be launched in 2025, the rate of drinking water coming from desalination activity will reach 60% of national needs,” said the minister.

For the non-conventional water resources, Rekhroukh said that they constitute a “basic solution” to provide drinking water, while the main objective of the national strategy consists in “providing permanently drinking water to the inhabitants living in the national northern strip.

In this regard, he underlined that this move is part of the implementation of the decision of the President of the Republic, taken during the Council of ministers held on 25 July 2021, on the generalization of seawater desalination in the whole northern region of the country.

He underscored that the objective of this strategy consists in the development of the investment of water resources to protect them from pollution and exhaustion, in addition to their optimal exploitation to achieve sustainable development of water security, in parallel with the development of policies and legislations in this field.

Algeria- European Union: Seminar on the integration of renewable energies into the electricity network in Algiers.(APS,28/02/2023)

ALGIERS - A Seminar on the massive integration of renewable energies into the Algerian electricity network was organized in Algiers, in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union (EU), with the aim of presenting the results achieved in the field of energy renewables and to plan for future avenues of development, a joint press release said on Monday.

"As part of the implementation of the strategic partnership between Algeria and the European Union in the energy sector, through the program 'Taka Nadifa' (clean energy), the Ministry of Energy and Mines, organized, in partnership with the Ministry of the Environment and Renewable Energies and the Delegation of the European Union in Algeria, a thematic visibility seminar entitled 'Towards a massive integration of renewable energies into the Algerian electricity network'", said the same source.

"After nearly four years of implementation, the Taka Nadifa program has enabled the national party to acquire knowledge and expertise, which can be duplicated and sustained," the statement said, stressing that "the general objective of this event was to present the intermediate results achieved in the field of renewable energies, mainly electrical on the one hand and on the other hand to project on future avenues of development".

The work was presented in concert with the main players concerned, namely the Ministry of Energy and Mines, the Ministry of the Environment and Renewable Energies, the Energy and Gas Regulatory Commission, Sonelgaz and its subsidiaries (OS, Sonelgaz Distribution, Sonelgaz-Renewable Energies and Sonelgaz-Electricity Transport), and several national organizations active in the sector (agencies, centers), is mentioned in the document.

Thus, the Seminar, held on Sunday, offered an "opportunity to exchange experiences between national players who are active in the field of renewable energies and European experts on the integration of renewable energies into the transmission and distribution network, support mechanisms for renewable energies in Algeria and capacity building for the integration of renewable energies".

In addition, this seminar was concluded by a round table on the theme of the various levers of flexibility offered by recent mature technologies (electric vehicle, intelligent building, green hydrogen and international direct current electrical interconnections), we added. from the same source, explaining that "these technological assets associated with economic and operational models are the foundation for a harmonious large-scale integration of renewable-based systems".

According to the press release, the discussion that took place during this round table "mainly focused on the needs and means of deploying flexibility in Algeria".

With a budget of €11 million, including €10 million from the EU contribution and €1 million from Algeria, Taka Nadifa takes place over a period 4 years (April 2019- April 2023).

The program aims to support Algeria in the development of institutional and regulatory mechanisms favorable to the deployment of renewable energies and the promotion of energy efficiency, in particular through the acquisition of a clear vision of the power levels of parks. wind and solar power that can be integrated into the Algerian electricity system.

"The support of the program with regard to renewable energies takes the form of strengthening the technical and management capacities of national institutions in terms of the integration of high-power wind and solar farms into the interconnected network and the development of distributed production of small power electricity from RE and cogeneration projects", it was also recalled in the press release.

International exhibition in Algiers of security systems, environmental protection and fire prevention.(APS,27/02/2023)

ALGIERS - The 4th International Exhibition of Security, Environmental Protection and Fire Protection Systems (2SPRO), opened its doors on Sunday at the Palais des Expositions (Pins maritimes, Algiers), with the participation of more than 50 exhibitors .

The Fair, inaugurated by the Director General of Industrial Competitiveness at the Ministry of Industry, Abdelaziz Guend, lasts 4 days (until March 1), where 51 local and foreign exhibitors from Tunisia, France and Italy present solutions related to industrial risk prevention and fire protection.

On the sidelines of the event, a study day was organized on industrial safety, during which Mr. Guend affirmed that industrial safety in places of industrial activity is a priority in the development and implementation policies of the Industry sector, recalling the mobilization of many legislative texts and regulatory and technical measures necessary to avoid accidents and reduce their risks by insisting on "the continuous improvement of the level of safety of economic installations and the promotion and the consolidation of the safety culture at work".

In this context, the official recalled Law 20/04 relating to the prevention of major risks and disaster management in the context of sustainable development and Executive Decree No. 335-09 determining the methods for the development and implementation of implementation of internal intervention plans, in addition to the creation of the National Delegation for Major Risks, the support and accompaniment of operators of industrial installations, and the development of an industrial safety management system in accordance with international standards in force in this field (ISO 45000).

In this context, he underlined the importance of "strict compliance" with legislative and regulatory measures relating to industrial safety within companies aimed at ensuring an optimal level of safety of the economic installations concerned in order to best protect work and production infrastructure.

During this meeting, he emphasized the importance of exchanging expertise and consultation on occupational safety, with a view to raising the level of awareness of the risks incurred by industrial installations, in particular those who use dangerous chemicals, but also oversee the organization relating to internal intervention and safety plans.

The manager also insisted on the imperative to show "appropriate, responsible and vigilant behavior on the part of the workers, in order to avoid any possible accident".

Companies subject to risks, he said, are called upon to adopt, voluntarily, an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system, encouraging economic establishments to join this operation in order to ensure an adequate level prevention and protection of industrial installations".

He recalled that the Ministry of Industry assumed approximately 80% of the costs of the "ISO 45,000" S&ST.

For his part, the central director at the Ministry of Industry, in charge of industrial safety and environmental protection, Nehiti Yassine said that "a large part of the accidents are due to an error committed by the human element, in addition to the problem of non-compliance of equipment, electrical in particular, with safety standards".

In addition, some companies do not include safety rules in their management plan, which is another factor responsible for these accidents.

The Fair knows the participation of the various authorities concerned, like Customs, the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) and Civil Protection, in addition to the Algerian National Institute of Industrial Property (INAPI), the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (AAPI) and the National Agency for Intermediation and Land Regulation (ANIREF).

Importation of vehicles less than 3 years old: The implementing text published in the Official Journal.(APS,28/02/2023)

ALGIERS - The terms and conditions of customs clearance and conformity control of used passenger and utility vehicles, less than 3 years old, acquired by resident individuals, have been set by an Executive Decree published in the Official Journal n 11.

According to this Executive Decree No. 23-74 signed on February 20 by the Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane, the resident individual (any natural person residing in Algeria) is authorized to acquire from natural or legal persons a second-hand vehicle for its circulation in Algeria, "only once every three years", from the date of the declaration of its release for consumption.

A second-hand vehicle is understood to mean any used passenger or utility vehicle whose age "does not exceed three years", between the date of its first entry into service and the date of subscription of the declaration of its for home use.

However, it is authorized to import only private, passenger or utility vehicles, electric or with a reciprocating engine, spark ignition (gasoline) or hybrid (gasoline and electric), according to the text, thus excluding vehicles running on diesel.

The importation of second-hand vehicles by resident individuals "is carried out using their own currencies", according to the same decree, which also specifies that customs clearance for the release for consumption of second-hand vehicles is subject to the payment of duties and taxes payable, in accordance with the legislation in force.

Regarding the eligibility conditions for second-hand vehicles, "they must be in good working order, must not have any major or critical defects and must meet regulatory requirements in terms of safety and the environment and, if necessary, to the manufacturer's standards", underlines the same source adding that in the event of non-compliance of the vehicle noted by the expert approved by the ministry in charge of mines, "the vehicle must be re-exported at the expense of the individual resident importer , where applicable, the vehicle is handled in accordance with customs laws and regulations".

Imported second-hand vehicles are temporarily admitted to the national territory subject to the issuance of a customs clearance document valid for a period of one month, non-extendable, we read in the same text.

Concerning the customs clearance file for the release for consumption of the vehicle, the executive decree stipulates that it must be introduced at the level of the customs office of entry or the customs office with territorial jurisdiction, in relation to the residence of the resident individual.

The file must contain a copy of the identity document of the resident individual or a copy of the residence card for foreigners, a certificate of residence of the resident individual, a certificate of registration of the vehicle abroad or any other document equivalent, a document certifying the transfer of ownership of the vehicle, purchase invoice and/or sales contract, a document dating from less than three months, justifying the good working order of the vehicle, drawn up by an authorized body in the country of its registration and the conformity expert report drawn up by the expert approved by the Ministry in charge of mines.

Furthermore, it is indicated that, subject to the rules of reciprocity, the provisions of this decree also apply to passenger vehicles transferred to resident individuals, by foreign diplomatic or consular representations and representations of international organizations accredited in Algeria , as well as their agents.

By virtue of this Decree, a national file must be created at the level of the customs administration, relating to the operations of import and acquisition of second-hand vehicles, carried out by resident individuals.

As for second-hand vehicles introduced into the national territory for a temporary stay in a tourist context, it is indicated that "they are excluded from the benefit of the provisions of this Decree".

Preventing violent extremism in the Sahel: Algeria’s experience is widely praised.(APS,28/02/2023)

Religious experts and scholars praised Algeria’s experience in countering violent extremism and addressing the factors leading to it in Algiers on Monday, calling on “the countries of the Sahel and Africa to follow the Algerian approach.

” In a statement to the SPA on the sidelines of the 2nd meeting of the “Call for the Sahel” series of meetings that have been taking place since Sunday, the former Secretary General and founding member of the League of Arab States Yucef Mecheria, a Sahel scholar, preacher, and imam (LOPIS), said Algeria’s approach to countering violent extremism is exemplary in that it has captured the phenomenon from all sides.

“Algeria has addressed violent extremism politically and economically. In its plans to combat this scourge, it has always advocated dialog, the involvement of experts and the handling of problems,” he said, considering that dialog was “the real key to combating this scourge.” According to the Islamic scholar, the latest move by the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, by devoting $1 billion to support development in African states through the Algerian Agency for International Cooperation for Solidarity and Development, is in line with Algeria’s successful approach against violent extremism, namely to address the factors leading to this scourge, including poverty and underdevelopment. Noting that the meeting was an opportunity for the countries present to learn from Algeria’s experience, Mecheria denounced the interference of certain foreign countries in the Sahel regions.

“Foreign interference is the main reason for violent extremism,” he said. For his part, LOPIS member and president of the League of Preachers of Côte d’Ivoire, Ibrahim Koné, said Algeria’s experience in countering violent extremism is a model to follow in that it teaches that “relying on oneself in countering extremism pays.”

“Algeria has fought extremism alone and has succeeded. Today, it is at peace. It advances peacefully with its men and institutions without being worried by anyone. This shows that Africa can also take care of itself without waiting for other parties to come to its rescue,” he said, noting that countries in the Sahel have much to offer to defeat violent extremism.

“The problem of defining concepts does not arise in the Sahel countries. We have a consensus definition of Islam, extremism, radicalism,” he noted, but called for countries in the region to be more practical and pragmatic on the ground. “In the Sahel region, there has been too much talk, too much talk and too much demonstration. Now is the time to take the next step, which is to put our expertise into practice,” he said.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune grants interview to national media representatives.(APS,24/02/2023)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune has granted an interview to the representatives of national media.

During the interview, the president of the Republic tackled topics relating to the social front, in addition to political, economic and diplomatic issues.

Press, powerful tool to enshrine democracy, fight against attempts targeting

President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune affirmed that the press is “a powerful tool to enshrine the democracy and fight against attempts targeting Algeria,” calling on the Algerian journalists to “impose themselves” and unveil the exploitation attempts orchestrated from abroad.

In his periodic meeting with the representatives of the national media, broadcast Friday evening on the national television channels and radio stations, President Tebboune affirmed that the national press can be “exemplary and influential” in the Mediterranean region, in view of the potential and assets it possesses.

In this regard, he denounced the allegations of some foreign sides according to which “the real democratic journalists are outside Algeria,” affirming that these sides underestimate the 8,500 journalists, the 180 daily papers, and the 20 private televisions that the sector counts.

Reaffirming his support to the national press, the President of the Republic said that the closure of some television channels is a response to “the blackmail used by their owners.”

Wage increase takes effect before holy month of Ramadan

President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune said the decided wage increase will take effect before the holy month of Ramadan.

In excerpts from the interview with the representatives of national media, to be aired Friday evening on national TV and radio stations as well as private-owned TV channels, the president of the Republic said the pay increase announced would take effect before the month of Ramadan.

He also raised the trade union right, stressing that "it is constitutionally guaranteed."

In addition, President Tebboune said the digitization "will become reality, by the will or by force of circumstances," adding that "Now my enemy is the lack of development."

In the social aspect, he said there will be no demolition or expulsion from illegally occupied houses during winter.

Structuring projects : President Tebboune orders to accelerate pace of works

President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune gave orders to speed up the pace of the execution of structuring projects, affirming that he doesn’t accept any laxity in their implementation.

In his periodic meeting with the representatives of the national media, broadcast on Friday evening on the national television channels and radio stations, President Tebboune said that “the city of Sidi Abdallah,” for example, was an arid land, but it has become, within 4 years and a half, a city of 250,000 inhabitants. How is it possible that the deadlines for the completion of a 700-km railway line could extend until 2030?.”

“The construction of a railway line of 700km in seven years at a rate of 200km/day…..We also have the example of the rail line linking El Mohammadia to Bechar, whose restoration lasted 11 years, which is inconceivable,” said the President of the Republic who affirmed that he rejects “this logic.”

He pointed out that Algeria is experiencing nowadays “a revolution” in terms of development, which requires eliminating bureaucracy and speeding up the pace of work by resorting to modern execution means.

“The laxity of any administration or research department is henceforth intolerable. We are about to make a revolution, it is not an ordinary operation. What was achieved before in one year must now be carried out in two or three months, in accordance with all the norms in force,” he warned.

President Tebboune stresses importance of digitization in countering corruption, bureaucracy

President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune affirmed Friday that digitization is one of the necessary mechanisms to fight against corruption and bureaucracy, adding that the State is resolutely committed to giving concrete expression to this move in order to ensure integrity and transparency.

In his periodic meeting with the representatives of the national media, broadcast on Friday evening on the national television channels and radio stations, President Tebboune said that “the mechanisms of fight against corruption are known by everyone,” emphasizing the key role of the digitization as a “important means of fight against the bureaucracy and corruption.”

“Digitization is real and reliable. It doesn’t lie and falsify data and provides the necessary speed to solve the problems” by giving exact figures, he said

The Head of State considered that the absence of digitization is a “deliberate act” likely to lead to bureaucracy and corruption, affirming that digitization will become “a reality.”

The President of the Republic committed to implementing the different projects that he promised to the Algerian people.

Import restriction shouldn’t be done to detriment of citizens’ needs

President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune affirmed that the restriction of imports shouldn’t be done to the detriment of meeting the citizens’ basic needs.

In his periodic meeting with the representatives of the national media, broadcast on Friday evening on the national television channels and radio stations, President Tebboune underlined that “shortages in the market are unacceptable given the availability of the local production and the authorization of importation”, underscoring that “the rationalization of imports- as affirmed several times- shouldn’t be done to the detriment of the citizens’ needs.”

The commitments of some sectors to save amounts by limiting imports “is an excellent measure provided that it doesn’t cause shortage in the market,” said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

For the Head of State, the substitution of imports must occur once the local production increases, and its availability and capacity to meet the needs are confirmed, which requires, he added, resorting to the digitization of the management.

In this respect, he underlined the coercive measures provided for in the law on the fight against illicit speculation which can lead to life imprisonment, pointing out that “the protection of citizens is a fundamental issue.”

Warning against the political exploitation of shortages, President Tebboune stressed that “those who exploit the citizens’ food for political purposes will pay a high price.”

Attempts to destabilize Algeria doomed to failure

President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune warned Friday against the repeated attempts to destabilize Algeria, stressing that they are doomed to failure thanks to the State’s institutions and its citizens’ political maturity.

“Algeria is targeted by all sides because it is a country that doesn’t accept submission and the Algerian citizens are proud of their State which is progressing with the head held high among the nations,” which disturbs “some sides,” affirmed President Tebboune in his periodic meeting with the representatives of the national media, broadcast on Friday evening on the national television channels and radio stations.

“These sides avoid direct confrontation and act under cover of non-governmental organizations, some of which are affiliated to the intelligence services of their countries,” said President Tebboune, calling on these sides to “take interest in the violations committed in Palestine, leaving dozens dead every day, instead of interfering for spies working against their country.”

“We will not be subject to such pressure,” he affirmed.

“Algeria experiences destabilization attempts about every five years, but it faces them thanks to its institutions and political maturity of its citizens, who are careful not to fall into the trap,” he stressed.

“Those who work against their own countries have no attachment to Algeria,” he said, adding “to what extent are these people able to betray their own country, even if some shortcomings and errors are recorded.”

As regards the fight against corruption, President Tebboune underlined that this issue “is not related to a particular campaign such as that called “the white hands.” However, he affirmed that “anyone found guilty of corruption will be brought to justice.”

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune receives Presidents, representatives of Malian political Movements.(APS,27/02/2023)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune received Sunday, in Algiers, the Presidents and representatives of Malian political Movements.

“We thank President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for this warm welcome and we hail Algeria’s role in the peace and reconciliation process in Mali, and also for the establishment of security and peace in the country,” said the spokesman of the heads and representatives of the political movements of Mali at the end of the audience.

Welcoming the role played by Algeria in “the resolution of issues in Mali,” he said that the meeting enabled underlining Algeria’s firm commitments for a “new momentum to peace in the region.”

In this regard, he extended his thanks to Algeria for its role in the region.

The audience took place at the headquarters of the Presidency of the Republic, in the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Ramtane Lamamra and the Principal Private Secretary to the Presidency of the Republic Abdelaziz Khellaf.

Algerian diplomacy is regaining its position, says President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune.(APS,25/02/2023)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune affirmed that Algeria is regaining the prestige of its diplomacy, underling that all the countries dealing with Algeria recognize that it’s a source of stability.

In his periodic meeting with the representatives of the national media, broadcast Friday evening on the national television channels and radio stations, President Tebboune underlined that Algerian diplomacy is underpinned by a strong economy and security stability.

“All the countries dealing with Algeria recognize that it is a source of stability, despite the tensions troubling some regions on the borders,” he said.

In this regard, President Tebboune referred to the organization by Algeria of the Arab Summit in November, pointing out that “any event organized by Algeria has a special value, at the African, European and Mediterranean levels,” thanks to the “history of Algeria, worthy of respect,” underlining “the unpredictable faux pas” of the Algerian diplomacy during the last decade.

He underscored the Algerian aid for the African countries through the Algerian Agency of the International Cooperation for Solidarity and Development, stressing that it will be destined to finance development projects in various African countries.

Concerning the Libyan crisis, President Tebboune affirmed that all the “old” tested methods have been unsuccessful and have proven that the Algerian approach is correct in terms of resolving the crisis in this neighboring country. An approach based on a solution decided by the Libyan themselves, through the organization of elections and the choice of their representatives.

As regards of the issues of Western Sahara, “unresolved since 1975,” President Tebboune said that the Sahrawi President Brahim Ghali is among the personalities who took part in discussions with the Moroccan side, which were about to reach a settlement to this issue during the reign of King Hassan II, by things got complicated afterwards.

The President of the Republic affirmed that the relations with Italy, which date back to the pre-independence period, are growing stronger, underlining that the two countries have always had good relations.

Concerning Algeria-Spain relations, President Tebboune said that Spain has made a misstep on the issue of Western Sahara, dubbing “unfriendly act” this move.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community abroad, Mr. Amar Belani receives UK's Minister of State for Armed Forces.(APS,27/02/2023)

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community abroad, Mr. Amar Belani received Sunday at the headquarters of the Ministry, Mr. James Stephen Heappey, Deputy Minister of Defense for the UK Armed Forces, and Member of Parliament who is on a visit to Algeria.

On this occasion, the two sides held extensive discussions on the state of Algerian-British relations and ways to strengthen and raise them to levels reflecting the capacities and ambitions of the two friendly countries.

The Algerian-British consultations, focused on cooperation between the two countries in the security field, the two parties have welcomed in this context, the successful bilateral coordination in this sensitive area, and expressed their common desire to develop and expand in the future, especially in light of the major challenges imposed by the vulnerable and unstable security situation in the Sahel region.

On another level, the Algerian-British talks focused on several regional and international issues of common interest, including the situation in Libya, Mali and the Sahel region in general.

In this regard, the British high-level official welcomed the significant efforts made by Algeria to restore stability and security in Mali and Libya, expressing the deep interest of his country to the Algerian inclusive approach to achieve security in the Sahel region.

He also expressed the concern of his country to increase cooperation and coordination with Algeria and all relevant international partners to implement this approach, to restore stability and security and raise the level of development in this sensitive region.

Regarding the issue of Western Sahara, the Algerian and British parties affirmed their support for the efforts of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General for Western Sahara, Staffan De Mistura, aimed at encouraging the two parties to the conflict to relaunch the negotiation process with a view to achieving a permanent political solution, mutually acceptable, ensuring the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination, in accordance with the principles of international law.

Ulemas and preachers commend Algeria’s support to Muslim peoples.(APS,27/02/2023)

ORAN-Arab and Muslim ulama and preachers participating in the International Conference on "Civism, Awareness, Action and Coexistence", held Saturday in Oran, commended the support of the Algerian government and people to Muslim peoples and just causes in the world.

The Egyptian mufti general, Dr. Chawki Brahim Lâalam hailed the role of Algeria, through its institutions and the High Islamic Council, in the service of noble Muslim issues on the international and regional scenes, taking care to highlight the real image of Islam in this conjuncture marked by the attacks of which it is the object.

Dr. Abdellah Benabdelaziz Al Chaker, representative of the World Council of the dâawa, congratulated Algeria and the HCI for the choice of the theme retained for this international congress, affirming that it is "a subject which contributes to promoting individual behavior and collectives of Muslims by bringing them closer to the precepts of Islam and to take the example of those who had succeeded in spreading Islam in several regions of the world thanks to their attitudes and good citizenship".

For his part, the president of the League of Ulemas and Imams of the Sahel countries, Dr. Abibakr Worlmedou also praised "the role of Algeria for its contribution and its assistance in the creation of the League which works to deal with violence , extremism in the Sahel, problems resulting not from religion but from poverty, injustice and ignorance, among others".

The former mufti of Bosnia, Sheikh Mustapha Brahim Tisiric welcomed the support of Algeria to the Bosnian people during the crisis they endured during the 90s by providing them with help and assistance.

The President of the High Islamic Council, Cheikh Bouabdallah Ghlamallah, underlined to the guests of Algeria the unshakable positions of the latter in favor of just causes, whether during the Glorious War of Liberation or after independence when it hosted freedom fighters from different countries of the world. He reaffirmed Algeria's commitment to supporting the peoples' struggle and defending their right to freedom, self-determination, independence and a decent life.

Message of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, on the occasion of the 67th anniversary of the founding of the General Union of Algerian Workers and the 52nd anniversary of the nationalization of hydrocarbons.(APS,24/02/2023)

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has sent a message on the occasion of the 67th anniversary of the founding of the General Union of Algerian Workers and the 52nd anniversary of the nationalization of hydrocarbons. The message reads as follows:

“In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate, and peace and blessings be upon the noblest of Messengers…”

On the occasion of this dual anniversary marking the founding of the General Union of Algerian Workers on February 24, 1956, and the nationalization of hydrocarbons on February 24, 1971, we reflect on the significant historical events and national positions that fuel our willpower and determination to continue forging ahead in our pursuit of establishing a strong national state with a rich history and culture. We are committed to preserving the unity of our people in the face of the ever-changing regional and global landscape, and the challenges posed by hostile attempts to undermine our country. It is essential that we confront these challenges head-on, and stand together in solidarity to safeguard our national interests and sovereignty.

Through its national consciousness, the Algerian people have demonstrated, in the trial it went through during the years of the national tragedy, that it possesses unifying springs, drawn from its glorious history and bitter experience. Today, as we recall a glorious step, when brave men decided to create the stronghold of union struggle under the leadership of valiant revolutionaries, headed by the martyr Aissat Idir, it is our duty to draw inspiration from their sacrifices and love of the homeland. We must continue to walk in their footsteps and uphold their spirit of sacrifice and devotion to the nation.

On this occasion, I pay tribute to all the hardworking women and men who demonstrate selflessness in all sectors and positions, and I join them in honoring the memory of the martyrs of the national duty, led by the martyr Abdelhak Benhamouda and his fellow trade unionists and workers who were murdered by terrorist groups.

We reiterate our support for the working men and women who are leading Algeria towards an era free from corruption, injustice, bureaucratic excesses, and nepotism. We also affirm our constant commitment to the pledge we made to our brave people to mobilize all the material and human resources of the country and its institutions to achieve our strategic objectives, foremost among them the building of a strong and modern economy. An economy based on transparency and competitiveness that unleashes initiatives and ideas to create wealth and jobs while preserving the social character of the state.

We have worked, in this regard, to consolidate this principle through unprecedented measures and provisions, including the establishment of unemployment benefits and salary increases, while ensuring the protection of citizens’ purchasing power through the fight against speculators and those who provoke shortages, who take advantage of opportunities to undermine social stability, especially on the eve of the sacred month of Ramadan.

On this day, we also celebrate the anniversary of the nationalization of hydrocarbons, when engineers and technicians mobilized to support this historic decision and skillfully continued production before passing the torch to their successors, who have competently and professionally increased oil and gas production capacities, enhancing Algeria’s role in the regional and international oil and gas market.

We remain convinced that highly qualified human resources in this vital sector will make a difference in the transition process towards new energies, given that our country has, in addition to the advantages in the energy sources pyramid provided by gas and oil, significant potential in the field of solar energy, a vast electric network, and national and international infrastructures for natural gas transportation, as well as an industrial fabric linked notably to the production of ammonia and hydrogen.

We remain committed to developing a national strategy for hydrogen development, particularly green hydrogen, as we emphasized last year on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of the nationalization of hydrocarbons. This will enable our country to fully engage in the global momentum towards energy and environmental transition. Additionally, the development of the mining sector and the valorization of mineral resources are at the forefront of our priorities, as a crucial choice for diversifying our non-hydrocarbon exports.

In conclusion, I salute all the professionals and workers in the energy and mining sector, while commending the significant efforts of Sonatrach Group for its leading role in a rapidly evolving energy landscape and its critical contributions to the energy transition process.

Long live Algeria, free and proud.

Greatness and glory to our brave martyrs.

May the peace and blessings of God be upon you.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune receives Speaker of Kenya’s National Assembly.(APS,24/02/2023)

ALGIERS-The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune received Thursday the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Kenya, Moses Wetangula, said the Presidency of the Republic in a statement.

The audience took place in the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Ramtane Lamamra, and the Chief of Staff at the Presidency of the Republic, Abdelaziz Khellaf.

Kenya’s Ambassador to Algeria, Peter Katana Angore attended the audience.

Convergence of the positions of Algeria and Kenya on the principle of equality of African States.(APS,24/02/2023)

ALGIERS- The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Kenya, Mr. Moses Watangula, affirmed on Thursday the convergence of the positions of Algeria and those of his country with regard to the principle of equality of African States, as stipulated in the Charter of the African Union (AU) which remains committed to ensuring that no country is under occupation.

In a statement at the end of the audience granted to him by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the Speaker of the Kenyan National Assembly indicated that this meeting made it possible to underline "the position of the two countries concerning the AU, which is committed to the fact that no country is under occupation and to the principle of equality of African States, as stipulated in the charter of the organization".

After delivering President Tebboune a message from his Kenyan counterpart, William Ruto, Mr. Watangula, who previously held the post of Foreign Minister, said he discussed with him issues relating to the development of friendly relations and the exchange expertise between the two countries in the technological field.

He welcomed, in this sense, the decision of the President of the Republic to provide his country with phosphate and fertilizers, Kenya being an agricultural country, in addition to the support of the aid program and consensual prices.

"President Tebboune reaffirmed the need to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, which will allow Kenya to export its products, in particular tea, coffee and roses, and will also allow us to import petroleum products. including oil, gas, fertilizers and other materials from Algeria".

Algeria to remain bastion of human values, defense of sovereignty of countries.(APS,24/02/2023)

ALGIERS-The Minister of Mujahideen and Rights Holders, Laïd Rebiga said Thursday that Algeria would remain the bastion of human values and defense of freedoms, dignity, and sovereignty of Countries.

During a national conference organized by the National Union of Algerian Women (UNFA), at the International Conference Center (CIC), under the theme "From the sacrifices of the chahid to the achievements of the new era", Mr. Rebiga affirmed in a speech read on his behalf by the chief of staff, Hamid Boucharef that "Algeria was and will remain the bastion of human values and the defense of freedoms, dignity, human rights and the sovereignty of countries ", emphasizing that the celebration of the national day of the chahid "is a stopover to gather us in memory of the chouhada who sacrificed their lives for the fatherland".

The Minister reaffirmed the need to continue their path while remaining faithful to the November oath and values.

After recalling the importance of attachment to popular unity and the defense of national sovereignty, Mr. Rebiga underlined that Algeria celebrates this day when it has "recovered its rightful place in the fora of nations straightened its economic institutions, strengthened its sovereign institutions, established solid bridges with international partners and consolidated its constant positions of neutrality and non-alignment".

Civil society in Algeria "has experienced a concrete revival in terms of support for State policy in the anchoring of national identity, the strengthening of the national historical heritage, adherence to the country's development project, through the consecration of the concept of true citizenship and participation in global development", he added, hailing the achievements of the Union as "an integral part of civil society, as well as its struggles for the Algerian woman and her civil law".

For her part, the Secretary General of UNFA, Mrs. Nouria Hafsi affirmed that "the new Algeria is resistant and firm in its positions, out of fidelity to the oath of the chouhada and to the principles for which they sacrificed themselves", affirming that UNFA members "are mobilized in the service of the supreme interests of the nation".

The conference organized on the occasion of the festivities commemorating the 60th anniversary of the recovery of national sovereignty and the national day of the chahid was punctuated by the screening of a documentary film on the sacrifices and achievements of Algerian women.

Algeria participates in the 44th International Tourism Fair in Belgrade.(APS,24/02/2023)

Algeria will participate from Thursday in the 44th edition of the International Tourism Fair to be held in Belgrade (Serbia) until February 26, according to a press release issued by the National Tourism Office (ONT).

This participation is part of “the implementation of the recommendations of the Master Plan of the tourist development for the 2030 and the implementation of the action programme of the sector of tourism and handicraft”, adds the same source.

Algeria’s participation in this international event organised every year in Belgrade will be enhanced by a stand reflecting the diversity of tourism and equipped with all the communication media for the promotion and marketing of the tourism product,” the press release said.

This exhibition is one of the oldest tourism exhibitions in Eastern Europe and the Balkan Peninsula. It is an important event for the promotion of tourism and cultural assets and an opportunity for participating operators to conclude partnership and cooperation agreements.

Algeria participated for the first time in this international fair, in 2014.

Government meeting: Several sectors on the agenda.(APS,23/02/2023)

The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane, chaired, on Wednesday, a meeting of the Government, devoted to the examination of issues related to agriculture, energy, health, post and telecommunications, trade, and communication, says a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, which reads in full

“The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Ben abderrahmane, chaired, on Wednesday 22 February 2023, a Government meeting held at the Government Palace.

During its weekly meeting, the Government discussed the following:

In the field of agriculture:

The Government examined, in second reading, a draft law on forests and forest resources which aims to frame the management of the country’s forest resources based on the principles of sustainable management, with regard to the protection and safeguarding of national flora and fauna resources.

In the field of energy:

The Government examined a draft executive decree bearing declaration of public utility of the operation relating to the construction of sectioning cabins, terminal stations and ancillary works of the multi-product pipeline linking the fuel depot of EI-Eulma (wilaya of Sétif) to the fuel depot of Sidi Rzine (wilaya of Algiers), presented by the Minister of Energy and Mines.

In this respect, it was underlined that this project of construction of the multi-product pipeline is part of the reinforcement of securing fuel supplies to the wilayas of Constantine, Sétif, Bordj Bou Arreridj, Bouira and Algiers.

In the field of healthcare:

The Government has examined a draft executive decree, presented by the Minister of Health, aiming at completing the list of specialised hospitals, appended to the executive decree n 97-465 of 2 December 1997, by the creation of five (5) hospitals specialised in medical and surgical emergencies in the provinces of Batna, Algiers, Annaba, Mascara, Oran and one (1) hospital specialised in the fight against cancer, in the province of Tlemcen.

The construction of these structures is part of the implementation of the programme of the President of the Republic, the development plan of the health sector and the national health policy, which grants a great interest to medical and surgical emergencies in view of their priority and determining missions for the health of the patient and the care of cancer patients.

The creation of these structures will thus enable patients to have easier access to health care and services, improve the patient’s care pathway and reduce transfers of patients between public health establishments.

In the field of postal services and telecommunications:

The Government heard a communication presented by the Minister of Post and Telecommunications on the role of Algeria Post in supporting the generalization of financial services and electronic payment in Algeria.

In this context, a set of economic indicators relating to the activities of Algeria Post was presented, as well as the important role played by this public establishment in the generalisation of financial services by providing accessible and affordable services in particular to the populations of rural and remote areas where banks are not very widespread.

In order to accelerate the implementation of the national policy for the development of postal services and postal financial services, a strategic framework and orientation sheet for the period 2023-2024 was presented and discussed.

In the field of trade :

The Minister of Trade and Export Promotion presented a communication on free trade zones.

In this context, it was highlighted the results of the reflection launched on the modus operandi relating to the creation of the first 5 free trade zones in the medium and long term, in accordance with the new provisions of Law No. 22-15 of 20 July 2022, setting the rules governing free trade zones.

In this regard, the Government has examined, especially, the following points:

1- the zones to be created by order of priority on the basis of economic criteria that take into account the vocation of each free zone and the specific features of each proposed location.

2- the financing method to be adopted and the State’s contribution in terms of servicing and the creation of basic infrastructures.

3- the specifications fixing the terms of management and running of the free zones.

This communication allowed drawing a roadmap aiming at setting up a real ecosystem promoting the development of free zones able to boost wealth and employment creation.

In the field of communication:

Finally, the Ministers of Communication and of Housing, Urbanism and Urban Affairs presented a communication on the project to create a media city “Dzair Media City”.

This large-scale project aims to promote the audiovisual sector in Algeria through the implementation of a global and integrated infrastructure bringing together the main media players and activities, namely studios of public and private TV and radio channels, the teleport ensuring broadcasting via the most up-to-date technology platforms with a large data centre based on artificial intelligence.

It also provides for a free zone to house the platforms of international social network operators who will use this gateway to deliver their content to Africa, the MENA region and Europe.

The “Dzair Media City” project will thus create a professional environment based on international norms and standards that will encourage audiovisual activities through a better quality of TV and radio services, and will contribute to the promotion of Algeria’s image.

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, chairs Council of Ministers meeting.(APS,21/02/2023)

ALGIERS- The President of the Republic, Supreme Head of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defence, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, chaired, on Monday, a meeting of the Council of Ministers devoted to the examination of presentations concerning several sectors, indicates a press release from the Presidency of the Republic, of which here is the APS translation:

"Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the Republic, Supreme Head of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defence, today chaired a meeting of the Council of Ministers devoted to the examination of the bill relating to the cinematographic industry and presentations on the measures taken in anticipation of the month of Ramadan, the development of major structuring industrial projects in the Energy and Mining sector and rail network development projects.

After opening the meeting and giving the floor to the Prime Minister for the presentation of the Government's activity report over the past two weeks, the President of the Republic gave the following instructions, directives and guidelines:

The President of the Republic first ordered that the demolition of illegal inhabited constructions be subject to a meticulously studied plan, prepared by the walis who must submit it to the Minister of the Interior who will make a final decision after exhaustion of all the means of administrative and regulatory settlement.

- The demolition of inhabited buildings must not take place in winter.

Regarding the measures taken to ensure supply during the month of Ramadhan:

- Creation, this week, of a meticulous monitoring system, in coordination between the Ministries of the Interior, Agriculture and Trade, responsible for controlling and monitoring the daily supply of the market in various basic products, now exploited by gangs to undermine social stability.

- The President of the Republic stressed that the reduction of the import bill should not be done to the detriment of the needs of the citizen, but taking into account the availability of national production, quantitatively and qualitatively.

- Intensify the warning and control systems, to be traded by the cities, villages and hamlets, by involving the local authorities in such a way as to control the prices of basic products and supply the markets, all types combined.

Regarding the bill relating to the film industry:

- The President of the Republic ordered the postponement of the bill for enrichment, taking into account the following guidelines:

- Holding meetings dedicated to the cinema sector, involving Algerian actors and professionals in the sector, both inside and outside the country.

- The President of the Republic underlined his attachment to the new Artist's Law including mechanisms for taking charge of the social aspects of all Algerian creators, in all types of art, by way of recognition of their contribution and the beautiful image they reflect of Algeria.

- The new Law must constitute a real motivation and give the capacity to ensure a cinematographic production according to a creative vision which gives back to Algeria its luster, strong of this dynamism which knows the company.

- The Law must take into account the various changes and developments in the cinematographic field, and meet the expectations of young people wishing to specialize in this field.

- Establish well-defined mechanisms for the financing of cinematographic projects, in compliance with the laws of the Republic.

Regarding the development of major structuring industrial projects in the Energy and Mining sector:

- The President of the Republic has rejected all long-term delays for the construction of railway lines to link Annaba to the Bled El Hadba mine and Béchar to Gara Djebilet via Tindouf, ordering their immediate reduction.

- President Tebboune ordered the construction of these railway lines as soon as possible, according to international standards, in partnership with international companies, able to increase the production capacities of these two projects, in view of their pressing economic urgency .

- Proceed with the development and operation, in conjunction, concerning the various works, with a view to completing the operation of the Gara Djebilet mine.

- Allow start-ups to participate in various mining projects.

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune receives the special envoy of the Emir of the State of Qatar.(APS,21/02/2023)

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune received, on Monday in Algiers, the Qatari Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Regional Affairs, Dr. Mohammed Ben Abdelaziz El Khalifi, special envoy bearing a message from His Highness the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Ben Hamad Al-Thani.

The audience took place at the headquarters of the Presidency of the Republic, in the presence of the Director of Cabinet at the Presidency of the Republic, Mr. Abdelaziz Khellaf.

World Day of Social Justice: Algeria’s ongoing efforts to consolidate gains.(APS,20/02/2023)

Algeria celebrates on Monday the World Day of Social Justice in the wake of the state’s continuing efforts to consolidate social achievements in order to improve the living conditions of citizens.

Algeria, which has always worked to preserve the social character of the State, in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of 1 November 1954, pays particular attention to this aspect, notably through the improvement of citizens’ purchasing power and the consolidation of the social security and pension systems, as well as other measures aimed at guaranteeing free education and medical care.

In order to preserve these achievements and on the instructions of the President of the Republic, Mr Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the State has taken several measures to guarantee social justice in various fields, through sustainable development, the reduction of disparities between the different regions of the country, but also and above all the eradication of grey areas in order to ensure and maintain a decent life for citizens.

In this respect, the latest measures taken for workers and deprived social classes are likely to reinforce these achievements. These include the revaluation of salaries and retirement pensions and the establishment of an unemployment allowance, in addition to other measures aimed at stabilising the prices of consumer goods.

Thus, the President of the Republic ordered that the wage scale be aligned first with purchasing power and then with the ongoing support for socially vulnerable categories, taking into account the value of work and the development of production as the main references for wage revaluation.

President Tebboune also ordered an increase in the unemployment benefit from DA13,000 to DA15,000, with the state assuming the costs of health insurance for the unemployed who receive this benefit.

These measures also involve raising the minimum retirement pension to 15,000 dinars for those receiving a pension of less than 10,000 dinars and to 20,000 dinars for those receiving a pension of 15,000 dinars in order to bring it into line with the minimum salary level, which has also been raised from 18,000 dinars to 20,000 dinars since 2021.

Social justice in Algeria is also reflected in the fact that the state provides education and schooling, and guarantees the right to education for all citizens, as well as free medical care in public health institutions. In addition to free education, the state provides transport and school canteens, particularly in remote areas.

In line with these inalienable gains for Algerians, President Tebboune has ordered the revision of the special statutes of all professional categories in the health sector and to promote, modernise and standardise the quality of health care and health services.

The same is true for the national education sector, which has benefited from several measures, including the immediate appointment of all contractual teachers.

Still with a view to establishing social justice and combating youth unemployment, the State has launched a number of projects for the benefit of the ” grey areas “, with the aim of ensuring that the concerns of their inhabitants throughout the national territory are effectively addressed.

This approach demonstrates concrete actions on the ground taken by the new Algeria to give a new impetus to the State’s social policy in terms of local development and social justice.

More than 130 Companies participate in the second edition of the "AgroPack Expo" Fair.(APS,21/02/2023)

ALGIERS- More than 130 national and foreign companies are taking part in the second edition of the International Food and Packaging Exhibition "AgroPack Expo" which opened its doors on Monday at the International Conference Center (CIC) in Algiers.

This Fair, which will continue until Thursday, is an opportunity for economic operators to discuss and learn about current events in the food industry and the packaging sector, particularly concerning raw materials, the equipment and technologies used, to promote this industry, encourage investments, set up international partnerships and improve the quality of the national product, according to the organizers.

Presiding over the opening of the fair, on behalf of the Minister of Industry, Ahmed Zaghdar, the secretary general of the ministry, Salah-Eddine Belbrik, underlined the importance of the agri-food sector, where there are currently more than 170,000 jobs. direct and indirect and over $500 million in exports.

It is an “important strategic sector” in which the public authorities attach great interest, he added, wanting as proof the financing facilities from which it benefits.

The manager, in this context, recalled the creation of a professional agri-food cluster, which contributes, he said, to the organization of the sector and to the strengthening of dialogue with professionals to find solutions. able to develop this activity, particularly in the light of the surpluses recorded in agricultural production.

500 projects in the field of agribusiness are currently at the ministry level, he said, estimating that this figure could reach 1,000 by the end of the year.

Asked about industrial land, the Secretary General of the Ministry said that the government has considered this file and that a law relating to land will be promulgated "soon".

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune commends Civil protection teams sent to Turkey, Syria.(APS,16/02/2023)

The Minister of the Interior, Local Administration and National Planning, Brahim Merad, said Wednesday the president of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, praised the efforts of the Civil protection teams sent to Turkey and Syria, and who “have brought honour to the national flag in fulfilling their humanitarian mission” following the violent earthquake that hit the two countries.

Welcoming the members of the team of Civil Protection back from Turkey, at the Air Force Base of Boufarik (Blida), Mr. Merad made a point of conveying to them “the congratulations of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane, and the government’s members, for the great work done by each member of the team, thus honoring the national emblem in the fulfillment of their humanitarian mission through their participation in rescue operations in Turkey and Syria, after the violent earthquake that hit both countries.

“You were among the first to arrive in Turkey and you met the challenge of saving as many lives as possible and your honorable results are recognized by all today. You have also shown great professionalism,” the minister said.

The units of civil protection, all ranks, have overcome many difficulties on the ground, “honoring the national emblem and demonstrating the capabilities of Algeria in terms of rapid and organized response in emergency situations,” added Merad.

The two teams of Civil Protection sent to Syria and Turkey “deserve all our praise and encouragement as the results of their operations and rescues are beyond measure,” said the minister.

The Civil Protection rescue and recovery team dispatched to Turkey rescued 13 people and removed 96 dead bodies from under the rubble.

Algeria, upon the order of the President of the Republic, has dispatched to Turkey a group of 89 members ranked internationally in the field of intervention and management of major risks, divided into brigades, including the search and rescue brigade, the dog squad and a specialized medical team.

Government meeting: Various projects on agenda.(APS,16/02/2023)

On Wednesday, February 15, 2023, the Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene BENABDERRAHMANE, chaired a meeting of the Government held at the Government Palace.

During its weekly meeting, the Government discussed the following points:

In the field of agriculture:

The Government examined a draft executive decree on the downgrading of a plot of land in the state-owned forest of Senalba, located in the municipality of Djelfa (wilaya of Djelfa), presented by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

This plot of land will be used to build a bypass around the city of Djelfa, which is part of the project to duplicate the national road No. 1 (Djelfa-Laghouat), which aims to strengthen the country’s infrastructure network and promote North-South and South-North economic and social exchanges, while improving the living environment of the city.

Declassified areas will be compensated by reforestation of equivalent areas.

In the field of energy:

The government heard a presentation from the Minister of Energy and Mines on the national strategy for the development of refining and petrochemicals.

In this regard, it was recalled that valorization of hydrocarbons is a strategic axis in the diversification of the national economy, particularly through the development of refining and the creation of a petrochemical industry, with the aim of increasing the volumes of hydrocarbon resources subject to valorization.

In this context, the recommended approach is based on the attraction of partners, the selection of profitable projects with high added value for the national market and the comparative advantages offered by the national economic environment. In the field of culture:

The Government heard a communication from the Minister of Culture and Arts on the richness of the cultural heritage of five (5) existing cultural parks, namely: Tassili N’Ajjer, Ahaggar, Touat-Gourara Tidikelt, the Saharan Atlas and Tindouf as well as the project of setting up a cultural park of the oasis systems of the Aurès.

On this occasion, the main international instruments adopted by our country in the framework of the protection of cultural parks were highlighted, such as the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Man and the Biosphere Programme, the Programme for the Recognition and Reporting of Other Effective Conservation Measures by Areas, initiated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as well as the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

These cultural parks have been supported by several projects under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), such as the Ahaggar and Tassili N’Ajjer Parks Biodiversity Conservation Project and the Global Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use of Ecosystem Services Project.

In the field of public works:

The Minister of Public Works, Hydraulics and Infrastructures presented a communication on (i)- the motorway projects progress and conditions of completion and (ii)- the conditions of putting into service the toll stations on the East-West motorway.

This communication highlighted the progress of some large-scale projects included in the road and motorway master plan (2005-2025), namely:

1. 1. the economic operation of the East-West motorway, namely through the commissioning of toll stations on this infrastructure;

2. The implementation of 24 motorways linking the provinces’ main towns and ports, totalling about 3,249 km.

To this end, an emergency plan has been set up to determine the priorities for the revival of the outstanding projects according to an integrated economic approach, allowing the pooling of efforts and the creation of basic infrastructures for the benefit of economic development and the well-being of citizens.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra participating at the 42nd Session of the African Union Executive Council.(APS,16/02/2023)

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Ramtane Lamamra, is participating in the 42nd Session of the African Union Executive Council, from today Wednesday, to tomorrow Thursday, at the headquarters of the continental organization in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, according to a statement from the Ministry.

According to the statement, the Executive Council works of the foreign ministers of the member states fall within the framework of the preparation for the 36th summit of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union under the slogan ““Acceleration of AFCFTA implementation”.” The statement added that “for this purpose, it is expected that during the works of the council, many reports related to peace, security, and development in Africa, the renewal of the membership of some subsidiary bodies, and draft resolutions to be presented at the next summit will be discussed.”

On the sidelines of his participation in the workds of the council, the statement mentioned that Mr. Lamamra held bilateral talks and meetings with many of his counterparts, “especially the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Senegal, who heads the current Session of the Executive Council, and foreign ministers from Libya, Congo, Togo, Angola, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, Somalia, and Sierra Leone, in addition to the head of the African Union Commission and many senior officials in the commission.”

The foreign ministry statement highlighted that “the meetings focused on the items listed on the agenda of the current Session.”

Algeria eternally faithful to the friends of the war of national liberation.(APS,16/02/2023)

ALGIERS- Participants in the Remembrance Forum affirmed on Wednesday that Algeria has remained faithful to the friends of the national liberation war in order to anchor human values in the spirit of the post-independence generation.

Speaking at this meeting organized by the "Mechaâl Echahid" Association, in collaboration with the daily El-Moudjahid as part of the cultural and historical week on the war of liberation, the history teacher, Meziane Saïdi declared that the Algeria "remained faithful to the friends of the war of national liberation in recognition of their material and moral support for this just cause".

He indicated that the Algerian Revolution against the French occupier succeeded in rallying around it free men throughout the world including journalists, activists and doctors.

Concerning the diplomatic and media support for the Algerian Revolution, Mr. Saïdi specified that "the multiple fronts of struggle made it possible to strengthen the Revolution starting from the Bandung Conference in 1955 and the birth of the Afro-Asian bloc, in the stands of the especially after the demonstrations of December 11, 1960".

The President of the "Mechaâl Echahid" Association, Mohamed Abbad, for his part, indicated that Algeria "has remained since the dawn of its independence faithful to the friends of the Revolution", citing as an example that "the greatest public square in Algiers is named after Maurice Audin".

He underlined that "several friends of the Revolution have been honored within the framework of the program drawn up on the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of the recovery of national sovereignty", adding that "a stele has been erected at the Martyr's sanctuary bearing the names of nearly 3000 friends of the Revolution in the four corners of the world".

Tourism: Algeria participates in 39th Holiday & Spa Fair in Bulgaria.(APS,16/02/2023)

ALGIERS- Algeria is taking part as from Wednesday in the 39th Holiday & Spa International Tourism Fair, held in Sophia in Bulgaria, the National Tourism Office (ONT) said in a statement.

This first participation in the Fair, which will be spread over three days, is part of "the implementation of the policy of the tourism sector for the promotion and enhancement of the tourist destination Algeria on an international scale and the realization of the action plan of the ONT for the year 2023 aiming at the opening to new markets, the promotion of the destination Algeria in the countries of Eastern Europe and its introduction in the tourist programs in particular in with regard to thermal tourism, thalassotherapy and Saharan tourism, given the great assets that our country has, capable of attracting visitors and specialized operators", specifies the same source.

To this end, the ONT has reserved and fitted out an exhibition pavilion which will "highlight the cultural and touristic diversity" of our country.

The Office is working with national tourist operators to "promote the destination Algeria, the largest tourist destination in North Africa, to market their products and present their tourist programs, pending the holding of meetings of work with Bulgarian and international tourism professionals and operators," the statement said.

The show will be "an opportunity to get closer to visitors and provide them with information and explanations on the Algeria destination", adds the press release.

This tourist meeting provides for a rich cultural program led by an Algerian Saharan musical troupe, as well as an exhibition of handicrafts to "allow visitors to the pavilion to discover the diversity of the civilizational and cultural heritage of our country".

Promotional films will also be screened in this context to "attract the general public and encourage Bulgarian tourists to discover Algeria by choosing it as their next destination".

"Holiday & spa Expo" is one of the oldest specialized fairs in Bulgaria. An unmissable event for operators in the tourism sector, the exhibition is an opportunity to establish working relationships and contacts between the various players concerned and to discover new trends in tourism markets and new technologies in the field. marketing and promotion.

According to the same source, the previous edition had recorded the participation of 550 exhibitors representing 25 countries and attracted 25,000 visitors. It received extensive media coverage from 1,000 journalists representing 28 countries.

Speech by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune at the High Level Conference in Support of Al-Quds.(APS,13/02/2023)

The full speech of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, current President of the Council of the Arab League at the summit level, at the High-Level Conference in support of the city of El-Quds, read on Sunday on his behalf by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Ramtane Lamamra.

“In the name of Allah, Most Gracious and Most Merciful, and Prayer and Peace be upon His Messenger,

His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Hussein, Ruler of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,

His Excellency Mahmoud Abbas, President of the sister State of Palestine,

His Excellency Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi, President of the brotherly Arab Republic of Egypt,

Mr. Secretary General of the Arab League, Excellencies heads of participating delegations

Representatives of regional and international Organizations, Honourable audience,

First and foremost, I would like to welcome the hosting of this summit as part of the implementation of the main conclusions of the Arab Summit held in Algiers in early November 2022, a historic meeting that we collectively made sure to hold under the theme of uniting our ranks on the anniversary of the glorious Revolution, in order to strengthen the centrality of the Palestinian issue in facing the challenges.

In this vein, we affirmed our commitment to the Arab peace initiative as a basis for resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict according to the principle of “land for peace”, and reiterated our determination to continue and intensify our efforts and steps to defend occupied Al Quds from the systematic Zionist repression that targets this city, its people and its holy sites.

We affirm today, on the occasion of this important conference, that the condemnable racist policies that the occupation is trying to impose in the city of El Quds, its attempts to erase its Arab, Muslim and Christian identity, to change its status and to desecrate its holy places, In the wake of recent provocations, these attempts will only bring illusory gains which run counter to the history, legality and demographics of the city and will endanger the coexistence that has characterised this city over the centuries, thus compromising the prospects for the revival of the Middle East peace process.

While expressing our strong condemnation and absolute rejection of the repeated attempts of the Zionist occupation to impose the policy of fait accompli, in the present as in the past, by distorting the truth and changing the names, we in Algeria reiterate our total commitment to support the right of the Palestinian people to the establishment of their independent state on the borders of 4 June 1967, with El Quds Echarif as its capital.

In this context, Algeria welcomes the recent progress made at the diplomatic level, particularly the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly resolution to activate the role of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in enshrining the rights of the Palestinian people. It also calls for continued efforts as agreed at the Algiers Summit, in particular for the State of Palestine to become a full member of the UN.

At the political level, Algeria is continuing its efforts, in coordination with all parties, to unite the ranks and preserve Palestinian national unity within the framework of the reconciliation process, which was concluded with the signing by the Palestinian brothers of the Algiers Declaration, thereby expressing their commitment to work towards the implementation of the deadlines set out in it.

We believe that in view of the existential challenges facing today’s Palestinian question, it is essential to move forward in uniting the Palestinian ranks in order to speak with one voice for the legitimate aspirations of the valiant Palestinian people and their inalienable right to recover their freedom and sovereignty.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Honourable audience,

Algeria’s commitment to defending Al Quds, in full accordance with its national history and the principles of its glorious War of National Liberation, represents for today’s generations an extension of the efforts of their pious forefathers, among them, we remember today the scholar and the Moudjahid and patron saint of Tlemcen Sidi Boumediène Chouaib El-Ghouth, whose name remains linked to Al Quds and the Wakfs that he left with his Moudjahidine companions as a proof of fraternity and the spirit of mutual aid between the children of the same nation.

On this occasion, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the constructive proposals being studied today in their economic, legal and diplomatic dimensions, which aim at activating all means to support the resistance of our people in Al-Quds and to provide the necessary protection to our holy places.

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate Algeria’s full support and readiness to contribute effectively to this collective effort in the service of our central issue in order to honour our historical responsibilities towards the brotherly Palestinian people. Thank you for your attention.

Telephone conversation between the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune and his Tunisian counterpart.(APS,15/02/2023)

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune had, this Tuesday, a telephone conversation with his brother, the President of the Republic of Tunisia, Mr. Kaïs Saïed, during which they discussed the strong and fraternal relations between the two brotherly countries, said a statement from the Presidency of the Republic.

“The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune had, today, a telephone conversation with his brother, his Excellency the President of the Republic of Tunisia, Mr. Kaïs Saïed, during which they discussed the strong and fraternal relations between the two brotherly countries,” said in the statement.

The two Presidents also discussed “bilateral issues of common interest”, adds the same source.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Amar Belani receives the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan.(APS,15/02/2023)

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Amar Belani, received, yesterday, the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Algiers, Mr. Tural Anar Oglu Rzayev, indicates a press release of the Ministry.

On this occasion, the two parties hailed "the historic relations based on the ties of brotherhood, solidarity and cooperation between Algeria and Azerbaijan, affirming the common will of the leaders of the two countries to raise the level of bilateral cooperation in various fields,” the statement said. They also highlighted the "important dynamic" of bilateral relations during the past year under the impetus of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliev, adds the same source.

This dynamic has resulted in intensive bilateral visits between the two parties at several levels and in different sectors, crowned by the signing of several bilateral agreements capable of strengthening cooperation between the two countries, particularly in terms of political consultations, parliamentary cooperation as well as in the oil and gas sectors. In this wake, Mr. Belani stressed "the need to broaden the prospects for cooperation between the two countries to other promising areas such as industry, trade, tourism and culture, which will increase the volume of bilateral trade which remains below the ambitions and capacities of the two countries. This cooperation is able to strengthen the human ties between the two brotherly peoples,” the statement added.

In addition, the two parties discussed "at length" the importance of strengthening coordination between the two countries at the level of international and regional organizations concerning the various issues of common interest.

"The two parties noted with satisfaction the convergence of positions of the two countries, particularly in terms of action to strengthen the system and the spirit of the organization of non-aligned countries, in addition to support for multilateral action while encouraging the emergence of a multipolar world,” the statement reads.

Referring to certain hotbeds of conflict and tension around the world, notably in Western Sahara and Nagorni-Karabakh, the two parties called for respect for international legality and the application of international law away from marginalization and policy of ''double weights, two measures''”, concluded the Ministry.

Selflessness and professionalism: The mission of the Algerian relief team in Syria was a success.(APS,15/02/2023)

Back from Syria, Second Lieutenant, in charge of Civil Protection Communication, Mr. Youcef Abdat, told Algerian Radio that the mission of the relief team in Syria was a success.

Mr. Abdat, who was speaking live on the airwaves of the Radio during a special broadcast by Channel One, International Radio, Jil FM as well as all the regional radio stations, indicated that this mission carried out in the city of Aleppo saved one life and extracted 34 corpses.

He also said that the Algerian Civil Protection was the first to go to the scene of the tragedy to save the lives of Syrian citizens, victims of the violent earthquake.

Also, "the work of the team was, from the start, operated in coordination with the local authorities of the city of Aleppo until the end of its mission", he specified.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra on a working visit to South Africa: Peace and Security in Africa on the menu.(APS,14/02/2023)

ALGIERS- The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, paid a working visit to Pretoria on Monday, within the framework of periodic political consultations between Algeria and South Africa and in anticipation of the next bilateral deadlines, said a press release from the Ministry.

"At the invitation of his South African counterpart, Mrs. Naledi Pandor, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, paid a visit to Pretoria within the framework of political consultations between the two countries and in anticipation of the next bilateral deadlines”, specifies the press release.

On this occasion, the Minister had face-to-face discussions with his South African counterpart, subsequently extended to delegations which highlighted the historic and privileged relations between the two brotherly countries and peoples as well as the will of the two parties to strengthen their strategic character within the framework of the completion of the preparations for the 7th session of the high joint commission which will be held in Algeria under the chairmanship of the two Heads of State, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune and his brother Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa who will soon make a state visit to Algeria," added the same source.

According to the press release, the "two parties discussed issues of common interest at the continental level and in the world, in particular the current crisis in international relations against the background of the conflict in Ukraine, the decolonization of Palestine and Western Sahara as well as the security and peace situation in Africa in light of the objectives of the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063”.

The two parties noted, with satisfaction, a convergence of views and positions between the two countries on the basis of their attachment to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations (UN) and the Constitutive Act of the AU in addition to the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement," the statement said.

The two Ministers also agreed on the continuation and strengthening of coordination within the framework of the ministerial meetings to be held in anticipation of the next AU Summit", concludes the same source.

63rd anniversary of the French nuclear explosions in Reggane, a premeditated and planned crime.(APS,14/02/2023)

ADRAR - The nuclear explosions carried out by colonial France in southern Algeria "are a premeditated and planned crime in view of the significant damage suffered with devastating consequences at different levels", underlined, Monday in Reggane (150 km south of Adrar) the Minister of Mujahideen and Rights Holders, Mr. Laid Rebiga.

"The French nuclear explosions carried out in southern Algeria constitute a premeditated and planned crime in view of their power with destructive consequences at all levels and whose magnitude of gravity has exceeded vast regions in the South of the country to affect other territories of neighboring African and Mediterranean countries", said Mr. Rebiga, in his speech delivered on the occasion of the commemoration of the 63rd anniversary of the French nuclear explosions, on February 13, 1960 in Reggane.

Accompanied by the Secretary General of the National Organization of the Mujahideen, Ali Boughezala, members of the revolutionary family and local authorities, the Minister affirmed that "the practices of French colonialism carried out against the Algerian people are far from honoring human values , neither in letter nor in spirit", deliberately opting (colonizer), he said, "for deportation, exile, displacement, genocide and the erasure of the markers of identity national".

"The French colonizer used all legal, administrative and military means to confer legitimacy on his occupation in order to enslave the Algerian people, strip them of their rights and extinguish the innate flame of resistance of this valiant people" , argued Mr. Laid Rebiga.

And to add: "The French nuclear explosions in southern Algeria and the crimes perpetrated against the people are intertwined in the colonial strategy, listed in its history list marred by massacres and crimes carried out without qualms to dishonor the daughters and sons of Algeria who have faced, with vehemence and courage, these trials and colonial practices through sacrifices and feats for the recovery of freedom and national sovereignty".

“Preserving the glories of our people, valuing their heroism and transmitting them to future generations is a sacred duty to protect our national memory rich in ideals, values and immortal teachings for the renown and sovereignty of our homeland”, action, a-t - he says, that "the high authorities of the country take care to protect our glorious memory and to consolidate the mechanisms of its protection by the various scientific and academic methods".

Taking advantage of his visit to the region, the Minister announced the opening of the "first thematic museum" in Algeria on the French nuclear explosions in Reggane which highlights aspects linked to this colonial carnage which are the nuclear explosions and the efforts of the State in dealing with their ionizing effects on man and the environment.

This new structure, explained Mr. Rebiga, is a space intended for recording the testimonies of the Mujahideen and Mujahideen, eyewitnesses to the nuclear explosions, in order to make them available to researchers and specialists, before inviting, as such , the local population and those of the surrounding regions to enrich the components of this building.

The Minister of Mujahideen and Rights Holders gave, on this occasion, the kick-off of a solidarity caravan, organized in coordination with the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, through the company Algérie-Télécom and the public ground transport and logistics group "Logitrans" to transport paramedical equipment for the benefit of the victims of the French nuclear explosions in Reggane.

Mr. Rebiga also paid a visit to the mujahideen Laksaci Hadj Abdessalem and El-Feyez Abdallah, in the communes of Reggane and Anzedjmir, before kicking off an operation to supply natural gas to the Ksour of "Timadnine" (commune of Reggane) and Zaouiyet Lehchef (commune of Sali).

The minister will attend, at the end of this visit, a conference on the crimes of French nuclear explosions in the region organized at the Ahmed Draiya University of Adrar.

Algeria-Hungary Joint Committee: Strengthening bilateral cooperation in various fields.(APS,14/02/2023)

BUDAPEST- The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Mohamed Abdelhafid Henni said on Friday in Budapest (Hungary) that the third session of the Algerian-Hungarian Joint Commission will open up new prospects for partnership between two countries, a ministry statement said.

"The holding of this session aims to assess the cooperation between Algeria and Hungary, to define other areas of cooperation and to open up new prospects for partnership", declared Mr. Henni in a speech delivered on the occasion. of the holding of this session.

"The desire of the two countries to develop a fruitful, diversified, sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation must succeed, thanks to the implementation of concrete projects capable of enhancing our capacities to face common economic challenges in an international context of crisis induced by the repercussions of the global pandemic crisis and the repercussions of the Ukrainian-Russian conflict, particularly in terms of energy and food security", he underlined.

On this occasion, the Minister recalled that the ties of friendship and solidarity between Algeria and Hungary date back to the Algerian War of Liberation, relations which have been consolidated in recent years by the common will of the leaders of the two countries. friends, he said.

The relations established between the two countries are historic but also special relations capable of guiding joint action in the future.

The holding of the work of this Third Session of the Algerian-Hungarian Mixed Commission, which was preceded by two sessions, the last of which was held in December 2017 in Algiers, reflects the solidity of the historical relations of friendship between the two countries, adds the Minister.

This Session constitutes an essential milestone in laying the foundations for strong and lasting cooperation, which will make it possible to examine the ways and opportunities capable of giving a strong impetus to bilateral relations, continued Mr. Henni.

The Algerian delegation remains determined to move forward in strengthening bilateral relations and giving them a new lease of life, while maintaining friendship and trust in relations between the two countries, he said.

"Algeria and Hungary are full of considerable resources and potential, however, economic and artistic cooperation remains untapped, hence the imperative to enhance and exploit them optimally, through the realization of partnership projects. of common interest capable of creating wealth and employment in several areas", he added.

Algeria, he said, had begun the execution of a new economic recovery program aimed at establishing a solid, diversified economy that would create wealth and jobs, and this, by giving priority to partnership projects and of foreign investment with an opening on the world market.

He, in the same context, added that "the Algerian Government has adopted new laws in order to organize economic activity, like the law on investment which has aroused the interest of several companies and partners. wishing to invest in Algeria, particularly given the low-cost energy and skilled labor that characterize the Algerian market, promising prospects for foreign investors".

The Minister underlined that Algeria, in order to achieve its objectives, "will involve its main international partners, who will have a remarkable role, in particular Hungary".

"The establishment of a mutually beneficial partnership between Algeria and Hungary will inevitably be done through support for bilateral investments and the transfer of technology and expertise", Mr. Henni further indicated, adding that "for this to do, it is imperative to work together to facilitate the establishment of business relations between the economic operators of the two countries".

Mr. Henni, in the same context, expressed his wish to hold the 2nd session of the Algerian-Hungarian Business Council with a view to bringing together, once again, employers' organizations, chambers of commerce and business leaders to guide, define and highlight the partnership and investment opportunities offered for the two countries".

Emphasizing the "not insignificant" role of businessmen and economic operators of the two countries, private or public, the minister called for "intensifying meetings, events and exhibitions of an economic nature with a view to concretizing partnership projects and investment, able to exploit the economic potential of both parties and meet the aspirations of their peoples".

In terms of agriculture, Mr. Henni recalled that Algeria had adopted a well-defined strategy with a view to ensuring its food independence and moving towards the export of agricultural products, adding that through this approach the Algeria is showing its readiness to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the various agricultural fields, in addition to the agro-food industries".

On this occasion, the Minister also highlighted "the potential that the partnership will offer in promising niches such as the genetic improvement of animal production, dairy production, the development of dairy cow breeding , poultry, livestock feed and prevention of veterinary health".

And to emphasize that "the development of partnership projects in these areas is linked to the establishment of direct relations between companies and professional organizations in the sector".

Regarding the water resources sector, Mr. Henni specified that "there are many opportunities for cooperation and partnership between the two countries, particularly in the areas of rational water management and the development of alternative and non-conventional waters. ".

Algeria and Hungary had signed a Cooperation Agreement in December 2021 in Budapest for the exchange of experiences in this area, he recalled.

With regard to energy, the Minister underlined Algeria's readiness to allow the strengthening of contacts between the companies of the two countries in order to study the opportunities and ways of cooperation and partnership, particularly in the fields of energy transition and renewable energies, adding that "cooperation in mining is also one of the important sectors to be deepened between Algeria and Hungary".

Mr. Henni also mentioned "the opportunities for cooperation and partnership in the field of industry", calling on the officials and professionals of the two countries to diagnose them and define them as priorities, in the best mutual interests.

With regard to tourism, the Minister indicated that Hungary "has potential in terms of therapeutic tourism, leisure and the management of thermal resorts or training, hence the availability of opportunities for cooperation which should be exploited by those in charge and professionals in the sector".

He also noted that Algeria now has potential in terms of tourist investment allowing it to benefit from quality tourism in accordance with international standards.

The Minister also expressed his wish to promote tourist exchanges between the two countries, through "the contacts and the promotion that we will have to concretize with the contribution of our embassies and operators specialized in the field", he said. . He said that cultural events will be organized in the two countries to effectively promote the cultural and heritage values of the two countries.

In the field of higher education, human resources being the key to any fruitful cooperation, exchanges between the universities of the two countries will be developed in order to allow our students to take advantage of the progress made by our countries in this sector and to benefit from training opportunities, underlined the Minister.

To do this, "we are working to intensify scientific and technological cooperation through the mobility of researchers and the exchange of research programs between the institutes and research centers of the two countries, just as we are working to double the number of scholarships for Algerian students and researchers in Hungarian universities", he added.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development also mentioned the possibilities of cooperation between the two countries in the field of information and communication technologies, particularly in terms of production and exchange between Algerian establishments and their Hungarian counterparts, to learn from the experiences of both countries.

After commending the efforts of the officials and experts who examined the minutes of this session on Thursday, Mr. Henni considered that this text, which will be signed on Friday, constituted "a new milestone in the realization of our aspirations and of our desire to launch a strategic cooperation between our two countries".

These minutes are intended to be "an ambitious roadmap for the coming months, which will be implemented by the sectors which have submitted cooperation proposals, with a view to translating our common political will into concrete cooperation and partnership projects. serving our mutual interests," he said.

Mr. Henni also reaffirmed Algeria's desire to strengthen its cooperation with Hungary in all areas of common interest. "I think it is our duty, as officials of the two Governments, to cooperate closely in order to increase the volume of trade and to pave the way for more Hungarian direct investment in Algeria, especially in sectors such as Agriculture, Industry and Energy", maintained the Minister.

Expressing his gratitude to the two delegations for their sustained efforts in exploring broader areas of cooperation, he underlined Algeria's firm commitment to establishing mutually beneficial strategic cooperation with Hungary.

UN Convention on Climate Change: Algeria will submit its reports at the end of February.(APS,11/02/2023)

ALGIERS - The Minister of Environment and Renewable Energies, Samia Moualfi, said Thursday in Algiers that Algeria will submit, at the end of February, the 3rd national communication and the 1st updated report on climate change in Algeria, to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Presiding over the closing of the works of the first workshop on the guarantee of the quality of the national inventory of greenhouse gas emissions, Ms. Mouafli specified that "the ministry will endeavor to implement the immediate recommendations resulting from the report of the national inventory of greenhouse gases, before submitting it to the National Climate Commission for approval", adding that "Algeria will submit at the end of February during the 3rd national communication and the 1st updated report on climate change in Algeria with the UNFCCC Secretariat".

"In parallel with the 3rd national communication and the 1st updated report, we are working to launch as soon as possible our request to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to finance the 4th national communication and the 1st national transparency report (2024 ) for a period of two years", adds Ms. Moualfi, expressing the country's interest in "benefiting from the programs and initiatives of the UNFCCC with a view to building the capacities of our national executives in the areas concerned by the national inventory, including energy, industry, agriculture, forestry and waste".

Concerning the national inventory of greenhouse gas emissions (period 1990-2020), the content of which will be included in the report that Algeria will submit to the UNFCCC Secretariat, the minister stressed that her department, which was responsible for drawing up this inventory and setting up the national greenhouse gas emissions inventory system, in coordination with the sectors concerned, "aims, despite all the challenges, to fully fulfill the Algeria's commitments within the framework of the said convention and the Paris Agreement".

"Despite the efforts made by the State, the need to access funding, including that provided by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is imperative to establish a national inventory system. greenhouse gases, which is sustainable from a functional, technical and methodological point of view, but also from the point of view of qualified human resources", she said.

Regarding the first five-day workshop on the quality of the national greenhouse gas inventory, organized by the supervisory authority, in collaboration with the UNFCCC Secretariat and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP ), the Minister welcomed the results of the workshop which, she argued, “will be taken into consideration to develop our new system under development”.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune receives the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).(APS,09/02/2023)

ALGIERS-The President of the Republic, Supreme Chief of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defense, Abdelmadjid Tebboune received Wednesday the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Michael Langley, who was accompanied by the U.S. Ambassador to Algeria, Elizabeth Moore Aubin.

The audience took place at the headquarters of the Presidency of the Republic in the presence of the Chief of Staff of the People's National Army, Army General Said Chanegriha, the Chief of Staff at the Presidency of the Republic, Abdelaziz Khellaf, and the Advisor to the President of the Republic in charge of defense and security affairs, Boumediene Benattou.

President Tebboune exchanges views with AFRICOM Commander

Commander of US Africa Command “AFRICOM” General Michael Langley said Wednesday, in Algiers, he had, with President of the Republic, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Minister of the National Defense, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, an exchange views which will constitute a “sound basis to work together.”

In a statement to the press at the end of the audience granted to him by the President of the Republic, General Michael Langley said he was "happy with this fruitful meeting with the President of the Republic", specifying that the exchanges "focused on cooperation and our relations with our partners with a view to strengthening and consolidating them further, particularly with regard to Algeria's experience in the fight against terrorism".

"We also had exchanges of views which will form a solid basis for working together and moving forward," he added.

The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane receives the Mauritanian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.(APS,09/02/2023)

ALGIERS- The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane received, Wednesday at the Government Palace, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Mr. Mohamed Lemine Ould Abey Ould Cheikh El Hadrami who performs a working visit to Algeria, said a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.

During this audience, "emphasis was placed on the distinguished relations of fraternity, solidarity and cooperation that bind the two brotherly countries, as well as on the political will that animates the leadership of the two countries, able to hoist the cooperation and partnership between Algeria and Mauritania, to higher levels of partnership and integration," the statement read.

The talks also focused, the statement continued, "on the prospects for consolidating bilateral cooperation in areas related to the higher education and scientific research sector, in the light of the results of the 1st meeting of the Joint Algerian-Mauritanian Commission for Higher Education and Scientific Research, whose work took place during this visit".

The meeting took place in the presence of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mr. Kamel Baddari.

Agriculture and rural development sector at the heart of the Government Meeting.(APS,09/02/2023)

The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane, chaired, on Wednesday, a government meeting devoted to the examination of questions related to the agriculture and rural development sector, according to a press release of the Prime Minister’s Office:

“The Prime Minister, Mr Aïmene Benabderrahmane, chaired, on Wednesday 8 February 2023, a government meeting held at the Government Palace, devoted to the agriculture and rural development sector.

A draft law on forests and forest resources:

The government has examined, in first reading, a draft law on forests and forest resources, presented by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The aim of this draft text is to update the law on the management of the country’s forestry resources with a view to making better use of them from an economic, social and environmental perspective.

It includes a stronger focus on the principles of :

– The management of the forest heritage, which is part of Algeria’s commitments to protect biodiversity, adapt to climate change and combat desertification,

– The economic management of the forest heritage based on a renewal of its productivity and its management tools,

– The protection and preservation of the national forestry potential and the extension of forest cover.

A draft executive decree on the provision of a parcel of state forest in the Green Dam for the benefit of an open penal establishment:

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development presented, in addition, a draft executive decree making available a parcel of the state forest in the Green Dam for the benefit of a penitentiary establishment for its exploitation in the form of an open environment, making it possible to strengthen and modernise the public service in the justice sector.

Outcome of the Agricultural Wealth Assessment:

The Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development made a presentation on:

(i)- The census of agricultural holdings and cereal production

(ii)- Agricultural land, (iii) – National livestock,

(iv)- Milk production.

This assessment is part of the periodic monitoring of data on the agricultural sectors and the review of economic and social indicators related to the regular supply of the market. In this respect, the first results of the different operations of census of our agricultural wealth were reviewed as well as the implementation of the decisions taken in terms of improving the performance of the agricultural sectors of cereal growing, breeding and dairy farming.

This periodic assessment makes it possible to respond to the concerns of promoting modern agriculture based on raising the level of production and productivity of the agricultural sectors in order to strengthen the basis for food security.

65th anniversary of Sakiet Sidi Youssef events: National memory, cornerstone of new Algeria.(APS,08/02/2023)

ALGIERS- Minister of Mujahedeen and Rights Holders Laid Rebiga affirmed on Tuesday, in Algiers, that the President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune had been working on making the national memory “a cornerstone” for the building of the new Algeria, in order to strengthen the fraternity, friendship and cooperation ties with the brotherly country Tunisia.

In an address read on his behalf by his principal private secretary Hamid Boucharef, at the opening of the Conference on Sakiet Sidi Youssef Massacre, organized at the National Centre of Studies and Research on Popular Resistance, National Movement and the Revolution of 1 November 1954, Rebiga said that “the President of the Republic has made the national memory one of the pillars of this nation and a cornerstone for the building of the new Algeria” in order “to strengthen the Fraternity, friendship and cooperation ties with the brotherly country Tunisia.”

A cooperation, he said, which is reflected in the mutual visits of the two countries’ presidents as part of “the joint efforts aimed to benefit from the rapprochement elements in order to take up the challenges facing our regional environment.”

He underlined that the participation of the Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed, alongside his brother President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune, in the inauguration ceremony of the commemorative stele “Monument of the Freedom” on the occasion of the celebration by Algeria of the 60th anniversary of the Day of Independence, is an “irrefutable evidence of the privileged character of the relations between the two countries, strengthened by the values of the common struggle.”

“If the duty requires from us to preserve our national memory, it also calls us to preserve the history of our common struggle, in order to strengthen the ties of fraternity and integration, and to raise the cooperation relations in the economic field and in terms of bilateral partnership up to the level of the political relations between our two countries,” he underlined.

He recalled the events of Sakiet Sidi Youssef where “the blood of the brothers mingled in the appalling massacre committed by the French colonialism on this day of 1958, against Algerian and Tunisian civilians, after bombarding a weekly market and a school, in a blatant attack on the values of humanity and international charters.”

Approval of the appointment of the new Algerian Ambassador to the Republic of Tajikistan.(APS,09/02/2023)

The Government of the Republic of Tajikistan has approved the appointment of Mr. Boumediene Guennad as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to the Republic of Tajikistan with residence in Tashkent, said Wednesday a statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad.

Earthquake in Turkey and Syria: The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune holds phone talks with his Turkish and Syrian counterparts: “Support and contribution from Algeria to mitigate the impact of this tragedy on the two brotherly peoples”.(APS,08/02/2023)

The President of the Turkish Republic, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan greets "Algeria's solidarity position"

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, yesterday had a telephone conversation with his Turkish counterpart, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to whom he reiterated his sincere condolences following the devastating earthquake which struck his country, indicates a press release from the Presidency of the Republic.

"The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, had a telephone conversation on Tuesday with his brother, the President of the Turkish Republic, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during which he reiterated to him, in his own name and on behalf of of the Algerian people, its sincere condolences for the victims of the devastating earthquake which struck a large part of the south-east of Turkey”, specifies the press release.

The President of the Republic affirmed that "Algeria will stand alongside Turkey to overcome this ordeal which has bereaved the brotherly Turkish people", adds the same source. He also displayed "the availability of Algeria to provide and send aid to Turkey", underlines the press release.

For his part, "the Turkish President wished to thank his brother, the President of the Republic, for having lent aid and assistance from the first hours of this terrible disaster", welcoming "Algeria's solidarity position" concludes the press release. The President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Mr Bashar Al-Assad: “Algeria was the first country to respond to the call for help”

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, spoke on the telephone yesterday with his Syrian counterpart, Mr. Bashar Al-Assad and reiterated to him, on his own behalf and on behalf of the Algerian people, his sincere condolences for the victims of the devastating earthquake which struck his country, indicates a press release from the Presidency of the Republic.

“The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune spoke on the telephone today with his brother Bashar Al-Assad, the President of the Arab Republic of Syria, a brotherly country, and reiterated to him, in his own name and on behalf of the Algerian people, its sincere condolences for the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Syria, as well as Algeria's support and its contribution to mitigating the impact of this tragedy on the brotherly Syrian people", we read. in the press release.

“For his part, the Syrian President thanked his brother, the President of the Republic, for his noble fraternal and united position, expressing his gratitude for the intrinsic solidarity of the Algerian people, especially since Algeria was the first country to answer the call for help. He affirmed, on this occasion, that Syria recognizes, in such circumstances, the positions and qualities of the Algerian people and will not hesitate to ask for help from Algeria, a brother country”, concludes the press release.

Turkey-Syria quake: Algeria sends 210 tonnes urgent humanitarian aid for disaster victims.(APS,08/02/2023)

ALGIERS- Minister of Interior, Local Authorities and National Planning Brahim Merad chaired Monday evening an operation to send a second team of first-aid workers, urgent humanitarian aid to Syria and Turkey, deeply affected by a powerful quake that hit the two countries early on Monday morning, leaving according to the latest provisional toll more than 3,700 victims.

On the instruction of President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune, a humanitarian aid was sent to two countries in the presence of Director General of the Civil Protection Boualem Boughlef, President of the Algerian Red Crescent Ibtissem Hamlaoui, as well as Syria’s ambassador to Algiers, as part of an urgent humanitarian response to provide assistance to the disaster victims of this terrible seism.

This humanitarian aid made up of 115 tonnes of pharmaceutical and food products, tents for Syria, in addition to 95 tonnes of various kinds of products destined to Turkey.

A second team comprising 86 first-aid workers specialized in the natural disasters of the Civil Protection was sent on Monday evening to Syria to participate in the rescue operations.

In a statement to the press, minister of Interior insisted on President Tebboune’s desire for “Algeria to be at the forefront of the States which provide support to the two brotherly countries,” underscoring that “the President of the Republic gave instructions to take all the necessary measures for this purpose,” insisting that “the teams of the Civil Protection be among the first ones to arrive in the affected areas to provide first aid to the disaster victims.

Algeria expresses its solidarity with Chile following the forest fires that ravaged the country.(APS,08/02/2023)

Algeria has expressed its solidarity and support to the Republic of Chile, its leaders, government and people, following the forest fires that ravaged several regions of Chile, causing several victims, said Tuesday a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad.

“Following the forest fires that ravaged several regions of the Republic of Chile and caused several deaths and injuries, Algeria extends its sincere condolences to the families of the victims, wishing a prompt recovery to the injured,” reads the statement.

Algeria “expresses its solidarity and support for the Republic of Chile, its leaders, Government and people, in this painful circumstance”, the statement concluded.

The Prime Minister, Mr. Aimene Benabderrahmane receives Minister of Interior of State of Palestine.(APS,08/02/2023)

ALGIERS-The Prime Minister, Aimene Benabderrahmane received Tuesday at the Government Palace the Minister of Interior of the State of Palestine, Ziad Hab Al-Rih who is on a working visit to Algeria, said the Prime Minister's Office in a statement.

During this audience, the Palestinian Minister of Interior "highly welcomed the constant position of Algeria in favor of the Palestinian cause, as well as the initiative of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, which culminated in the signing of the Algiers Declaration for the unification of Palestinian ranks.”

The talks were "an opportunity to discuss the status and prospects of bilateral relations, as well as the latest developments in the Palestinian issue.”

The audience took place in the presence of the Minister of Interior, Local Government, and National Planning, Brahim Merad.

As Representative of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune: Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad at the High Level Meeting on Governance in Africa.(APS,08/02/2023)

ALGIERS-The Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Ramtane Lamamra, in his capacity as representative of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune took part on Tuesday, by videoconference, in a high-level meeting on Governance in Africa organized under the auspices of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), said the Ministry in a statement.

This meeting, which is being held as a prelude to the 36th Summit of the African Union scheduled for Addis Ababa on February 18 and 19, was devoted to the examination of the evaluation reports submitted by several African countries, including Lesotho, Chad, the Comoros, the Republic of Guinea and Sudan, with a view to finalizing the annual report of the APRM on the state of governance in Africa, continues the press release.

In his observations based on the firm attachment of Algeria under the leadership of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune to the values enshrined in this pan-African mechanism, Minister Lamamra supported the need to revitalize the role of the APRM as main tool of common African action for the prevention of conflicts and the promotion of democracy and sustainable development, adds the same source.

Faced with the regression of good governance in Africa and the risks that this situation poses to peace and stability on the continent, Mr. Lamamra called for a comprehensive approach centered on the harmonization of the efforts of the African Union and the sub-regional communities, the strengthening of preventive diplomacy, as well as the appropriation and promotion of continental instruments of good governance, such as the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.

Created in 2003, thanks to the establishment of NEPAD by the five founding countries (Algeria, South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria and Senegal), the APRM is an instrument of self- evaluation to which the Member States of the African Union voluntarily adhere in order to promote good governance, political stability and sustainable development at the continental level.

Massacre of Sakiet Sidi Youssef: A symbol of common struggle between Algerians and Tunisians.(APS,07/02/2023)

ALGIERS- The events of Sakiet Sidi Youssef, whose 65th anniversary will be celebrated on Wednesday by the two Algerian and Tunisian peoples, are intended as a symbol of the common struggle and resilience, with a view to emancipation and independence, and a true witness to the spirit of solidarity and fraternity which has never ceased to deepen at the official and popular levels.

These massacres, which remain among the worst atrocities committed by colonial France, constituted a great halt in the history of the struggle of the two countries which unified their common destiny, with regard to its symbolism in the establishment of cohesion between the children of Algeria and Tunisia, as well as a glorification of their common history through the blood of the martyrs which was mixed, especially since these events only strengthened the determination of the children of Tunisia to stand alongside their Algerian brothers.

The date of February 8 of each year remains a memorable day in the relations of the two countries, reflecting the extent of the barbarism of French colonialism which then pounded the Tunisian region of Sakiet Sidi Youssef, under the pretext of the right to pursue mujahideen of the National Liberation Army (ALN).

This day gives a strong impetus to the strengthening of bilateral relations which have been attributed the quality of solidity, through the attachment to the system of common values between the two countries and their unified struggle.

It is undeniable to affirm that what happened in Sakiet Sidi Youssef represents, in truth, a luminous link in the common history between the two Algerian and Tunisian peoples and that remembering these massacres, today, arouses on both sides, satisfaction and pride in this glorious past and that the pure blood that has mixed has given the sowers of doubt and the plotters a lesson in the unity of positions, coherence in visions and cohesion between the two peoples.

The geographical space of the events of Sakiet Sidi Youcef, in addition to the common historical referent between the two peoples, is intended to be a crucible for the values of common struggle and solidarity, especially since these events have become a reference for the harmonious positions of Algeria. -Tunisians who perpetuate the exploits of the ancestors and consider the future in the light of the issues and challenges currently facing the two peoples.

As such, historians note the need to continue research in the field of history in order to protect the memory of the nation, to transmit the oath of the chouhada and the mujahideen to the rising generations in the two countries.

The odious French attack against Sakiet Sidi Youcef targeted Algerian and Tunisian civilians, and for which the colonizer mobilized 25 planes, which caused 79 martyrs, including 14 children and 20 women, and 130 others injured, in addition to the destruction of the village.

This massacre, through the sacrifices of Algerians and Tunisians, has been a source of inspiration for future generations who draw from it the true sense of fraternity, cohesion, dedication and support for the brother, as well as the strengthening of destiny. commonality and ties of cooperation and complementarity based on the sincere will that characterizes bilateral cooperation between the two countries, which has been expressed in numerous official events by the leaders of the two countries.

AU/Agenda 2063: Algeria's achievements to boost prospects in Africa.(APS,08/02/2023)

ALGIERS-The Minister of Digitization and Statistics, Hocine Cherhabil said Tuesday in Algiers that Algeria's achievements under the African Union (AU) goals (Agenda 2063) will boost the prospects in Africa.

Speaking at the meeting of the Ministerial Committee on the implementation of Agenda 2063 of the AU, held by videoconference, the minister said that "the objectives of this agenda are tailored to the overall development policy of Algeria under the process of transformation and modernization of the national economy.”

“The development recorded and future achievements will further boost the prospects and ambitions in Africa,” he continued.

In this regard, Cherhabil said that Algeria is determined to complete structural projects with continental scope, including the trans-Saharan road and fiber optic backbone, in addition to the Algiers-Abuja gas pipeline via Niger in cooperation with the specialized organs of the AU, the AU agencies for development and NEPAD.

He recalled that Algeria is one of the first countries to sign the agreement on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in 2021, to which it attaches particular interest.

In this regard, the minister recalled the mega infrastructure projects underway that will greatly contribute to the development of transport at the continental level, such as the port of Djen Djen and the new airport structures of Oran and Algiers. These projects will result in fluidity in the transport of goods and people in Africa.

Regarding the implementation of the ten-year plan of Agenda 2063 from 2014 to 2023, Cherhabil stressed that Algeria had fulfilled its commitments regarding the census work to which the AU member countries are committed.

"All actions recommended by the AU have been implemented within the deadlines set in accordance with the protocols of the African Union," he continued.

Algeria submitted the first and second national reports to the AU Commission on the implementation of the first ten-year plan of the Agenda 2063 respectively in February 2020 and September 2021, said Cherhabil.

Algeria and nine (9) other African countries have been selected by the AU to present their experience in preparing the first national report and the results of this report on February 6, 2020, in Addis Ababa.

Earthquake in Turkey and Syria: The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune presents his condolences to the Turkish and Syrian Presidents.(APS,07/02/2023)

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, sent, on Monday, messages of condolences to the President of Turkey, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and to the Syrian President, Mr. Bashar al-Assad, following the earthquakes which have struck both countries, causing hundreds of deaths and extensive material damage.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune offers condolences to Turkish counterpart on devastating earthquake

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent on Monday a message of condolences to his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, following the devastating earthquake that hit a large part of the localities in the south-east of Turkey, in which he expressed his sincere condolences to the victims' families.

"I learned with great sadness and deep sorrow of the news of the devastating earthquake that struck a large part of southeastern Turkey, leaving thousands of victims, dead, injured and people still buried under the rubble and significant material damage," wrote President Tebboune in his message.

"Faced with the magnitude of this human disaster that has hit the Turkish brotherly people, I offer, on behalf of the Algerian people and Government, and my behalf, my heartfelt condolences to the President, Government, and people of the Republic of Turkey, and my deep feelings of compassion to the families of victims in this painful circumstance, praying Allah the Almighty to help you overcome this ordeal and welcome the victims in His vast Paradise," continued the President of the Republic, wishing "a speedy recovery to the injured."

"I would also like to express Algeria's full support to the brotherly Turkish people in this difficult ordeal as well as our availability to contribute to any effort likely to mitigate the impact of this painful tragedy," he said.

"While reiterating to you my most saddened condolences and our sincere fraternal solidarity, I assure you, Mr. President and dear brother, of my deep compassion and sympathy", concluded the President of the Republic.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune offers condolences to Syrian counterpart on devastating earthquake

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent Monday a message of condolences to his Syrian counterpart, Bashar Al-Assad following the devastating earthquake that struck his country causing thousands of victims and significant material damage.

"I learned with great sadness and deep sorrow of the news of the devastating earthquake that struck the brotherly country Syria, leaving thousands of victims, dead, injured and people and significant material damage," wrote President Tebboune in his message.

"Faced with the magnitude of this human disaster that has hit the Syrian brotherly people, I offer, on behalf of the Algerian people and Government, and my behalf, my heartfelt condolences to the President, Government, and people of the Republic of Syria, and my deep feelings of compassion to the families of victims in this painful circumstance, praying Allah the Almighty to help you overcome this ordeal and welcome the victims in His vast Paradise," continued the President of the Republic, wishing "a speedy recovery to the injured."

"I would also like to express Algeria's full support to the brotherly Syrian people in this difficult ordeal as well as our availability to contribute to any effort likely to mitigate the impact of this painful tragedy," he said.

Earthquake in Turkey and Syria: Foreign Ministry and National Community Abroad closely monitors situation of Algerian community.(APS,07/02/2023)

ALGIERS-The services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad are closely monitoring the situation of members of the national Community in Turkey and Syria following the violent earthquake that hit these two countries on Monday morning. For the time being, no Algerian victim has been reported, said the ministry in a statement.

"Following the violent earthquake that struck Monday morning regions in the south of the Turkish Republic and in the north of the Syrian Arab Republic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad announced that its services are closely monitoring the situation of the Algerian community in these two countries, through a crisis unit set up for this purpose and full coordination with the embassies of Algeria in Damascus and Ankara, and its Consulate General in Istanbul, "said the source.

“The Ministry assures that for the time being, no casualties have been reported among members of our community following this earthquake, and calls on Algerians residing in Turkey and Syria to respect the instructions of security and vigilance given by the local authorities in these two countries," said the statement.

The ministry also calls on Algerians to remain in constant contact with the services of the Algerian embassies in Ankara and Damascus, and the services of the Consulate General of Algeria in Istanbul via the following numbers:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad:

Toll-free number: 021 50 45 00

Email: cvgc.alertes@mae.dz

Embassy of Algeria in Ankara:

Toll-free number: 4288037 /4687719 (0312)

Consulate General of Algeria in Istanbul:

Toll-free number: 00902123569516/17/18

Email: info@consulalgeria-istanbul.com

Algerian Embassy in Damascus:

Toll-free number: 00963113336195 / 00963113331446

Email: ambalgdamas@gmail.com.

On the instructions of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune: Algeria dispatches 89 specialized civil protection personnel.(APS,07/02/2023)

ALGIERS-At the behest of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the Minister of Interior, Local Authorities and National Planning, Mr. Brahim Merad gave instructions to send the first group of Civil Protection, composed of 89 personnel, to Turkey to participate in rescue and relief operations following the devastating earthquake that hit the country at dawn on Monday.

Mr. Merad recalled "the traditions of the Algerian state in terms of international solidarity to address natural disasters," stressing "the particular interest of the President of the Republic in this operation that he follows closely.”

The Minister highlighted "the operationality and rapid response" of the Directorate General of Civil Protection, praising "the competence and professionalism of its staff.”

Moreover, Mr. Merad announced that another group of civil protection personnel will fly to Syria to participate in rescue and relief operations following the earthquake that also jolted this country.

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune receives Nelson Mandela's grandson, Zwelivelile Mandela: "We are leaving Algeria, our second home, with our hearts filled with happiness".(APS,07/02/2023)

ALGIERS-The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune received Monday at the headquarters of the Presidency of the Republic, Zwelivelile Mandela, grandson of the late South African leader, Nelson Mandela.

In a statement at the end of the audience, Zwelivelile Mandela expressed "his gratitude" after meeting the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

"We see Algeria as the country of revolutionaries and martyrs. We have expressed, today, our permanent loyalty to the martyrs, and we discussed as members of the same family,” he continued.

"I discussed the ways to establish a close and strong partnership between the two countries. I am impressed by the youth, the beating heart of this nation, and the catalyst of the economy. The Algerian youth is evolving rapidly and is serving the country under the rules of democracy," stated Zwelivelile.

"We leave Algeria the heart filled with happiness because we had the chance to visit our second home," he said, expressing the willingness to "seize all opportunities to bring the two countries closer,” through the opening of a direct Algiers-Johannesburg airline.

In this regard, Zwelivelile said he was convinced that "the citizens of South Africa would like to visit Algeria and discover its natural landscapes.”

The audience took place in the presence of the Chief of Staff at the Presidency of the Republic, Abdelaziz Khellaf.

President Tebboune’s approach reaffirms commitment to Palestinian cause.(APS,07/02/2023)

ALGIERS-The Minister of Religious Affairs and Wakfs, Youcef Belmehdi said Monday in Algiers that the approach of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune to the unification of the Palestinian ranks reaffirms the permanent commitment of Algeria to the Palestinian cause.

At the opening ceremony of the 18th Algiers International Prize for Recitation of the Holy Quran and celebration of Islamic heritage at Dar al-Imam in El Mohammadia (Algiers), the minister stressed that "the organization of this spiritual event on this date, which coincides with the celebration of Leilat el Israa wal Miiraj, reminds us of the symbolic significance of the al-Aqsa Mosque and the Palestinian cause. It is the first cause for Algeria, a country that reaffirms its commitment to support this cause through the approach of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune to the unification of the Palestinian ranks.”

"The organization of this event is part of the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Independence and Recovery of National Sovereignty, and the preparation of the commemoration of Shaheed Day. It is an opportunity to emphasize that Algeria remains the destination of choice for people of the Quran," he stated.

"The organization by Algeria of many events with African, Mediterranean, Arab, and international scope is another proof of its commitment to the values of peace, cooperation, and living together, emphasized by the President of the Republic on many occasions, "said the President of the Republic Belmehdi.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs "works to fulfill the commitments of the Algerian state through the implementation of the action plan of the Government and commitments of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune who underlined the importance of teaching the Holy Quran.”

In this regard, he recalled "the results achieved by graduates of schools of Quranic education and zaouias in Algeria, and winners of various national and international competitions of Quran recitation.”

"All efforts are aimed primarily at preserving the national identity and strengthening the national religious reference, in addition to contributing to the continuation of the process of immunization of society against the challenges and dangers lurking and designed to obliterate its values and principles,” he said.

In addition, Belmehdi highlighted "the role of teachers of the Quran and parents in preparing a generation attached to the Quran, its values and principles, to face various challenges.”

Launching of the 18th edition of the International Prize of Algiers for the recitation of the Holy Quran.(APS,07/02/2023)

The 18th edition of the Algiers International Prize for the recitation of the Holy Quran and the celebration of Islamic heritage was launched on Monday at Dar El Imam in El Mohammadia (Algiers) under the high patronage of the President of the Republic, Mr Abdelmadjid Tebboune, with the participation of 51 countries representing the Arab-Muslim world.

The kick-off of this competition was given by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Wakfs, Youcef Belmehdi, in the presence of several ministers and heads of national authorities.

The competition will be held via videoconference over three days from 6 to 8 February.

This year’s edition is part of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of independence. The event will conclude with the awarding of the first three winners at an official ceremony on 17 February, on the occasion of the celebration of Leilat el Israâ wal Miiraj.

Launched in 2004, the Algiers International Quran Recitation Prize is open to Quran reciters under the age of 25 who have not won one of the three first prizes in previous editions. Professional reciters are not allowed to participate in this competition.

Algeria will be represented in this competition by Chaima Anfal Tabani, after the 6th session of qualification of candidates for international competitions, organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Wakfs at the “Tower of the Holy Quran” in Setif, from 2 to 6 January, as well as the national competition for the selection of the Algiers prize for recitation and chanting of the Quran, which was held in the same month at Dar El Imam in El Mohammadia (Algiers), under the supervision of a specialised jury.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune chairs meeting of Council of Ministers.(APS,06/02/2023)

President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defence, is chairing today a meeting of the Council of Ministers, accoding to the presidency statement.

The meeting of the Council of Ministers is focusing on “the draft law on the cinematrographic industry, presentations on electronuclear energy in Algeria, the periodic assessment of the execution of the general population and housing census, the situation of the knowledge economy and the university training system and its modernisation”, reads the communiqué.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune congratulates national team, fans for success of CHAN.(APS,05/02/2023)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune thanked Saturday evening the Algerian team made up of footballers playing in the national league for their heroic performance at the 7th African Football Championship (CHAN 2022).

"Thanks to the national team, for their heroic performance during the CHAN and thanks to the Algerian supporters, for the success of the continental championship," President Tebboune wrote on his Twitter account.

The Senegalese President welcomes the commitment of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune on vital African causes.(APS,03/02/2023)

DAKAR - The Senegalese President, Mr. Macky Sall, welcomed Thursday from Dakar, the personal commitments of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, on vital African causes as well as his interest in infrastructure development at national and continental levels.

Mr. Macky Sall spoke during the audience he granted to the Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane, on the sidelines of his participation, in his capacity as representative of the President of the Republic, in the work of the 2nd Summit on "Infrastructure financing in Africa".

The Senegalese President instructed the Prime Minister to "transmit his fraternal greetings to President Tebboune", welcoming the President of the Republic's personal commitments to vital African causes, as well as his interest in infrastructure development at the national level. and continental.

Mr. Macky Salla also highlighted "the significant support provided by Algeria for the African continent as well as its commendable contributions for the development of infrastructure in Africa".

At the bilateral level, Mr. Sall insisted on "the depth of historical and fraternal relations between Algeria and Senegal, while expressing his desire to strengthen cooperation and partnership between the two countries in many areas", reiterating , on this occasion, its determination to respond to the invitation sent by President Tebboune to pay a visit to Algeria.

The Prime Minister, for his part, conveyed the greetings of the President of the Republic to his Senegalese counterpart and his heartfelt thanks for the invitation he addressed to him to attend this summit, the theme of which is vital for development and integration in Africa.

He reaffirmed "Algeria's total readiness" to work with the Senegalese partner to "strengthen trade between the two countries and develop bilateral cooperation in various fields through the exploitation of the opportunities available in the fields of energy, agriculture, transport, training and manufacturing industries".

President-in-Office of the AU, the Senegalese President, at the opening of the summit, thanked President Tebboune for Algeria's participation in the summit through "representation at the highest level", welcoming the efforts of the Algeria, as a "pivotal country in the region", for the strengthening of infrastructure mechanisms in Africa, through its constructive engagement in terms of infrastructure in the continent, but also within the framework of the African Initiative for Development of Africa (NEPAD), of which it is one of the founding countries.

Summit on "financing infrastructure in Africa": Algeria has spared no effort, since independence, to concretize African integration .(APS,03/02/2023)

DAKAR- The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane reaffirmed, Thursday in Dakar (Senegal), that Algeria had spared no effort, since independence, to concretize African integration, underlining that it puts today today its experience for the benefit of African countries for the realization of development projects allowing the continent to reach the highest levels of development.

"Algeria has spared no effort in order to concretize African integration", underlined the Prime Minister who took part in a round table on the financing of priority projects in Africa, within the framework of the work of the 2nd Summit on the infrastructure financing in Africa.

To establish the complementarity between African countries, "Algeria had always given priority to integration and the continental dimension in these projects. It was among the first countries to erase the debts of 14 African countries, i.e. a sum of 1.4 billion USD, allowing its countries to free themselves from the indebtedness which hindered their development process", explained Mr. Benabderrahmane.

And to recall that "Algeria puts its experience to the benefit of African countries in order to carry out development projects in terms of training human resources and selecting the most effective development models allowing its countries to reach the highest levels of development" He also highlighted the imperative for African States to "be daring to carry out these development approaches and establish a system of governance based on transparency and the fight against corruption. ", citing, in this regard, the Algerian experience in terms of "inclusive review of methods of governance and project management, review of budget management and reform of the tax system".

According to the Prime Minister, these measures have enabled Algeria to achieve "very satisfactory results", particularly during the post-covid-19 period, through the achievement of a "significant" trade surplus in addition to the absence of indebtedness, knowing that it is counting on "its internal capacities to achieve sustainable development", thanks to the development program drawn up by the President of the Republic.

Mr. Benabderrahmane also mentioned the problem of financing large-scale projects in Africa, considering that "the problem of African integration remains one of the priorities of the States which will have to be translated together on the ground", adding that Since independence, Algeria has continued to follow this integration approach in all its projects and infrastructures.

He cited, in the same context, the 10,000 km Trans-Saharan route or the 4,500 km trans-Saharan fiber optic backbone which "will allow all the beneficiary States to take flight towards new development prospects".

Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane stresses, in Dakar, importance of speeding up African integration.(APS,03/02/2023)

DAKAR- Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane underlined Thursday in Dakar, where he is participating in his capacity as representative of President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune in the 2nd Dakar Financing Summit for Africa’s Infrastructure Development, Algeria’s conviction about the importance of speeding up the African integration in the face of the development challenges and of putting an end to the marginalization of the continent in the globalization process.

After conveying President Tebboune's wishes for the success of the work of the Summit, the Prime Minister expressed in his speech Algeria's "unshakable conviction of the need to accelerate the regional integration of our continent, as the only way to to face the challenges of development and to put an end to the marginalization of Africa in the process of globalization".

This conviction, he said, has led Algeria to place at the center of the priorities of its African action, "the importance of the concretization of the infrastructure development program in Africa, insofar as it aims at complementarity and regional integration, and thus constitutes a catalyst for sustainable and global economic growth".

Like the first Dakar Summit in 2014, this meeting confirms "our common awareness of the crucial role of infrastructure in the process of economic development in Africa, which makes it a real opportunity to examine the ways and means capable of accelerating the pace of implementation of the pioneering projects included in the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063, in particular the African Continental Free Trade Area (ZLECAf)", recalled the Prime Minister.

“While the entry into force of the AfCFTA represents the culmination of a long journey aimed at encouraging intra-regional trade, creating job opportunities and improving the daily lives of African citizens, it also puts us in front of the obligation to intensify our efforts to achieve the objectives set within the framework of the infrastructure development program,” added Mr. Benabderrahmane.

Comparative analyzes with other regions of the globe show a low average volume of inter-African trade, which does not exceed 16%, compared to 60% in Europe and Asia, "mainly explained by a lack of modern and quality infrastructure. in our continent," he said.

Algeria seized the opportunity of its participation in Dakar to confirm its full commitment to work towards strengthening efforts aimed at achieving continental integration, "which explains the integrating nature of its national infrastructures, in the sense that Algeria had launched, after independence, one of the first integration projects in our continent with neighboring countries, namely the trans-Saharan road of nearly 10,000 km, with a main axis towards Nigeria passing through Niger and links linking Algeria, Tunisia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Chad", explained the Prime Minister.

Such a project had since constituted an accelerator and a strong motive for achieving economic integration, as it overlooked three African regions (north, west and centre), he recalled.

In addition, Algeria has undertaken with Mauritania to "put in place the legal, procedural and institutional provisions for the construction of a road linking the Algerian city of Tindouf to Zouerate in Mauritania, over a distance of nearly 800 km, thus allowing Algeria to open up to West Africa", especially since Mauritania and Senegal launched in November 2022, under the supervision of the two Presidents, respectively MM. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El-Ghazaouani and Macky Sall, the construction works of the "Rosso" bridge linking the two countries, underlined the Prime Minister.

Algeria attached to the realization of the Algiers-Lagos gas pipeline

In addition to these infrastructures, the Trans-Saharan fiber optic network, 4,500 km long, to link Algeria, Mali, Niger and Mauritania, and which should contribute to the development of the digital economy, will satisfy the digital divide in the region, and achieve a qualitative leap in various fields.

He affirmed, on the occasion, "Algeria's commitment to building the Lagos-Algiers gas pipeline, working with Niger and Nigeria to ensure its follow-up to accelerate its implementation".

Mr. Benabderrahmane also reiterated Algeria's full support for joint efforts aimed at achieving continental integration and infrastructure development in Africa, stating that "the implementation of infrastructure projects in Africa is based on a common and inclusive concept for national projects, as well as constant coordination within the framework of the principles of solidarity and unity imposed by our collective commitment to the realization of a strong, resilient and prosperous Africa at the service of our international effort".

In addition, the Prime Minister explained that the establishment of frameworks for mutually beneficial cooperation between Africa and its partners was likely to contribute to the conceptualization of procedures and initiatives strengthening the capacity to mobilize financial resources at through the contributions of regional and international financial companies, development partners, but also the private sector, which will inevitably have a positive impact on the pace of infrastructure construction in Africa.

“Furthermore, the promotion of public-private sector partnerships with increased private sector contribution, also represents a promising avenue, given the ability of such partnerships to ease the pressure on the budgets of African States and reduce excessive indebtedness while benefiting from the innovations developed by private companies", added the Prime Minister.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra holds phone conversation with the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State.(APS,03/02/2023)

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, had a telephone conversation today with the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Ms. Wendy Sherman, on her initiative.

This meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on several issues of common interest at both regional and international levels, including the situation in Mali and the Sahel-Saharan area, international cooperation in the fight against terrorism, the issues of Western Sahara and Palestine, as well as the current crisis in international relations on the back of the conflict in Ukraine.

The two officials who noted the promising prospects of Algerian-American relations, agreed to deepen the strategic dialogue at all levels between the two countries on the occasion of the next bilateral meetings.

Resolution of conflicts: US Deputy Secretary of State expresses gratitude for Algeria’s contributions

US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman on Wednesday expressed gratitude for Algeria’s contributions to the resolution of regional conflicts, in a phone call with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra.

Ms. Sherman "expressed her gratitude for Algeria's contributions to the resolution of regional conflicts, including Algeria's support for the urgent de-escalation of violence" in occupied Palestine, "UN efforts to to advance a lasting and dignified resolution for the (conflict in) Western Sahara, and for the improvement of security in the Sahel", according to a press release from the spokesman of the US State Department, Ned Price.

Telephone conversation between the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin : President Tebboune will make a state visit to Russia in may.(APS,02/02/2023)

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and his Russian counterpart, Mr. Vladimir Putin, had a telephone conversation during which they discussed relations between the two countries, including the prospects for energy cooperation, indicated yesterday a press release from the Presidency of the Republic.

- Energy and joint commission discussed

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and his Russian counterpart, Mr. Vladimir Putin, had a telephone conversation during which they discussed relations between the two countries, including the prospects for energy cooperation, indicated yesterday a press release from the Presidency of the Republic.

"The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and his counterpart, Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, had a telephone conversation during which they discussed relations between the two countries, in particular the prospects for energy cooperation," said the press release. "On this occasion, the two Presidents discussed the planned meeting of the Algerian-Russian Grand Joint Commission, agreeing at the same time on the State visit that the Mr. the President of the Republic will make to the Russian Federation next may," added the same source.

Algeria-Russia: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praises historical relations, strategic partnership.(APS,03/02/2023)

MOSCOW (Russia)- Russian Foreign Serguei Lavrov praised the "excellent historical relations" between Russia and Algeria, highlighting the importance of the strategic partnership and active dialogue between the two sides in all fields.

"The historical relations between the two countries call for respect between the peoples of the two countries," said the head of Russian diplomacy in an interview with "RT Arabic", recalling his country's support for Algeria during the War. of liberation against colonization.

Stressing that his country maintained relations with Algeria even before independence, Mr. Lavrov indicated that "we have since maintained close relations in all areas and an intense political dialogue".

He quoted, in this regard, the telephone conversations between the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, affirming that "President Tebboune understands the meaning, the history and the future of the Algerian strategic partnership -Russian".

He recalled, by the same token, that Algeria was the first African country to sign a Declaration of strategic partnership with Russia in 2001, qualifying this agreement as "the basis of our relations and conferring a specific character on our contacts".

Regarding contacts at the political level, Mr. Lavrov noted his meeting, last September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, with his Algerian counterpart, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, as well as the events that occurred last year which, explains he, "denote the existence of a solid platform on which the political cooperation between the two countries is based".

As for energy relations, Mr. Lavrov said: "Certainly, we are partners not only in the framework of OPEC+, but also in the Forum of Gas Exporting Countries in which Russia and Algeria are actively participating", underlining, in this regard, the efforts undertaken by the two countries to guarantee the stability of the world energy markets.

On this point, Mr. Lavrov returned to the decision of the last ministerial meeting of the "OPEC+" countries which emphasized "the coordination between the participants in this event with a view to regulating the oil and petroleum products market. so as to safeguard both the interests of producers and consumers".

Stressing that Russia and Algeria shared the same positions, he said: "we want stable markets, that's why there is no point in manipulating prices".

Regarding the levels of trade and economic exchanges, the Russian official described them as "impressive". "We have engaged in an active and intense dialogue in several areas (...) the levels of trade and economic exchanges between us are quite impressive, especially since Algeria is one of our three major partners in Africa".

1. Lavrov also considered, however, that "the capacities have not been fully exploited, especially in the fields of Energy, Agriculture and the production of medicines".

Algeria tops BRICS membership seekers

Regarding Algeria's accession to the BRICS, Mr. Lavrov mentioned "official requests whose number exceeds that of official members", ie more than 5 including Algeria.

After recalling that the group had put in place, last year, criteria and conditions for accepting new members, Mr. Lavrov affirmed that Algeria "is certainly at the top of this list given its characteristics". .

Referring to bilateral relations, the head of Russian diplomacy said that "Algeria, like the majority of countries, is a state that respects itself and respects its history and its interests on which it traces its policies" .

2nd Algerian-Venezuelan political consultations in Algiers.(APS,03/02/2023)

ALGIERS- The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Amar Belani co-chaired in Algiers with Venezuela’s Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations, in charge of Africa, Yuri Alexandre Pimentel Moura, the second session of the Algerian-Venezuelan political consultations, a joint communiqué said on Thursday.

This Session, which comes after the official visit to Algeria last June by the President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro Moros, was an opportunity for the two officials to review the state of bilateral cooperation and the ways and means of its promotion in various fields, as well as the exchange of views on regional and international issues of common interest, according to the text.

Thus, at the bilateral level, the two parties, and after welcoming the quality of the relations of friendship, cooperation and solidarity maintained by the two countries, "reaffirmed their common desire to work towards their revitalization, particularly in the fields of energy, agriculture, science, university, education, air transport, tourism and culture, economic exchanges and exploration of commercial opportunities".

In this regard, the two parties reiterated, in accordance with the instructions of the presidents of the two countries, their desire to sign the draft air agreement which allows the opening of a direct line between the two capitals, with the aim in particular of promoting trade between the two countries and stressed the importance of promoting the exchange of bilateral economic and trade visits to establish a working relationship between the Chambers of Commerce of the two countries, it was added.

In this regard, the two parties agreed in particular to convene, in Caracas, during this year, and if possible during the first half of the year, the 4th session of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission.

At the regional and international levels, the two parties welcomed the convergence of their views on a number of issues such as the situation in Mali and the Sahel, the Saharawi issue, the crisis in Libya, the Palestinian cause and the integration process regional and sub-regional.

With regard to the situation in Western Sahara, the two parties, after examining the latest developments, "reaffirmed their support for the inalienable right of the Saharawi people to self-determination, through the organization of a free and fair referendum , in accordance with relevant UN resolutions and its doctrine on decolonization," the joint statement said.

They also "expressed their concern about the silence of the international community in the face of the flagrant violation of the ceasefire in the buffer zone of El-Guerguerat by the Moroccan occupier and its irresponsible actions that threaten peace and security throughout the region".

Regarding Palestine, the Venezuelan side congratulated Algeria for the success of the last Arab Summit in Algiers, which established the centrality of the Palestinian cause.

As such, the two parties reaffirmed their position of support for the Palestinian question and the building of an independent state on the basis of the 1967 borders, with El Quds as its capital, as well as their support for Palestine to become a member. full-fledged United Nations, recognizing in this context, the success of Algeria for the unification of the Palestinian ranks thanks to the "Declaration of Algiers" signed, on October 13, 2022, by the 14 Palestinian factions.

The two parties reiterated, in the same context, their condemnation of the massacres perpetrated by the Zionist occupation army against the Palestinian populations in the occupied territories.

Work to reform the Security Council

Furthermore, the Algerian side hailed the "important role" and the "substantial contribution" of Venezuela in regional integration and, in particular, within the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), in the South America-Arab Countries Summit (ASPA), as well as in the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-People's Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP).

In this regard, the two parties reiterated, in particular, "their attachment to multilateralism and respect for the values and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and welcomed the high level of coordination between the two countries within the various international bodies. “, according to the text, expressing their mutual recognition as members of the Group of Friends in defense of the Charter of the United Nations.

In this spirit, they pledged to promote the incorporation of new members to the aforementioned group, stressing the need for a revitalization of South-South consultation frameworks such as the Non-Aligned Movement, the South America-Africa Summit and the South American-Arab Summit, as well as the strengthening of their coordination within OPEC, OPEC+ and the Forum of Gas Exporting Countries with a view to a fair regulation of the oil and gas markets and ensure price stability.

In addition, they underlined "their desire to work for the success of the Security Council reform process, in order to make this body more representative, more democratic and more transparent, particularly with regard to decision-making in its breast".

World Wetlands Day: great efforts made by Algeria at the organizational and technical levels.(APS,03/02/2023)

ALGIERS- Algeria has made great efforts at the organizational, technical and strategic levels to preserve wetlands with fragile ecosystems requiring protection, the Ministry of the Environment and Renewable Energies said on Thursday.

On the occasion of the celebration of the World Wetlands Day, on February 2 each year, commemorating the signing of the convention on wetlands "Ramsar" in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971, the ministry recalled the laws drawn up by Algeria to protect wetlands.

These include Law 03-10 of July 19, 2003 on environmental protection in the context of sustainable development, Law 02-02 of February 5, 2002 on the protection and enhancement of the coastline and Law 11-02 of February 17, 2011 relating to protected areas in the context of sustainable development.

To celebrate this world day, the ministry carried out several activities in the 58 wilayas of the country through the launch of awareness and reforestation campaigns and the organization of study days on wetlands.

The Deputy Director of Wetlands at the Ministry, Saida Laouer reported on the results of the census study of wetlands which led to the definition of the geographical area of 526 areas among the wetlands out of a total of 1700 wetlands in the country.

The official told APS that the wetlands are spread over 280 natural wetlands and 246 industrial wetlands. They are delimited to know what surrounds them as industrial or other companies in order to protect them effectively.

The official explained that this study made it possible to set up a database and a geographical information system of wetlands with precise identification and environmental description in order to take priority measures and develop directive and alternative scenarios. to preserve them effectively.

In the same context, she revealed that ten (10) zones were chosen for an environmental description", namely Lake Tonga in the wilaya of El Tarf, Oued Mezfran (Tibaza, Blida and Algiers), Dhayat Morsli (Oran), chott Timerganine (Oum El Bouaghi) dams of Bougara (Tissemsilt and Tiaret), Chott Zahrez Charki (Djelfa), Chott El Hodna" (Batna and M'sila), Gueltates Afilal (Tamanrasset), Tamentit (Adrar) and finally the Lac de Ménéa (Ménéa).

Under the theme "It's time to restore wetlands", this year's World Wetlands Day highlights the urgent need to make wetland restoration a top priority and calls on an entire generation to take effective action to revive and restore degraded wetlands.

Wetlands play a crucial role in regulating the flow of rivers by mitigating and preventing flooding.

Their ability to store large amounts of water and release it gradually, helps to ensure the supply of ground and surface water.

The General Directorate of Forests announced the programming of several activities and events, Thursday, throughout the national territory, as part of the celebration of this international day.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune receives Emir of Qatar's personal representative.(APS,01/02/2023)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune received Tuesday Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the personal representative of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Presidency of the Republic said in a statement.

The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Presidency of the Republic in the presence of the Director of Cabinet of the Presidency of the Republic, Mr Abdelaziz Khellaf.

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune and his Russian counterpart, Mr. Vladimir Putin discuss bilateral cooperation in a phone conversation.(APS,01/02/2023)

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and his Russian counterpart, Mr. Vladimir Putin, had a telephone conversation during which they discussed relations between the two countries, particularly the prospects for energy cooperation, a press release of the Presidency of the Republic said on Tuesday.

“The President of the Republic, Mr Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and his counterpart, Mr Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, had a telephone conversation during which they discussed relations between the two countries, in particular the prospects for energy cooperation,” reads the communiqué.

“The two Presidents discussed, on this occasion, the planned meeting of the Algerian-Russian Grand Joint Commission, agreeing at the same time on the state visit that the President of the Republic will make to the Russian Federation next May,” the same source added.

CHAN 2022: President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune congratulates national football team on qualifying for final.(APS,01/02/2023)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Tuesday congratulated Algeria's national football team on their qualification for the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (CHAN 2022), a tournament devoted to footballers playing in African national leagues, by outclassing Niger 5-0.

"An honorable journey and a deserved qualification for the CHAN final... Congratulations to our national team, the coach, the staff and all those who assisted them... you deserve the cup... Long live Algeria" , wrote President Tebboune on his official Twitter account.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra receives speaker of Pan-African Parliament.(APS,01/02/2023)

ALGIERS- The Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, received Tuesday, in Algiers, the Speaker of the Pan-African Parliament, Mr. Chief Fortune Charumbira, a guest of the 17th Session of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States Conference (PIUC), the Ministry said in a statement.

"The exchanges focused on the ways and means to enable the Pan-African Parliament to fulfill its mission and to contribute to the common African action tending to promote Agenda 2063 in all its declinations", specified the same source.

In this regard, "while reaffirming the need to provide the Pan-African Parliament with the necessary resources, the two parties stressed the crucial importance of protecting this institution against the dispersion of energies in order to optimize the role and contributions of the institution. pan-African parliamentarian" added the text.

In a statement to the media at the end of the meeting, M Charumbira thanked Algeria for "its unwavering support and its historic role in the liberation of the African peoples from the colonial yoke, as well as for its tireless efforts, with a view to guarantee the rotating presidency of the African Parliament for all African countries".

In this regard, the Speaker of the African Parliament said that he had asked Mr. Lamamra "to bring a message of thanks to the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, in recognition of the efforts made by Algeria in the liberation of the African peoples and their prosperity".

Welcoming, in the same context, the experience of Algeria in terms of parliamentary activity, Mr. Charumbira indicated that he had asked Algeria to allow certain Commissions within the African Parliament to benefit from his experience.

Algeria “firmly” condemns two terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso.(APS,01/02/2023)

Algeria “firmly” condemned the two terrorist attacks that targeted a combat unit in northern Burkina Faso and civilians in the south of the country, leaving dozens of soldiers, volunteers, and civilians dead and wounded, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad said Tuesday in a statement.

“Algeria firmly condemns the two terrorist attacks that targeted, on Sunday 29 and Monday 30 January 2023 in Burkina Faso, a combat unit in Falagountou (north of the country) and civilians in the Cascades region (south of the country), leaving dozens of soldiers, volunteers and civilians dead and wounded,” the statement reads.

“While expressing its sympathy and solidarity with Burkina Faso in these painful circumstances, Algeria, as coordinator of the African Union on the prevention and fight against terrorism and violent extremism in Africa, stresses the need to place the fight against this scourge at the top of the international agenda at the present time and to adopt a global and multilateral approach that strengthens the preventive dimension and tackles the factors that fuel terrorism and violent extremism,” the same source adds.

Algeria “strongly” condemns the attack on a mosque in Pakistan.(APS,01/02/2023)

Algeria “strongly” condemns the attack which targeted, Monday, a mosque in Pakistan and left dozens dead and wounded, reiterating its call to strengthen action at both regional and international levels to eradicate the scourge of terrorism, said Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad in a statement.

“Algeria strongly condemns the suicide attack that targeted a mosque in the Pakistani city of Peshawar on Monday, killing and injuring dozens,” the statement said.

“In this painful circumstance, Algeria extends its sincere condolences to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, its leaders and people, as well as its deepest sympathy to the families of the victims, while wishing a prompt recovery to the injured,” the statement added.

“While expressing its full solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and its rejection of all forms of violence, extremism, terrorism and attacks on places of worship, whatever their reasons, Algeria reiterated its call to strengthen action at both the regional and international levels to eradicate the scourge of terrorism, which has constantly had a negative impact on peace, security and development in the world,” according to the statement.

A suicide bomber targeted a mosque inside the police headquarters in Peshawar, northwestern Pakistan, killing more than 90 people and injuring over 200, according to a provisional toll.

Approval of the appointment of the new Ambassador of Algeria to the Kyrgyz Republic.(APS,01/02/2023)

The Government of the Kyrgyz Republic has approved the appointment of Mr. Boumediene Guennad as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to the Kyrgyz Republic, with residence in Tashkent, said Tuesday a statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad.

Participation of 75 national and foreign exhibitors at the International Building and Development Exhibition (BATIMEX) .(APS,01/02/2023)

During a press conference dedicated to the announcement of the Fair, Mr. Nadir Filali indicated that the 2nd Edition of this economic event will see the participation of 10 African, European and Asian countries through the presence of the largest Groups and Companies. du Bâtiment in addition to design offices and architects with a view to exhibiting cutting-edge techniques in the building sector.

This Fair organized under the patronage of the Wali of Annaba, Djamel Eddine Brimi, aims to publicize national products intended for construction, urban development and the encouragement of investment development opportunities in this area.

On the program of this Fair which will take place at the Sheraton Annaba hotel, there are working meetings with the various participating operators and conferences which will be led by specialists in architecture and in building and urban planning, including Algerians from International fame.

17th Conference of the Union of Parliaments of Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (PUIC): A great success achieved thanks to the credibility and experience of Algeria.(APS,01/02/2023)

ALGIERS- The Secretary General of the Union of Parliaments of Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (PUIC), Mr. Mouhamed Khouraichi Niass, welcomed the great success of the 17th Session of the Assembly of the Union sheltered, Sunday and Monday in Algiers, achieved thanks to the credibility and experience of Algeria, in particular through quality assistance and the new proposals formulated by Algeria.

During a press conference hosted by the President of the National People's Assembly (APN), Mr. Brahim Boughali jointly with Mr. Khouraichi Niass at the end of the work of the conference, the Secretary General considered that this meeting " has been a great success", underlining that "the PUIC has bet from the beginning on the role, the credibility, the experience and the great interest of Algeria for the questions of the Muslim nation, in order to achieve this objective. ".

After emphasizing that the success of the Conference was reflected in the significant and balanced presence of the participants, Mr. Khouraichi Niass said he believed in the ability of Algeria, which will chair the PUIC for one year, to "promote the PUIC and the Muslim world at the highest level towards a bright future for Member States".

The mechanisms and conclusions of the previous conferences will be handed over to Algeria to enable it to reach an optimal solution to the crises and challenges facing the Muslim world, before Côte d'Ivoire takes over the presidency of the next session, a- he continued.

Responding to a question on Palestinian unification, the PUIC Secretary General stressed the need to sensitize the brothers in Palestine to the importance of the initiative launched by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to unify the Palestinians after 15 years of division. This is one of the most important mechanisms to achieve this, he said.

He further highlighted the role of the media in sensitizing the nation on the importance of consensus around the centrality of the Palestinian cause, calling for countering the double standards policy of the Europeans and at the United Nations.

Regarding the fight against Islamophobia and extremism, the speaker insisted on the need to instill in children the precepts of Islam to immunize new generations against these scourges, calling for the strengthening of economic partnership between Muslim countries .

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune chairs High Security Council meeting.(APS,31/01/2023)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Minister of the National Defense, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune chaired Monday a meeting of the High Security Council, the Presidency of the Republic said in a statement.

Enhancing dialogue, Islamic solidarity: President of the Republic's proposals welcomed.(APS,31/01/2023)

ALGIERS- The participants in the 17th session of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Member States (PUIC), opened Sunday in Algiers, welcomed the proposals of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune aimed at strengthening dialogue, action and solidarity among the Muslim States, to deal with the current challenges.

In this respect, the speaker of Guinea's National Council of Transition, Dansa Kourouma, told APS that "Guinea supports the proposals of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, mainly those relating to the creation of a Committee of the Wise to contribute to the resolution of Islamic world problems through dialogue, as it is a peaceful and civilizational way," expressing his support to "unity and solidarity of the Islamic world."

The representative of the Palestinian movement Hamas, Mohamed Othman, said the proposals of President Tebboune show "the voice of wisdom in order to resolve conflicts in the Muslim world through dialogue," stressing the need to "implement those proposals to unify the ranks of Muslims."

The members of Oman's Shura Council, Sheikh Mansour bin Zahir Al Hajri, welcomed the proposals of President of the Republic, especially those relating to "the creation of a research centre for enhancing intellectual immunity against the fast-changing digital realm and its impact on Muslim societies," stressing that the proposal will contribute to the unity of the Muslim world and to combat extremist views."

Closing of the 17th Session of the Union of Councils of Member Countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation: The Algiers Declaration adopted.(APS,31/01/2023)

The work of the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of OIC Member States, held under the slogan "The Muslim world and the challenges of modernity and development", ended yesterday in Algiers with the adoption of the Algiers Declaration, which includes some twenty recommendations.

On the sidelines of the event, the President of the People's National Assembly (APN), Ibrahim Boughali, accompanied by the Secretary General of the PUIC, Mohamed Quraishi Niyaz, and Mohamed Yazid Benhamouda, member of the Executive Committee of the said Union, immediately expressed its sincere greetings to the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, for the particular interest he has in the revival of the Muslim world. “This session was a success on many levels. We succeeded in meeting the challenge.

There has not been a meeting of this type in our country since 2004", he said, before adding that Algeria will organize other meetings of this kind in order to support popular diplomacy. which constitutes, he continues, a means of strengthening institutional diplomacy, by giving it a new dimension. “Algeria has returned to its rightful place on the international scene. Our country will redouble its efforts to ensure that the recommendations adopted during this session are applied as soon as possible, especially since we have the full confidence of the participating delegations to give new impetus to this union.” he assured, before addressing, in response to a question, the Palestinian cause.

Mr. Boughali revealed that these recommendations complement those adopted at the last Arab Summit in Algiers, which was held on November 1 and 2. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the President of the APN, in particular, underlined the fact that it is through the unity of the Palestinian factions that we can go faster in the realization of the objectives set. Regarding the resurgence of Islamophobic acts that are shaking the West and particularly Europe, Boughali strongly condemned the multiple attacks on the Muslim religion, as well as the cowardly desecrations, by the hands of Dutch and Swedish fanatics, of the Holy Quran.

Taking the floor in his turn, and after having considered that the session which has just ended is a clear victory in view of the unprecedented participation of some twenty heads of Muslim Parliaments, the SG of the PUIC, Mohamed Quraishi Niyaz, reviewed the latest developments relating to the Palestinian question. Quraishi Niyaz, to this end, welcomed the initiative of President Tebboune which made it possible to bring together the Palestinian brothers for reconciliation, a sine qua non condition for defeating Zionist colonialism. "The Palestinian cause is not just a fight that is limited to Arab countries only, it is the central cause of more than two billion Muslims around the world", he launched to the applause of the room. . Mohamed Quraishi Niyaz, on the other hand, highlighted the fact that the Umma must speak with one voice on this subject. On the economic and development chapter, Ibrahim Boughali recalled the proposal of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to host in Algeria a start-up incubator for the promotion of innovative projects for the benefit of young people in the Muslim world.

Finally, Mohamed Yazid Benhamouda, in his capacity as a member of the executive committee of the PUIC, for his part reiterated Algeria's readiness to host, also on its soil, an ambitious research center for the immunity of Islamic thought, with a view to protecting the Islamic intellectual heritage from all attempts at infiltration aimed at calling into question its solid foundations.

The Parliamentary Union of the members States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (PUIC) sends message of thanks to President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune.(APS,31/01/2023)

ALGIERS- The Parliamentary Union of the members States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (PUIC) sent on Monday a message of thanks to the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune for his patronage of the 17th PUIC Conference, held in Algiers.

The message of thanks addressed to President Tebboune was read by the Secretary General of the PUIC, Mr. Mouhamed Khouraichi Niass at the end of this Conference organized under the slogan "The Muslim world and the challenges of modernization and development".

"Your approach had a positive impact (...) thanks to the efforts made by Algeria for the success of the session and the important results that resulted from it", indicates the message.

Mr. Khouraichi Niass also wished "more prosperity and progress to the Algerian people under the wise leadership" of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

Holding of an economic seminar on the Algerian market in Brussels.(APS,31/01/2023)

BRUSSELS - An economic seminar on the Algerian market was held in Brussels, with the participation of more than 120 business leaders, with the aim of strengthening the partnership and business ties between the operators of the two countries.

The Seminar was organized last Thursday by the Embassy of Algeria in Brussels and the Belgian regional foreign trade agencies, the Walloon Agency for Export and Foreign Investment (AWEX), Flanders Trade (FIT), HUB Brussels, in collaboration with the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce.

On this occasion, the Ambassador of Algeria in Brussels, Ali Mokrani welcomed the holding of this meeting, which would allow project leaders from both parties to meet and exchange business visits, in the context of the celebration, during the past year, of 60 years of diplomatic relations, traditionally marked by friendship and cooperation.

“This meeting comes at a time when bilateral trade relations are showing a significant improvement with an overall trade volume during the first nine months of 2022 of around 2 billion euros, up around 80% compared to the same period of 2021", specifies Mr. Mokrani.

According to him, this "upturn should be an opportunity for a renewal in the perception of economic ties to give them more substance, diversification and strategic depth in a dynamic and mutually beneficial approach".

He indicated, in this sense, that the Algerian government, under the leadership and guidance of the President of the Republic, has initiated concrete reforms in order to facilitate the economic and investment act within the framework of the national model of inclusive development. and sustainable, stimulate the emergence of both public and private and foreign enterprise, aimed at promoting economic diversification, the attractiveness of productive foreign direct investment, the processing of natural resources locally, the promotion of non-hydrocarbon exports and the integration into the regional and global economy.

The Algerian diplomat called on Belgian companies to seize the opportunities offered in terms of structuring multi-sectoral development projects, and the comparative advantages existing between the economies of the two countries for enhanced cooperation, recalling that Algeria aims to accentuate the development and the diversification of its energy supply towards the European Union with which it is linked by a strategic agreement in this area, the 4th session of the High-Level Dialogue of which is scheduled for Brussels this year.

In his intervention by videoconference, the Ambassador of Belgium in Algiers, Alain Leroy, highlighted the potential for economic cooperation existing between his country and Algeria.

Heads of Belgian companies active in Algeria called, during this meeting, on Belgian companies to invest in Algeria, with regard to the incentive advantages in terms of investment, while encouraging them to favor direct contact with Algerian partners.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune: State provides all conditions to which investors aspire.(APS,28/01/2023)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune affirmed Friday, in Algiers, that the State has provided all the conditions to which investors aspire.

The State "has enshrined the principle of legal security which is one of the essential foundations of the modern State to guarantee legislative stability and independent, responsible and efficient justice, conditions to which any investor aspires", underlined President Tebboune in his speech at the opening of the International Seminar on "The role of the lawyer in supporting investment and settling disputes", held at the International Conference Center (CIC), Abdelatif Rahal, read on his behalf by the adviser to the President of the Republic in charge of legal and judicial affairs, Mr. Boualem Boualem, in the presence of the Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane.

And to add that the public authorities have proceeded in this context to "the revision of all the laws relating to investment, in particular the Commercial Code which has an essential role in guaranteeing the security of investors in accordance with the requirements of the commercial activity on the regional and international levels with the evolution of commercial relations and the appearance of new forms of commercial activities".

President Tebboune specified that the draft commercial code "provides for mechanisms making it possible to facilitate transactions and simplify the conclusion of commercial agreements and procedures for the creation of commercial companies, in addition to the establishment of rescue measures for companies in difficulty through the establishment of prevention and settlement procedures, amicably, before the company reaches a stoppage of payment, then judicial liquidation and bankruptcy".

These measures are able to "relaunch the national economy by preserving the interest of the company which continues its activity and preserves jobs", he said.

The President of the Republic added that certain acts of business management have also been decriminalized in order to remove all the obstacles that hinder the operation of business management with a view to reassuring managers and investors and encourage to invest in Algeria safely.

"The law on investment enshrines the principle of freedom of trade and investment for Algerian and foreign operators by providing them with all the guarantees and facilitations to access the business world in Algeria, on an equal footing, in particular after the measures taken to guarantee an adequate climate for the exercise of their activities and the transfer of their profits in total transparency guaranteed by the law and by the bodies created at their head, the Algerian Agency for the Promotion of Investment (AAPI) “, underlined President Tebboune.

"These measures aim to support investment and companies through the creation of an appeals committee at the level of the Presidency of the Republic responsible for ironing out the difficulties hindering the processing of operators' files within deadlines not exceeding one months,” he said.

The President hailed, on this occasion, "the high sense of patriotism of the corporation of lawyers aware of the challenges that the State tends to take up with its potential to boost development and the national economy", stressing that this profession is " one of the pillars of legal action and one of the bases on which rests the rule of law which enshrines the principle of a fair trial which cannot be conceived without the presence of a strong and effective defence".

"The lawyers' corporation has shown that it is a partner and an essential player in the justice sector," he added.

And to continue: "An independent justice, honest and competent to guarantee judicial security to the litigant, is one of the priorities of the State", stressing moreover that to settle the disputes related to the investment, it was proceeded the creation and installation of courts specializing in commercial cases in order to improve legal action and the delivery of court decisions as soon as possible.

Referring to the measures aimed at modernizing the justice sector, President Tebboune recalled the launch of electronic justice in both civil and commercial matters.

President Tebboune called on the Government to generalize the use of electronic means to include all transactions, in other sectors and the administrations of institutions related to investment and trade in order to facilitate the daily lives of citizens and allow investors to take advantage of it and carry out their transactions as quickly as possible with complete ease and transparency.

During this two-day international meeting, participants will have to examine a series of issues such as investment, energy and competition, case law in the field of investment, the settlement of disputes relating to investment , investment in regional free trade areas and the new legal framework governing investment in Algeria as well as the related implementing texts.

The second day of this meeting, organized by the National Union of Bar Associations (UNOA) in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and in cooperation with the International Union of Lawyers, will be devoted to workshops on mediation, arbitration , investment protection, lawyer and digitization.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune: Algeria willing to host research centre for enhancing intellectual immunity of Muslim Societies.(APS,30/01/2023)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune said Sunday that Algeria was willing to host the research centre for enhancing intellectual immunity against the fast-changing digital realm and its impact on Muslim societies.

In a message read on his behalf, by the President of the People's National Assembly (APN), Mr. Brahim Boughali, at the opening of the 17th Conference of the Union of Councils of Member Countries of the Cooperation Organization Islamique (UPCI), the President of the Republic called for the "creation of a research center to strengthen intellectual immunity in the face of the unbridled digital changes to which Muslim societies are exposed". "This center will come under the PUIC," he said, adding that "Algeria is ready to host it."

"The phenomena of hostility and hatred against Muslims, which have led to an upsurge in acts of discrimination, marginalization and exclusion, call for increased efforts to find civilizational formulas that will enable us to confront systematic discrimination, to Islamophobia, hatred and intolerance, underlined President Tebboune, recalling that Islam "is the religion of the golden mean and moderation, and of high human values".

The President of the Republic also proposed the "launch of a strategy for intellectual, electronic and cybernetic cooperation between the member countries of the Union", in addition to "the creation of an incubator to drain and promote start-ups and innovative projects for the benefit of young people.

The Speaker of the People’s National Assembly, Mr. Brahim Boughali receives President of Arab Parliament, Heads of Azerbaijan and Tajikistan Parliaments.(APS,30/01/2023)

ALGIERS The Speaker of the People’s National Assembly, Mr. Brahim Boughali received on Saturday, in Algiers, the President of the Arab Parliament and the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Tajikistan’s Parliaments, arrived in Algeria to participate in the 17th session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (PUIC), the Parliament’s Lower House said in a statement.

Mr. Boughali discussed with the President of the Arab Parliament, Mr. Adel Benabderrahmane Al-Assoumi on the preparations for this session, scheduled for Sunday at the International Centre of Conferences “Abdelatif Rahal” and the decisions arising from it “in the best interests of the Arab and Muslim nations.”

The two sides discussed the “specific” character of this meeting, in light of the international situation.

Mr. Boughali also received the president of Azerbaijan’s Parliament, Mrs. Sahiba Qafarova with whom he reviewed “the state of the relations between the two countries,” stressing the necessity of making further efforts at the bilateral and multilateral levels in the best interests of the Arab and Muslim countries.

Mr. Boughali received the President of the Assembly of Representatives of Tajikistan to whom he underlined “the excellent bilateral relations and the concern to promote them,” pointing out that Algeria is committed to making from the 17th PUIC a milestone on the path of achieving the aspirations of the Muslim peoples for further progress and stability.

For his part, the President of the Assembly of Representatives of Tajikistan said he is pleased to be in Algeria, a country that he visited for the first time, expressing his wish to work for “the strengthening of the bilateral parliamentary relations and their promotion to the highest levels.”

The Secretary General of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States (PUIC), Mr. Mouhamed Khouraichi Niass: Muslim World places high hopes in Algeria for greater consensus, cohesion .(APS,30/01/2023)

ALGIERS- The Secretary General of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States (PUIC), Mr. Mouhamed Khouraichi Niass, said Sunday, in Algiers, that the PUIC had high hopes in Algeria, especially as the Islamic world today is in need of greater consensus and cohesion, putting forward the centrality of the cause of Palestine to the Muslim Nation.

During the opening session before the participants of the 17th session of the PUIC Conference, Mr. Khouraichi expressed his wish to see "the rotating presidency held by Algeria, make progress towards the realization of the objectives of the PUIC", adding that this appointment "will mark an important step and will achieve the success to which we aspire".

Speaking about the situation in the Islamic world, Mr. Khouraichi said that despite the human and strategic potential that the Islamic world harbors, "the majority of its states are experiencing upheavals and conflicts, hence the proliferation of migration phenomenon.

Referring to the Palestinian issue, he said it was a central cause for Muslims, because it represented "the tragedy of an entire people oppressed for over 70 years" by the iniquitous Zionist entity.

Therefore, he said, "we must be on the side of the Palestinian people and support them, because it is a duty incumbent on Muslim states".

He occasionally hailed recent UN resolutions inherent in the Palestinian issue, including the resolution urging the International Court of Justice to assess the impact of continuing Zionist violations against the Palestinian people and their long-standing occupation.

"Muslim countries must not stand idly by, nor allow UN resolutions to remain dead letters", underlined Mr. Khouraichi, considering "that it is inadmissible to pursue the policy of double standards".

Call for the introduction of reforms to the Union to adapt it to current demands

For his part, the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of the Republic of Turkey, Mustapha Chantoub pleaded for the introduction of reforms at the level of the Union of Councils of OIC Member Countries in order to adapt it to the requirements Of time.

In his speech at the end of his country's mandate as President of the Union, Mr. Chantoub considered that "given the serious violations of human rights targeting Muslims throughout the world, the creation of an Observatory s is now an imperative".

He cited, in this sense, the resurgence of hatred against Islam and Muslims confirmed by the constant violations against one of the sacred symbols of Muslims, the Holy Koran, after the acts of Swedish extremists who burned copies of the Holy Quran in Sweden and Holland, pointing out that these violations require serious thought about a mechanism that could put an end to these racist Islamophobic positions.

To this end, he called on human rights Organizations to become aware of this kind of aggression affecting all of humanity.

Mr. Chantoub affirmed that these acts taken together “force us to review the role of our Muslim institutions in order to relaunch it effectively, with the formation of commissions in charge of Muslim minorities throughout the world”.

The Turkish official highlighted the importance of solidarity among Muslim peoples, especially oppressed ones, citing the barbaric attacks inflicted on Palestinians and Rohingya minorities in Burma among other minorities around the world.

He added that the situation of the Muslims now imposes an institutional reform on us at the level of the General Secretariat of the Union, saying that he is convinced that the presidency by Algeria of the Union will be likely to strengthen the work of the latter and to promote its role in the future.

Algeria was given the presidency of the Union of Councils of OIC Member Countries during the 17th session of the Union, replacing Turkey.

Algeria firmly condemns bloody massacre by Zionist forces in Jenin.(APS,28/01/2023)

ALGIERS- Algeria has firmly condemned on Friday the bloody massacre committed by the Zionist occupation army in the camp of Jenin, in the occupied Palestinian territories, leaving dozens dead and injured, calling on the international community to take urgent action against the perpetrators of this appalling crime and end the series of repeated and horrible attacks against the Palestinian people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad said in a statement.

"While presenting its sincere condolences and sympathy to the Palestinian brothers, leaders and people, following this heinous crime, Algeria reiterates its unwavering support for the just Palestinian cause and its constant solidarity with the brave Palestinian people, to whom Algeria has always called for international protection through the UN Security Council and an end to international indifference, which has greatly contributed to the occupation forces' pursuit of its crimes and blatant disregard of all international laws and legislations," the statement said.

"This violent escalation led by the Zionist occupation against the helpless Palestinian civilians confirms the need to continue, as a matter of urgency, the efforts for the reunification of the Palestinian ranks and the strengthening of the determination to ensure the protection of the Palestinian people and to devote their right to build its independent state with Al-Quds as its capital".

Algeria expresses solidarity with Chad following serious road accident.(APS,30/01/2023)

ALGIERS-Algeria expressed on Sunday its sympathy and solidarity with Chad, following the serious traffic accident that killed several people on the road linking the cities of "Oum-Hadjer" and "Abeche", the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad said in a statement.

"Following the serious traffic accident that killed several people on the road linking the cities of Oum-Hadjer and Abeche in the Republic of Chad, a brotherly country, Algeria offers its condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured," said the source.

"In this painful circumstance, Algeria expresses its sympathy and solidarity with the Republic of Chad, brotherly country, leaders, government and people," the statement added.

Twenty people died and seven others were injured on Thursday night in a traffic accident. A bus collided with a parked truck on a road in eastern Chad, according to the Chadian Ministry of Transport.

Bilateral cooperation discussed with Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade.(APS,30/01/2023)

ALGIERS-The Minister of Industry, Ahmed Zaghdar received Sunday in Algiers the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Vasily Osmakov, who is on a working visit to Algeria, with whom he discussed ways to develop cooperation and industrial partnership between the two countries, the Ministry said in a statement.

The officials affirmed their countries' will to strengthen bilateral economic relations, especially in the industrial field.

Mr. Zaghdar spoke about the new investment law that entered into force recently in Algeria, pointing to the privileges and incentives that it provides to encourage the establishment of local and foreign investments, the statement read.

While Osmakov said a number of Russian institutions seek to establish fruitful partnerships in Algeria, the Algerian ministry added in its statement.

Algeria is Russia's second largest African trading partner, with an exchange volume of nearly $3 billion in 2021, according to official Algerian data.

International reports reveal that Algeria is the third importer of Russian weapons in the world, while Moscow is the main financier of the Algerian army, providing it with more than half of its weapons and military systems.

Preparations are currently underway for an upcoming visit by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to Moscow. Dates have not yet been announced. Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra previously said the visit would be "the beginning of a new phase in relations between the two countries."

Algeria, Cameroon sign several Agreements .(APS,30/01/2023)

ALGIERS- the mission paid to Cameroon from 22 to 28 January by an Algerian delegation made up of businessmen of the General Confederation of Algerian Companies (CGEA) and operators of the public sector culminated in the signing of several memorandums of understanding and fruitful discussions, CGEA said Sunday in a statement.

The Algerian delegation, which ended its mission on 28 January, was received in audience by several ministers, including that of Exterior Relations, of Economy, Planning and Regional Development, of Trade, of Public Health, of Water Resources and Energy, of Agriculture and Rural Development, of Public Works and of Housing and Urban Development, said the source.

“The delegation had the honor to be received, twice, by Cameroon’s Prime minister,” added the source.

In addition to the fruitful discussions held during these audiences and meetings in Yaoundé and Douala, the mission culminated in the signing of a protocol on the creation of an Algerian-Cameroonian Business Council between the Algerian Chamber of Trade and Industry (CACI) and the Cameroonian Chamber of Trade, Industry and Crafts, as well as the convention on the deepening of the cooperation between CGEA and the Employers’ Group of Cameroon, said the source.

During this mission, “the Algerian operators signed seven memoranda of understanding for the transformation of products (maize, coffee, cashew nuts, mango, pineapples, eggs and barley), as well as the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Inter-professional Group of Cameroonian entrepreneurs (GIPEC).

More than 30 public and private companies took part in this economic mission, notably the sectors of food processing industry, building and public works, pharmaceutical industry, electrical goods industry and electronics.

Household appliances and electrical equipment: 36 countries import our products .(APS,30/01/2023)

The Minister of Trade and Export Promotion, Mr. Kamel Rezig, inaugurated yesterday at the headquarters of the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACI), the National Open Doors on the production and export of electronic products and household appliances, under the slogan "Quality, Guarantee, Perspectives and Challenges", in the presence of a diplomatic delegation. This exhibition of electronic products and household appliances, organized by the CACI, allowed about thirty national public and private companies to present their good quality products from assembly units located throughout the country.

These open days, which will take place from January 29 to 31, are dedicated to all actors in the field of household appliances and electronic equipment, with the aim of promoting and supporting exportable Algerian products and encouraging national production to enter the markets. strangers.

Also, during the exhibition days, technical workshops will be organized by experts and specialists in the field of household electrical industry and electronic equipment.

In his speech, on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Rezig specified that his department "is in the process of organizing open doors every two weeks at the national level in several wilayas of the country, where we dedicate each event to a branch of activity, with, this time, household appliances”. The Minister calls for the promotion of the local product in a global way, so that it takes its real place in the consumption habits of Algerians”.

“We have observed, he said, that Algerian production has reached an exceptional level of quality, with acceptable integration rates for many products, some of which have reached a rate of 60%, 70% and even 80 %, and other products are currently only 20%. Currently, the Ministry of Commerce is working jointly with the Ministry of Industry, involving other stakeholders to encourage this important sector for the economic development of the country, in order to achieve the objectives set; locally manufactured products will automatically replace those from imports.

We strongly support producers in this sector, to encourage them further in order to increase their share of exported products. In 2021, we reached 45 million dollars in terms of export to 36 countries, and in 2023, the Department of Commerce expects to increase the value of exports since Algeria has good quality products with huge stocks. »

The Minister also specified that it was more than necessary to work together to increase the export capacities of this sector and, at the same time, achieve the objectives, indicating that these national open days organized in the 58 wilayas will give the opportunity above all to the producers to make known their products and to expose to the consumer products of national manufacture of good quality with unbeatable prices.

With the contribution of all the operators, “we will be able to reach conclusive figures worthy of the name”. And to add: “We have the capacities, the means, international brands and a mastery of technology.”

The member of the Government underlined, on the occasion, that within the framework of the program of the President of the Republic encouraging non-hydrocarbon exports, "this sector will bring its added value, because it is time for these local products to replace imported ones.

World Economic Forum report: Algeria has doubled its agricultural production .(APS,30/01/2023)

In the space of just two years, Algeria has more than doubled its agricultural production per capita. This is according to a report published by the World Economic Forum, entitled “Food, natural and health transitions – replicable country models”.

A breakthrough so remarkable that it was hailed at the World Economic Forum (WEF) held in Davos (Switzerland).

Algeria's results should be even more significant in the years to come. The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune recently set the objective of achieving an annual production of 9 million tonnes of cereals, aiming for an average yield of 30 quintals per hectare and a total sown area of 3 million hectares.

According to the report, Algeria has “more than doubled its per capita food production since 2020” thanks to government programs and agricultural innovations. The country thus serves as an example for states wishing to improve their productivity, sustainability and food supply.

“The transformation of food systems allows farmers and producers to follow healthy and nutritious diets as well as to benefit from dignified jobs”, underlines Gim Huay Neo, director general of the Center for Nature and Climate of the World Economic Forum.

In the opinion of specialists "agriculture in Algeria remains despite everything a central element of the economy". Its development makes it possible to ensure “food security for the population, as well as the creation of wealth and jobs”.

However, it remains limited by "climatic, biotic and technical factors by a lack of appropriate technical work of applied research and popularization".

With climate change, precipitation should decrease and temperature increase, which will have direct consequences on the capacity to mobilize water resources and on cropping systems.

For specialists, “climate models show that these trends will strengthen over the next 20 years”.

“As the agricultural sector is the primary consumer of this resource, agricultural production, and therefore the supply to consumers, will be directly affected”, it is specified.

On the other hand, specialists warn that the agricultural areas, located in the arid and semi-arid triangle, which represent 85% of the total land area, outside the Sahara, will henceforth be more and more subject to frequent droughts and climatic accidents.

This diagnosis is widely shared by the National Climate Plan (PNC) adopted by the authorities in 2018, “but has not been followed up, and the measures to adapt to climate change (CC) adopted by the PNC are far from to know a beginning of application".

Faced with this situation, great efforts must be made in terms of basic and applied agronomic research.

The promotion of a scientific approach following a modern vision, including the training and qualification of human resources in the agricultural sector, is also among the issues discussed.

First of all, it is useful to remember that independent Algeria is ranked today on the same level as developed countries in terms of food security.

Algeria up to the challenges

Confirmation of this performance came from the United Nations World Food Program (WFP), which ranked Algeria first country in Africa in terms of food security during the 2018-2020 period. The only African country to have recorded this performance, Algeria was thus listed in the same category as the majority of European countries, the United States, Canada, China, Russia, Brazil and Australia. , among others. Moreover, increasing the degree of food self-sufficiency through national food production is the objective that all the States of the world have set themselves, including the Algerian State in particular.

The realization of this strategic goal derives from the level reached by the development of the agriculture and food sector, from the objective need to better meet the growing demand of society for food products.

The importance of a professional organization in the sector

It is therefore imperative, in very difficult internal and external conditions of economic development, to make better use of local natural resources. It is a complex and long-term task. It is connected with the development of all branches of agriculture and food and of the whole economy.

Mr. Zoubir Sahli, agro-economist expert consultant, hopes to see this sector take off, but he also believes that “we must stop dreaming”.

For him, "if producers and farmers themselves, often unorganized and not wanting organization either, do not want it and shun local products, it is because they find interests to sell non-quality products, on all the local markets, at prohibitive prices which provide them with staggering margins and profits”.

Algerian Customs Shield awarded to President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune.(APS,27/01/2023)

ALGIERS-The Directorate General of Customs (DGD) awarded Thursday in Algiers the Shield of Algerian Customs to the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

The Minister of Finance, Brahim Djamel Kassali, and the Director General of Customs, Noureddine Khaldi handed over the shield to the Chief of Staff at the Presidency of the Republic, Abdelaziz Khellaf at a ceremony celebrating the International Customs Day, held at the International Conference Center Abdelatif-Rahal (CIC-Algiers).

This tribute comes in recognition of "the special interest that the President of the Republic attaches to Customs as evidenced by the strategic projects that the customs seek to achieve, including the digitization of customs," according to explanations provided at the ceremony.

The Prime Minister, Aïmene Benabderrahmane also received an award at the ceremony themed “Support for the New Generation, Promotion of the Culture of Exchange of Knowledge and Boost of Pride in Customs Officers.”

Prime Minister Aymen, Mr. Benabderrahmane chairs ceremony marking International Customs Day.(APS,27/01/2023)

ALGIERS- Prime Minister Aymen, Mr. Benabderrahmane chaired Thursday, in Algiers, a ceremony celebrating the International Customs Day (ICD), in the presence of members of the Government, Customs executives and senior State officials.

Before the start of the ceremony held at the International Conference Center, Abdelatif Rahal, under the theme "Supporting the new generation, promoting the culture of knowledge exchange and consolidating pride in the customs profession", the Prime Minister visited an exhibition dedicated to Algerian Customs, showing images, equipment, and documents highlighting the history and activities of this constituted body.

During this visit, the Prime Minister gave a series of guidelines relating to the proper execution of future projects of the Algerian Customs General Directorate (DGDA).

The program of this ceremony provides for the launch of tests relating to the new Customs computer system, presentations on the achievements and prospects of the activity of the Algerian Customs services and the annual report (2022) as well as activity in the field. operational customs teams in addition to the assessment of the fight against trafficking and smuggling.

Customs: A qualitative step forward in terms of representation at the international level in 2022.(APS,27/01/2023)

ALGIERS - Algerian Customs recorded in 2022 "significant progress" in terms of representation at the international level, thanks to the many important positions occupied within the World Customs Organization (WCO), said Thursday in Algiers, the Director General of Customs, Mr. Noureddine Khaldi.

In a speech at the International Customs Day (IDD) celebration ceremony held at the Abdelatif-Rahal International Conference Center, Mr. Khaldi said that the year 2022 had been marked by "a return of Algeria on the international scene thanks to the validation of the membership of Algerian Customs within the Audit Committee of the WCO Council, of which it is also Vice-Chairman".

It is also, he continued, "the validation of four Algerian executives as international experts in various specialties of the WCO, as well as the admission of a customs executive to the secretariat of the Secretary General of the WCO", considering that it is "a great achievement after a long absence".

Mr. Khaldi hailed, at the same time, the efforts made by the personnel of the sector and their "major role" in the protection of the national economy, which proves, he said, the total commitment of the Algerian customs to the public policy of the State, calling to encourage and protect the national economy and support economic operators on the ground.

The official reaffirmed the sector's determination to value the human element through the establishment of all the mechanisms and means capable of raising the level of customs by anchoring patriotism and loyalty to the homeland in order to carry out the economic revolution.

Customs collections in 2022 amount to nearly 1150 billion DA

The Director General noted the importance of the coordination established between the Customs services and the various security forces with a view to protecting the national economy, in particular through joint operations in the field which have made it possible to achieve significant results.

Algerian Customs seized, in 2022, more than 520 tons of subsidized products, more than 10 tons of treated kif and more than 4.8 million units of psychotropic tablets.

In 2022, Customs collected more than 1148 billion DA in taxes and customs duties, according to the Director General.

Referring to the efforts of Customs in terms of awareness, Mr. Khaldi said that the General Directorate organized last year 84 days of awareness and information for the benefit of economic operators in different fields across the national territory.

On this occasion, Mr. Khaldi underlined the "mobilization of Algerian Customs to contribute to development with a view to building a strong economy through the encouragement and protection of local production", adding that "this body on which public authorities is ready to do everything possible to concretize the policy of the State through an effective coordination with the various sectors".

Algeria-Cuba: The National Electricity and Gas Company (Sonelgaz) sends a mission to Cuba to study a solar power plant project in Havana.(APS,27/01/2023)

The Sonelgaz group announced on Wednesday that it had sent a highly qualified mission to Cuba from 19 to 25 January to launch a project study for the construction of a solar power plant in Havana, in application of the instructions of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune. “In accordance with the instructions of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune and in the framework of the Algerian-Cuban cooperation, Sonelgaz has announced that it has sent a highly qualified mission to Havana from 19 to 25 January to launch a study for the construction of a solar power plant,” the group’s press release said. This step comes after the visit of the Cuban President, Mr. Miguel Diaz Canel last November in Algiers.

Holding in Algiers of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (UPCI), a real turning point in the course of the Union.(APS,27/01/2023)

ALGIERS- Participants in the preparatory meetings of the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (PUIC), which began Thursday in Algiers, stressed that their holding in Algiers constituted a a real turning point in the course of the Union and a new stage in the history of parliamentary relations between Muslim countries.

In his opening address to the work which began with the holding of the 48th meeting of the Executive Committee of the Union at the Abdelatif-Rahal International Conference Center (CIC), the Secretary General of the PUIC, Mr. Mouhamed Khouraichi Niass declared "our presence in Algeria constitutes a precious opportunity to salute the remarkable role of the two Chambers of the Algerian Parliament, within the framework of the Union of Councils and their tireless efforts to strengthen the achievements of the Union".

He said he was convinced that the meeting in Algiers will constitute "a real turning point in the path of the Union and will enable us to achieve the success to which we aspire".

The preparatory meetings will make it possible "to make the final touches, in anticipation of the meeting of the General Commission and the executives of the Union, and this through the final revision of the draft agendas of the Conference and of all the related meetings,” he said.

The 47th meeting of the PUIC Executive Committee, held last March in Algiers, made it possible to adopt a procedural motion relating to Muslim Communities and Minorities and to form the Committee of Conferences and Muslim Minorities of the Union.

In a statement to the press, Mr. Mohamed Yazid Benhamouda, member of the PUIC Executive Committee specified that through the slogan of the Conference (The Islamic world and the challenges of modernization and development) "we are working to take the Union, thanks to a purely Algerian and diplomatic vision, from theory to practice, so that the Islamic world can find cooperation mechanisms".

The qualitative participation testifies to the important place of Algeria in international relations

Algeria's doors are "open" to everyone, especially since Algerian diplomacy has seen an upward pace last year, he added.

Regarding the results of the Conference, Mr. Benhamouda said that "they will take into consideration the results of the Arab Summit, the Algiers Declaration on Palestine and the Gathering Conference of Palestinian factions", stating that this objective "is not easily achievable and needs to be further supported".

The Conference, he said, has a "quantitative and qualitative" participation, with the presence of more than 35 Parliaments of Muslim countries and more than 22 Speakers of Parliament, constituting "a proof that Algeria occupies an important place in relations international organizations, particularly in the Arab and Islamic world, but also internationally".

The Conference will be crowned by a declaration that all the parliamentarians of the OIC will adopt, according to Mr. Benhamouda, affirming that the results "in view of the seriousness which marks the meetings of the ICC, will live up to the reputation of the Algeria".

For his part, MP Kacem Hachem representing Lebanon, member of the Executive Committee and President of the parliamentary branch of the Islamic parliaments affirmed that the holding of this meeting in Algeria "constitutes an important step", stressing that "Algeria which has has always been a symbol of the unifying word, in addition to preserving the causes of the Arab-Muslim Nation, remains a symbol of sacrifices and the struggle of a nation in order to obtain freedom and national dignity".

"The importance of the Conference lies in Algeria's constant desire to establish fraternal relations to unify positions and defend sacred causes, in particular the Palestinian cause which remains central for the Arab and Muslim Nations and for all those who love of freedom in the world," he said, recalling the attempts at Judaization and the incursions carried out against sacred Islamic places in Palestine.

The Lebanese MP hoped that the meeting would mark the "beginning of a new stage making it possible to achieve the expected socio-economic development (...) and to respond to the aspirations of our peoples, with a view to preserving the dignity of the Arab and Muslim citizen".

The Turkish parliamentarian, Orhan Atalay, for his part, hoped that the Algiers meeting would be crowned with success so that solutions would be found to the main problems facing the Muslim nation, calling for the combined efforts of all country to achieve this.

The Palestinian cause is the main issue that will be addressed, he said. The Palestinian people continue to suffer and as long as this issue is not settled, "the world will not be able to enjoy security and peace", affirmed the Turkish parliamentarian.

He also condemned the crime of desecration of the Holy Quran by an extremist in Stockholm (Sweden) and another in The Hague (Netherlands).

Algeria hosts headquarters of Research Institute of Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).(APS,27/01/2023)

ALGIERS-The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad signed Thursday an agreement with the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) to host the headquarters of the Gas Research Institute (GRI) in Algiers.

The Convention was signed at the headquarters of the Ministry by the Acting Director General of Protocols of the Ministry, Mr. Omar Boufedji and the Secretary General of the GECF, Mr. Mohamed Hamel, in the presence of the Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy and Mines , Mr. Abdelkrim Aouissi.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Amar Belani affirmed that Algeria in its capacity as a founding member of the GECF "has the honor to host this Institute which will strive to find effective and innovative technological solutions capable of strengthening the role of natural gas in the energy transition process".

"Housing GRI's headquarters in Algeria is a sign of recognition and confidence in Algeria's place and pioneering role in strengthening dialogue and cohesion among member countries through its efforts to consolidate the Forum as an Organization active on the international scene", he argued.

The Secretary General of the GECF, for his part, declared that this agreement comes within the framework of the application of the decision of the member countries to widen their cooperation in the field of technology through the creation of the on gas as a framework for scientific cooperation with a view to exchanging information, supporting innovation and sharing expertise, skills and training.

The Gas Research Institute will be "a cooperation platform in the field of technology and an effective tool for developing partnerships with research centers and universities in member countries and related centers around the world", said he said.

Recalling the unanimity on the choice of Algeria to house the headquarters of the institute, Mr. Hamel considered that it "wants to be a recognition of the precious and active role of Algeria in the GECF and its mastery of the techniques relating to the exploitation of natural gas, especially since Algeria has been a pioneer in the field of natural gas since 1964 and masters the production chains".

In his speech, the Secretary General noted the importance of natural gas in the world economy, given that global demand for it will have to grow by 36% by 2050, and that its share will have to increase in the energy mix. worldwide, from 23% currently to 26% in 2050.

It should be recalled that the member countries decided during the 19th meeting of the GECF, held in October 2017 in Moscow, on the proposal of Algeria, to create a Gas Research Institute (GRI) for the countries of the forum in Algeria.

This decision was endorsed at the GECF Presidents' Summit, held in November 2017 in Bolivia.

The GECF is an intergovernmental organization created during the 8th Session of the Informal Forum of the same countries, held in Moscow in December 2008.

It is currently composed of 12 member countries, namely Algeria, Bolivia, Equatorial Guinea, Egypt, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, the Emirates United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Venezuela, as well as 7 observer countries, namely Angola, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Malaysia, Mozambique, Norway and Peru.

The GECF thus brings together countries which together hold more than two-thirds of the planet's gas reserves.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune receives Special Representative of UN Secretary General in Libya.(APS,26/01/2023)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune , received, on Wednesday in Algiers, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily.

The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Presidency of the Republic in the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Ramtane Lamamra, and Chief of Satff at the Presidency of the Republic, Abdelaziz Khellaf.

The Special Representative of UN Secretary General in Libya welcomes Algeria's efforts to settle crisis in Libya.(APS,26/01/2023)

ALGIERS- The special representative of the UN secretary general for Libya and head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (MANUL), Abdoulaye Bathily, welcomed Tuesday evening Algeria's efforts for the settlement of the crisis in that country, calling on the international community to back a process allowing the recovery of stability in Libya.

In a declaration at the end of the audience granted to him by the President of the Republic, Mr. Bathily declared: "I am today in Algeria to take the opinion and the proposals of the President of the Republic" concerning the ways to resolve the situation in Libya, saying he was convinced that the Libyans "will be attentive to the proposals of Algeria, a neighboring country, also affected by the repercussions of the Libyan crisis".

The UN official thanked President Tebboune for the steps taken to ensure that all international parties "speak with one voice to enable the Libyan people and State to emerge from the crisis but also to prosper", both in the interest of the Libyans than of the region as a whole.

Recalling that Algeria had supported "from the start" the mission entrusted to it by the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Bathily welcomed the "continuous support" of Algeria, this same support, he added. he says, who "accompanied the steps of the UN for Libya".

The UN official specified that his visit to Algeria was part of a tour of neighboring Libyan countries to seek their help in restoring security in that country, by "assisting the Libyan parties and allowing them to find ways of dialogue in order to overcome the crisis which lasted more than a decade".

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune receives Saudi Minister of Hajj, Umrah.(APS,26/01/2023)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, received on Wednesday in Algiers, Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfik Ben Fawzan Al-Rabiah.

The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Presidency of the Republic in the presence of Chief of Staff at the Presidency of the Republic, Abdelaziz Khellaf and Minister of Religious Affairs and Wakfs, Youcef Belmehdi.

Saudi Minister of Hajj: All facilities will be granted to Algerian Hajjis

The Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfik Ben Fawzan Al-Rabiah said on Wednesday in Algiers that all facilities will be granted to Algerian Hajjis, adding that the quota of Algerian pilgrims had been raised to 41,300 Hajjis for the 2023 Hajj season.

In a statement at the end of the meeting granted to him by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Mr. Tawfik Ben Fawzan Al-Rabiah underlined that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia “welcomes Algerian pilgrims, especially since the restrictions on the number and age of pilgrims have been lifted”.

“It was agreed to grant Algeria a quota of 41,300 hadijs, to whom all facilities will be granted,” he said.

Mr. Tawfik Ben Fawzan Al-Rabiah stressed that his meeting with President Tebboune ” reflects the depth of relations between Algeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia “, expressing the ” high consideration ” that the Custodian of the two Holy Places of Islam and the Crown Prince have for Algeria.

Government meeting: Several sectors on the agenda.(APS,26/01/2023)

Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane on Wednesday chaired a government meeting devoted to the examination of issues related to the Justice, Agriculture, Pharmaceutical Industry and Digitalization and Statistics sectors, according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office:

The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane, chaired on Wednesday, 25 January 2023, a Government meeting held at the Government Palace.

During its weekly meeting, the Government discussed the following items:

In the field of Justice:

The Government has examined a draft executive decree setting out the organisation and operating procedures of regional training schools for lawyers, submitted by the Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals.

The draft executive decree, which comes in application of the provisions of Law No 13-07 of 29 October 2013, on the organisation of the lawyer’s profession, provides for a flexible and adapted mode of organisation and operation for these schools, involving the National Union of Lawyers’ Associations and taking into account the primordial place of the lawyer in the judicial system and in the enshrinement of the constitutionally recognised right to defence.

The main task of these schools will be to provide specialised training for student lawyers, with a view to obtaining the certificate of aptitude for the legal profession (CAPA), as well as continuing training and further training for lawyers.

In the field of agriculture:

The Government has examined a draft executive decree on the declassification of a parcel of the Ouled Zaied state forest, in the commune of Ouled Driss ( Province of Souk Ahras), intended for the construction of an electric post, presented by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

This project is part of the operation to build high and very high voltage electricity transmission stations to supply the future phosphoric acid production project as part of the large integrated phosphate complex.

In the field of the pharmaceutical industry:

The Government examined a draft executive decree amending executive decree n 20-324 of 22 November 2020 on the modalities of approval of medical devices, presented by the Minister of Pharmaceutical Industry.

The draft text, which grants a 24-month extension for medical devices that do not have approval decisions and that will continue to be sold, aims to ensure the availability of the medical devices on the national market and thus guarantee the proper functioning of health institutions and better patient care.

This extension will be supported by a number of appropriate supervision and control measures and mechanisms to ensure that medical devices commercialised at national level comply with international norms and standards, pending their approval by the National Agency for Pharmaceutical Products.

Finally, in the field of statistics:

The Minister of Digitisation and Statistics presented a statement on the assessment of the 6th general population and housing census which took place from 25 September to 16 October 2022.

This report presents the first results on the total population and the housing stock in Algeria, based on information collected from households.

The results of the second phase are expected within three months and will provide more disaggregated information on the demographic situation of the population, its structure and composition, as well as a set of data relating to its living conditions and the progress made by Algeria on the socio-economic level.

Algeria strongly condemns desecration of Holy Quran in The Hague.(APS,26/01/2023)

Algeria strongly condemned Wednesday the attempt to undermine the symbols of Islam following a serious breach from a far-right leader who tore a copy of the Holy Quran in The Hague (Netherlands), calling on the Governments of the countries concerned to take the necessary measures to prevent such provocative acts, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad in a statement.

“Algeria has strongly condemned the attempted attack on the symbols of Islam following a serious slippage by a Dutch official who tore up a copy of the Holy Koran in The Hague (Netherlands),” the statement reads.

Algeria reiterated its condemnation of “the repetition of these provocative acts which have serious consequences for social peace”, calling on the governments of the countries concerned to “take the necessary legal and practical measures to prohibit and repress attacks on religious symbols, to combat hate speech and extremism, and to work to ensure the prevalence of the values of tolerance and living together”, the statement said.

Dutch leader of the far-right anti-Islamic group Pegida, Edwin Wagensveld, tore up and desecrated a copy of the Qur’an in front of the Parliament building in The Hague on Monday.

The incident comes after far-right party leader, Swedish-Danish Rasmus Paladan, burned a copy of the Quran in front of the Turkish embassy in Stockholm on Saturday under police protection that prevented citizens from approaching him while he committed his act.

Signing of three mutual legal assistance agreements between Algeria and Niger.(APS,26/01/2023)

ALGIERS- The Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, Mr. Abderrachid Tabi co-chaired, Wednesday in Algiers, with the Nigerien Minister of Justice, Mr. Ikta Abdoulaye Mohamed, the signing ceremony of three mutual legal assistance agreements between Ministries of Justice of the two countries.

The signing of these three Agreements relating to mutual legal assistance in civil, commercial and criminal matters, in addition to the Extradition Agreement, has allowed us to "take a big step towards the establishment of effective bilateral legal assistance between Algeria and Niger, and this at the height of the accelerated developments recorded throughout the world, particularly in the fight against crime, in all its forms".

The efforts deployed within the framework of the updating of the agreement with the Nigerien partner go hand in hand with the major challenges of the program of the President of the Republic, which, he said, "take into account the common interests between Algeria and its strategic partners, particularly in Africa".

He also hailed "the level of the deep-rooted brotherly relations between the two countries and the deep-rooted historic friendship ties between the two countries, in addition to the ties established between the two peoples and the two directions".

Regarding the Mutual Assistance Agreement in Criminal Matters and that relating to the extradition of criminals, the Minister affirmed that "they constitute the ideal mechanism to fight against the impunity of criminals".

He added that the Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement in civil and commercial matters "will contribute to strengthening the forms of cooperation between the two countries and to the protection of our fellow citizens, in particular with the increase in the volume of trade and movement of people".

For his part, the Nigerien Minister of Justice stressed that the signing of these three agreements "completes the process of mutual legal assistance between Algeria and Niger", adding that the approach adopted by the two countries in this regard "aims to develop a system of mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and to facilitate the procedure for the extradition of criminals".

These Agreements constitute "a model of South-South cooperation which reminds us of our community of destiny with regard to history and geography, but also of the rapprochement in our customs and values that we draw from Islam", estimated the Nigerian Minister.

Algeria/Cameroon: Signature of an Agreement for the creation of a Business Council between the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACI) and its Cameroonian counterpart.(APS,26/01/2023)

ALGIERS - The Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACI) and the Cameroonian Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Handicrafts (CCIMA) have signed an agreement to create an Algerian- Cameroonians, said a statement from the Algerian Chamber on Wednesday.

The Agreement was co-signed by the President of the CACI, Mr. Kamel Hamani and his Cameroonian counterpart, Mr. Christophe Eken, in the presence of the Ambassador of Algeria to the State of Cameroon, Mr. Boumediène Mahi.

This signature crowns the visit organized by the CACI, in collaboration with the General Confederation of Algerian Enterprises (CGEA), of a delegation of Algerian businessmen to Cameroon, from January 23 to 28, according to the same source.

In this regard, the organization of this visit intervened, with a view to developing economic cooperation, promoting trade between African States, exploring partnership opportunities between economic operators and their Cameroonian counterparts and knowing the potential of the African market. , we read in the press release.

As such, more than 30 public and private companies active in different fields take part in this economic mission, in particular from the agri-food, building and public works (BTP) sectors, the pharmaceutical industry, household appliances and electronics, as well as wood, adds the same source.

On this occasion, the Algerian delegation met the Cameroonian Prime Minister and ministers from different sectors in the capital Yaoundé.

An Algerian-Cameroonian Economic Forum was organized in the economic capital of Cameroon Douala.

The General Confederation of Algerian Enterprises (CGEA) indicated in a press release that the Algerian delegation had been received by several Cameroonian Ministers, in particular of External Relations, Economy, Planning, Trade, Energy, Water and Agriculture, as well as Ministers of Public Works and Housing.

The CGEA indicated in this regard that the talks which took place with the Cameroonian Prime Minister and several Ministers, made it possible to underline the will of Cameroonian officials and businessmen to strengthen economic exchanges with Algeria and to establish win-win partnerships in several areas.

Algerian-French consultations: Concordance of views on ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.(APS,26/01/2023)

ALGIERS- The works of the 9th Session of the Algerian-French political consultations, held Wednesday in Algiers, brought out a concordance of views on the ways and means of raising the level of cooperation between the two countries, indicates a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad.

According to the text, the 9th Session of Algerian-French political consultations was held under the co-chairmanship of the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Amar Belani, and his counterpart from the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Anne Marie Descôtes.

"These political consultations, which were based for the first time on exploratory meetings between senior officials from the various ministerial departments of the two parties, revealed a concordance of views on the ways and means of raising the level of cooperation, consolidate the bilateral legal framework and design new bilateral cooperation mechanisms in the various fields of activity,” the statement read.

"This session, which was held in a warm atmosphere marked by trust and frankness, is part of the revitalization of the various bilateral cooperation mechanisms, in accordance with the Algiers Declaration for a renewed partnership as well as the conclusions of the sixth session of the High-Level Intergovernmental Committee, held in Algiers in October 2022", adds the same source.

The work of this Session "took place in a particular context marked by the preparation for the next visit to France, which the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, will make next May, a visit which will be preceded by the holding , in the coming weeks, of the Joint Algerian-French Economic Committee (COMEFA)".

They addressed "all the dimensions of the bilateral relationship, in particular the human dimension, with particular emphasis on issues relating to memory and the movement of people, which constitute true markers of this relationship".

In accordance with the course set by the Heads of State of the two countries, "it was agreed to deal with the memorial question within the framework of an objective and truthful reading".

The French party undertook in this regard to "accelerate the process of restoring the archives and dealing with the question of the nuclear test sites which should be rehabilitated, thus contributing to apprehending the future in a climate of appeasement and mutual respect".

The two parties also discussed "current regional and international issues of common interest in their immediate neighborhood (Western Sahara, Sahel, Libya, Russian-Ukrainian conflict, etc.)".

They "finally agreed to continue the dialogue and exchanges, as well as the activation of all the cooperation mechanisms established by the authorities of the two countries", concludes the press release.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune greets with solemn welcome Italian Prime Minister.(APS,24/01/2023)

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Monday greeted with a solemn welcome, at the Presidency of the Republic, Italy’s Prime Minister, Mrs. Georgia Meloni, who is on a working and Friendship visit to Algeria.

Mrs. Meloni, who began her visit on Sunday leading a large ministerial delegation, laid a wreath at the Martyr’s Sanctuary in front of the commemorative stele and observed a minute’s silence in memory of the martyrs of the glorious War of National Liberation.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune : Algeria intends to strengthen its strategic partnership with Italy.(APS,24/01/2023)

ALGIERS President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, reaffirmed on Monday in Algiers Algeria's determination to strengthen its strategic partnership with Italy in terms of energy and to honour its commitments as a reliable regional and international supplier, praising the level and quality of bilateral relations, especially in recent years.

"I would like to salute the level of strategic relations between Algeria and Italy, as well as the efforts made in recent years to strengthen the partnership and promote trade, which have achieved exceptional results in a short period of time," President Tebboune said in a joint press briefing with the President of the Italian Council of Ministers, Mrs. Georgia Meloni.

The level of trade between Algeria and Italy has risen from 8 billion dollars in 2021, to 16 billion dollars, which is "an indicator of rapprochement and the fruit of the approaches we have adopted to establish an upward dynamic in various areas of cooperation, added the president.

In this regard, the President of the Republic said he had reaffirmed, during his talks with Mrs. Meloni, Algeria's determination to consolidate its place as a strategic partner of Italy in energy matters and to honour its commitments as a reliable regional and international supplier, as well as for Italian industrial investments in Algeria.

For President Tebboune, the visit of the President of the Italian Council of Ministers to Algeria is of particular importance, especially since it comes on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the signing by the two countries of the Treaty of Friendship and Good Neighbourliness.

Italian Prime Minister, Mrs. Giorgia Meloni: Algeria, an important and reliable partner for Italy.(APS,24/01/2023)

The President of the Italian Council of Ministers, Mrs. Giorgia Meloni, praised Monday in Algiers the bilateral relations between her country and Algeria, describing Algeria as “an important and reliable partner of Italy”.

The choice of Algeria as the first stage of her visit to North Africa “is not fortuitous”, said Ms. Meloni during a joint press conference with the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, adding that “the new Italian government wanted to show the importance of Algeria for Italy as an essential and strategically important partner.

The President of the Italian Council of Ministers underlined the importance of this visit which “comes on an important occasion, the 20th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship and Good Neighbourliness between the two countries signed in Algiers in January 2003”.

“We wanted to mark this anniversary with the signing of a Joint Declaration highlighting the importance and excellence of the relations between our two countries, relations that we want to develop in new areas and strengthen cooperation in the energy, economic, cultural and political fields”, said Ms Meloni.

He added that “Italy wishes to establish a partnership with Algeria that will enable both countries to achieve more growth and development, to build bridges between the two shores of the Mediterranean and to contribute to stability in the region”.

Italy considers Algeria “an extremely important partner in the framework of the Enrico Mattei plan in Africa”, she added, noting that this plan was “based on a model of cooperation on equal terms with the countries of the southern shore of the Mediterranean, with a view to transforming several crises into new opportunities and new potential”.

On the international level, the President of the Italian Council of Ministers stressed the need to reach a solution to the Palestinian question, through the adoption of the two-state principle.

She recalled Italy’s position that “a two-state solution is the only possible solution, through negotiations between the two parties within the framework of criteria established by international law, in order to ensure peace and stability in the region”.

Mrs. Meloni said she had raised several international issues during her talks with President Tebboune “starting with North Africa, the stability in Libya, the sensitive situation in Mali and in the whole Sahel region”, pointing out the existence of “a growing destabilisation (in the region) which concerns her country”.

The situation in Tunisia was also discussed, according to Mrs. Meloni.

Algeria, Italy ink joint Declaration, four Memorandums of Understanding.(APS,24/01/2023)

Algeria and Italy signed Monday in Algiers a joint Declaration and four (4) Memorandums of Understanding in several sectors under the working and friendship visit of the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy, Georgia Meloni to Algeria.

In this context, the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and the President of the Italian Council of Ministers, Mrs. Georgia Meloni, signed a joint Declaration on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of friendship, good neighbourliness and cooperation.

President Tebboune and Ms. Meloni also chaired the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding between the Sonatrach Group and the Italian group ENI, the first relating to the improvement of energy connection networks between Algeria and Italy, and the second on technological cooperation for the reduction of gas flaring, recovery and other techniques for reducing emissions.

The Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) and its Italian counterpart have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of space activities for peaceful purposes.

The Agreements signed also cover a Memorandum of understanding between the Algerian Economic Renewal Council (CREA) and the Italian Economic and Industrial Confederation.

The signing ceremony took place at the end of the one-to-one talks between President Tebboune and Mrs. Meloni, which were later extended to delegations from both countries.

Algeria to participate in International Fair of Khartoum on 24-31 January.(APS,24/01/2023)

ALGIERS-Algeria will participate in the 40th International Fair of Khartoum (Sudan) scheduled for 24-31 January, EPE TASDIR, a subsidiary of the Algerian Company of Fairs and Exports (SAFEX), said Monday in a statement.

According to the press release of the subsidiary of the Algerian Society of Expositions and Exports (SAFEX), an area of 420 square meters will be devoted to this exhibition in which 38 Algerian companies will take part representing several sectors, namely construction materials, agriculture and agri-food, mechanical sectors, pharmacy, textile and leather, energy and chemistry, in addition to services.

The same source explained Algeria’s presence by the political will to develop fruitful partnerships in Sudan, and an opportunity for Algerian economic operators present to show the diversity of Algerian supply, and in particular to create momentum for new export opportunities and partnerships between Algerian companies and their Sudanese counterparts, as well as for the growth of trade flows between the two countries in the near future.

Organization of the 16th National Job and Training Fair.(APS,24/01/2023)

ALGIERS - Nearly 50 participants and exhibitors representing economic Enterprises and training schools are expected at the 16th edition of the National Job and Training Fair scheduled from January 26 to 28 at the Palace of Culture "Moufdi Zakaria", under the slogan "Digitalization, a tool at the service of economic dynamics", announced Monday in Algiers, the Commissioner of the exhibition, Ali Belkhiri.

Guest of the El Moudjahid forum, Mr. Belkhiri said that this "recruitment and training space" was one of the key events in this area by attracting, in particular, economic companies, training schools, applicants of employment or those who wish to create start-ups.

He mentions, in this context, the "participation of nearly 50 participants and exhibitors representing economic companies and training schools". The number of visitors, which was previously around 20,000 visitors, is expected to increase during this 16th edition.

"Based on the importance of human resources and the role of recruitment and training in strengthening the national economy and developing the competitive and productive capacity of Algerian companies, the organization of this edition bringing together recruitment and training", he explained.

The slogan chosen for this edition reflects the importance of the generalization of the digital economy and the introduction of artificial intelligence tools at the level of training establishments in order to contribute to the acceleration of growth, productivity and of the competitive capacity of companies, he continues.

The Fair aims to be "a meeting point between companies and administrations in search of skills and new employees, as well as for institutes and training establishments, in addition to bodies activating under the supervision of the Ministries of Labour, employment and vocational training, as well as academics and executives looking for a job, training or information to set up their own businesses", said Mr. Belkhiri, adding that this meeting "is wants an opportunity to conclude partnership agreements and find future executives".

On this occasion, the curator of the show highlighted "the role of start-ups in reviving the national economy, which needs innovative projects to cope with the disruptions in the global economy", stressing that after two years of effects and fallout from the Covid-19 health crisis "the national economy is beginning a recovery phase, thanks to which a new dynamic has been injected into the job market, providing for the lifting of the freeze on several projects and the increased demand for skilled labour".

The National Employment and Training Fair, which will last three days, will be marked by the organization of conferences, workshops and thematic round tables devoted to explaining the systems and resolutions, taxation, recruitment policy, development of professional life and trades, training programs and methods and advice for writing CVs and the organization of job interviews and skills assessment.

For the first time since the launch of the Fair in 2007, "an electronic database will be set up for participants, grouping together all the CVs of job seekers, including people with specific needs, many of whom fulfill the criteria skills required and likely to bring more quality to economic Enterprises".

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune urges Walis, local representatives to be bold in creating wealth.(APS,21/01/2023)

ALGIERS- By granting the local authorities full power, President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune wants to strengthen the role of the walis (governors) and local representatives in terms of economic development. Henceforth, these local authorities will be the leaders of the country’s economic development.

Several provinces improved their economic performances in 2022. It is promising for 2023 where provinces will gain momentum in terms of economic development.

President Tebboune urged the walis to show imagination and particularly flexibility to adapt to the new roadmap.

Everyone welcomed the decision of the President of the Republic to give full power to the walis. The Head of State announced the end of a centralized organization which has proven to be limited.

The local representatives will be assessed according to their economic performances.

The number of companies and new jobs created will weigh heavily, by late 2023, on the assessment of the walis.

For President Tebboune, a province must create wealth. The provinces will be ranked according to their economic weight and their contribution to GDP (the gross domestic product). The competition between the provinces has begun and the Algerians will know, in December 2023, the most attractive provinces and the ones that managed to attract investors.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune congratulates Brahim Ghali on his reappointment as Secretary General of the Polisario Front and President of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).(APS,23/01/2023)

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, sent on Sunday a message of congratulations to Brahim Ghali, following his reappointment as Secretary General of the Polisario Front and President of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).

“Mr. President and dear brother, following your reappointment as Secretary General of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el-Hamra and Rio de Oro and President of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, I extend to you my warmest congratulations and wishes for full success in the accomplishment of your noble missions in the service of the just Sahrawi cause and its valiant people,” wrote President Tebboune in his message.

“On this occasion, I would also like to congratulate you on the success of the 16th Congress of the Polisario Front and to salute the resistance of the brotherly Sahrawi people, who expressed themselves by reaffirming, once again, their attachment to their legitimate, inalienable and imprescriptible right to self-determination, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations and the African Union,” the President of the Republic added.

“While reaffirming Algeria’s constant position and its principled support for the just Sahrawi cause, please accept, Mr. President and dear brother, the expression of my high consideration and friendship,” concluded President Tebboune.

President of the Council of Ministers of Italy, Georgia Meloni visit to Algeria: Consolidating the establishment of a true strategic partnership.(APS,23/01/2023)

The working and friendship visit to Algeria on Sunday and Monday of the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy, Georgia Meloni, is another opportunity to strengthen the Alger-Rome cooperation axis, as well as a further step in the consolidation of the building of a real strategic partnership between the two countries.

Reflecting the strength of the “historic” relations between Algeria and Italy, as well as the common will to further develop bilateral cooperation, the visit is indeed the first visit of Mrs. Meloni abroad since her accession to the head of the Italian executive last October, and the third visit of an Italian Prime Minister to Algeria in a year.

The previous President, Mario Draghi, visited Algeria in April and again in July 2022.

This new dynamic in Algerian-Italian relations comes after the State visit to Italy by the President of the Republic, Mr Abdelmadjid Tebboune, in May 2022, as well as the State visit to Algeria by the Italian President, Mr Sergio Matarella, in November 2021, which were marked by a “total convergence” on issues of common interest, as well as a determination to develop “strategic” bilateral cooperation between the two “friendly” countries.

These high-level visits, topped off by the signing of a large number of cooperation agreements in various fields, had enabled the deepening of the strategic partnership between the two countries, at both the political and economic levels, in accordance with the guidelines of the two presidents who, during their meetings, had insisted on the imperative of strengthening the Algiers-Rome axis of cooperation.

It is in this perspective that the head of the Italian government is visiting Algeria on a visit that should allow the examination of several issues of common interest, to further consolidate the path of building a true strategic partnership wanted by the two heads of state.

Moreover, this path was marked, in 2022, by the signature, last mid-October in Algiers, of a framework agreement between the Ministry of Industry and the Italian car manufacturing group FIAT, a subsidiary of the Stellantis group, for the implementation of a project for the production of tourist vehicles and utility vehicles in Oran (west of Algiers).

This agreement enshrined the exceptional relationship between Algeria and Italy, as well as the strong economic ties between the two countries, through the realisation of a flagship project of bilateral cooperation.

In the energy field, another major axis of bilateral cooperation, notably the supply of gas to Italy, Algeria, considered as a “central partner” by the Italian side, has undertaken to increase its gas supplies to more than 25 billion m3 by the end of 2022.

2022 was also marked by the holding, in July in Algiers, of the 4th Algerian-Italian Intergovernmental Summit, co-chaired by the President of the Republic, Mr Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and the former President of the Italian Council of Ministers, Mario Draghi, and led to the signing of the Joint Declaration and 15 memorandums of understanding and cooperation agreements in a number of fields.

In parallel to the Summit, an Algerian-Italian Business Forum, co-chaired by Prime Minister Aïmene Benabderrahmane and Mr Draghi, was also held, with the participation of more than 500 businessmen from both countries, to examine cooperation and partnership opportunities between the two parties.

Algeria and Italy, two Mediterranean countries, are working to intensify their bilateral cooperation, but also regional, given their geographical proximity, making it essential for them to come closer together for consultation on various issues of common interest, ranging from energy to economic partnership, through political relations and security issues.

Algeria condemns acts of Swedish extremists who burned copies of Holy Quran.(APS,23/01/2023)

Algeria strongly condemned on Sunday the acts of Swedish extremists who burned copies of the Holy Quran in front of the public forces of the Kingdom of Sweden in the cities of Malm and Linkping, saying that this abject act undermines efforts to spread the values of tolerance and inter-religious dialogue, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad in a statement.

Algeria “strongly condemns this abject act, which is likely to stir up hatred and religious feelings among Muslims, as it profoundly undermines the values of freedom on which societies are based, including human values,” the statement said.

Algeria said that this act “is contrary to the fundamental principles of human rights and undermines efforts to spread the values of tolerance, inter-religious dialogue and living together,” the statement added.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra on a working visit to Libya.(APS,23/01/2023)

Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra paid a working visit to Libya on Sunday, holding bilateral talks with senior Libyan authorities and participating in the periodic consultation meeting of Arab foreign ministers held in Tripoli, the ministry said in a statement.

At the beginning of his visit, which comes at the invitation of his Libyan counterpart, Najla Al-Mangoush, Mr. Lamamra was received by the President of the Libyan Presidential Council, Mohamed Younes Al-Menfi, to whom he conveyed the greetings of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboun, who reiterated “his commitment, in his capacity as President of the Arab Summit, to work to strengthen solidarity with Libya, a brotherly country, and to contribute to efforts aimed at enabling the Libyan parties to reach a peaceful solution able to put an end to the current crisis and guarantee the return of this brotherly and neighbouring country to its position at the regional and international levels,” according to the same source.

Mr. Lamamra also held talks with his Libyan counterpart, Najla Al-Mangoush, with whom he discussed the fraternal Algerian-Libyan relations and the prospects for their reinforcement, in addition to issues of common interest at the continental level.

Lamamra’s participation in the consultation meeting of Arab Ministers of Foreign Affairs provided an opportunity to discuss the implementation of the decisions of the Arab Summit, held last November in Algiers, and the latest developments on the Arab scene.

“The meeting, which was attended by UN and AU representatives, focused on the evolution of the political process in Libya and ways to unify UN and African efforts in cooperation with neighbouring countries in order to reach a consensus that would allow the Libyan parties to achieve an inclusive national reconciliation and hold democratic elections that would put a definitive end to the crisis,” the statement said.

The meeting also focused on consolidating joint Arab action and updating its mechanisms, in line with the constructive recommendations adopted at the Algiers Arab Summit on the initiative of President Tebboune.

On the sidelines of the consultative meeting, Mr. Lamamra met with his Tunisian counterpart, Othman Jerandi, the Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, as well as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, Abdoulaye Bathily.

Held under the chairmanship of the Libyan Head of Diplomacy, Najla Al Mangouch, this ministerial meeting falls within the framework of the Arab League’s practices, allowing the State holding the rotating presidency of the Ministerial Council to host and organise consultative meetings of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the member countries, with a view to consolidating coordination on the issues on the agenda of the joint Arab action.

Algerian, Mauritanian economic Companies sign seven agreements.(APS,22/01/2023)

ALGIERS- Minister of Trade and Export Promotion, Kamel Rezig announced on Saturday the signing of seven agreements in different fields between Algerian and Mauritanian companies, a as part of Algeria-Mauritania Business Forum organized on the sidelines of the Algerian Production Fair in Nouakchott.

In a statement to the press, Rezig said that “seven agreements were signed on the occasion of the Algerian Production Fair inaugurated on Thursday in Nouakchott, and of the Algerian-Mauritanian Business Forum organized on Saturday on the sidelines of this event,” pointing out that “the agreements in question were concluded for very large sums (…) in million dollars” between the Algerian and Mauritanian companies.

These agreements concern different industries such as “cement, batteries, windows, doors and foodstuffs,” according to Rezig.

The minister said that the exchanges in the past were “limited to foodstuffs,” but thanks to this fair, in which 166 Algerian public and private companies participated, “the strength of the national economy was presented to the Mauritanian brothers.”

Stressing the quality of the participation and the diversity of the industries during this event, the minister pointed out that “the agreements signed today are but a beginning, because there are ongoing discussions between the two sides in all the sectors.”

The minister said that this fair, held in implementation of the directives of President of the Republic to enter the African markets by organizing exhibitions of the national production, “was highly successful and aroused great interest among the Mauritanians,” announcing that the next Algerian Production Fair will be organized next week in Sudan.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune chairs opening of Government-Walis meeting.(APS,19/01/2023)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, chaired, Thursday at the Palace of Nations (Algiers), the opening ceremony of the work of the meeting Government-walis, themed "Local Development: evaluation and prospects."

The opening ceremony started by the reading of verses from the Holy Quran before the performance of the national anthem.

This meeting, organized by the Ministry of the Interior, Local Authorities and National Planning, is part of the assessment of actions taken in the last three years in terms of local development.

The meeting's participants will examine the state of implementation of the orientations of the President of the Republic, as well as their impact on the improvement of the living conditions of the citizen and local economy.

The participants will also discuss the process to speed up local socio-economic development through a comprehensive and coherent roadmap.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune: Year 2023 will see strengthening of achievements, improvement of citizens’ living conditions.(APS,19/01/2023)

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said Thursday, in Algiers, that the year 2023 will see “the strengthening of the achievements and the improvement of the living conditions of citizens, who are our top priority.”

Presiding over the opening of the works of the Government-walis meeting, at the Palais des Nations, under the theme “Local development: assessment and prospects”, the President of the Republic indicated that “the year 2023 will be marked by the acceleration of the achievement of projects and the reinforcement of assets”, adding that it will also be “the year of the improvement of the living conditions of the citizen, which remains at the top of our priorities”.

President Tebboune also stressed that this meeting aims to ” improve the efficiency of local authorities’ actions ” and to ” assess the implementation of decisions with a new vision in order to change mindsets and break with bureaucratic and parasitic practices “.

25th anniversary of the installation of the Council of Nation: The President of the Council of Nation, Mr. Salah Goudjil underlines the important role of Parliament in defending the principles of Algeria.(APS,19/01/2023)

ALGIERS- The President of the Council of Nation, Mr. Salah Goudjil highlighted, Thursday in Algiers, the important role of the Parliament in the defense of the principles of Algeria and the transmission of its message in international forums, highlighting guard against attempts to destabilize it.

"As representatives of the people, we have a heavy responsibility.

We speak frankly, especially with foreign countries in the context of parliamentary diplomacy, thus transmitting Algeria's message and making known its principles and red lines", underlined Mr. Goudjil who presided over a ceremony on the occasion the 25th anniversary of the installation of the Council of the Nation placed under the slogan "A quarter of a century in the history of a constitutional building... from national recovery to new Algeria" under the high patronage of the President of the Republic , Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

"Several parties do not want Algeria to have a say in international fora", noted Mr. Goudjil, insisting, in this wake, on "the Algerian principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other States". . A principle, he says, that we have preserved since independence.

"Despite all the difficult halts experienced by the Algerian people, we have been able to preserve the sovereignty of the country, its position on the world scale and its history and we are continuing the process of building the State towards economic recovery" , he added.

"Thanks to the 2020 Constitution, Algeria has set an example of true democratic practice, respect for human rights and state institutions, which was provided for in President Tebboune's program" added the Speaker of the Upper House of Parliament.

The President of the Council of Nation also emphasized "the role of control of Parliament, a link between the people and the Government, through the monitoring of the activity of the latter", stressing that " monitoring does not imply disruption, it is rather complementarity through the definition of the missions of each party in accordance with the Constitution".

Referring to the circumstances surrounding the installation of the Council of Nation, Mr. Goudjil recalled that this Institution was born from the experience of Algeria, and this, to make it a building supposed to fulfill the missions that the Constitution conferred on him.

"This 25th anniversary is historic, it is directly linked to history, to the last will of the martyrs to preserve the memory, but also to the commitments of the President of the Republic. This constitutes an opportunity to produce mural frescoes containing the Declaration of the November 1, 1954 and the photos of the six leaders who started the Revolution in addition to the members of the foreign delegation at the headquarters of the Council," he added.

Mr. Goudjil also considered that "today's reflection is not limited to the present, it should go beyond it to include the future and the rising generations", underlining "the great responsibility incumbent on the generation current situation, especially young people, since this requires follow-up and a lot of effort".

It should be noted that this ceremony took place in the presence of senior state officials, members of the government and national personalities.

On this occasion, the commemorative stele of Chahid Zighoud Youcef was unveiled, in addition to the organization of an exhibition of publications and photos of this body.

In the entrance hall of the salon d'honneur, two mural frescoes containing the Declaration of November 1, 1954 and the photos of the six leaders who started the Revolution in addition to the members of the foreign delegation were also unveiled, with another fresco containing a passage from the preamble to the 2020 Constitution.

The salon d'honneur and the meeting rooms now bear the names of the leaders of the Revolution, namely Mustapha Benboulaid, Didouche Mourad and Larbi Ben M'hidi.

Food Security: “Davos” Forum Ranks Algeria Among The Leading Countries.(APS,20/01/2023)

ALGIERS – The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mohamed Abdelhafid Henni, said Thursday in Algiers that the Davos Economic Forum ranked Algeria, in its latest report, among the “leading” countries in the world in terms of food security through its national production.

In a speech delivered during the work of the Government-Walis meeting, the opening of which was chaired by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, at the Palais des Nations, under the theme “Local development: evaluation and prospects”, Mr. Henni welcomed the results of the latest report of the Davos Economic Forum, published on January 17 (two days ago), in which the Forum affirmed Algeria’s ranking among the leading countries in the world in terms of food security through its national production.

In this context, the report underlined, according to Mr. Henni, that the share of agricultural production per capita “has doubled over the past two years, thanks to the efficiency of the agricultural model adopted by the public authorities”.

In this regard, Mr. Henni considered that the changes that have occurred since 2020 on all levels “confirm the forward-looking vision of the President of the Republic, who has registered the need for the implementation of an urgent plan to modernize the agriculture, among its 54 commitments, to ensure food security, meet national needs and end food dependency”.

In his speech, the Minister referred to the measures taken in the field of agricultural land, in particular the granting of a land portfolio to the Office for the Development of Industrial Agriculture in Saharan Lands (ODAS), with an area estimated at 233,000 hectares for the benefit of 210 investors.

As part of the conversion of the right of perpetual enjoyment into a concession in accordance with Law N 10-03, the Minister reported 186,214 deeds drawn up out of a total of 190,014 compliant files (98%) i.e. an overall area of 2,139,358 hectares.

With regard to interministerial circular No. 750 relating to the exploitation of agricultural land without titles, 13,229 cases of farmers exploiting an area of 151,526 hectares at the level of 21 wilayas have been identified.

In this wake, Mr. Henni described the decision of the President of the Republic as “historic” because it will make it possible to regularize the situation of the farmers concerned who have suffered from it for a long time”, recalling that “the latter and their families worked in these farms for decades without titles”.

The operation will begin next February, according to the first manager of the sector.

Regarding local development, an ambitious program has recently been set up for the development of 100,000 hectares dedicated to fruit trees (2023-2025), thus making it possible to enhance unused areas, particularly in the steppes and mountains.

The Minister of Trade and Export Promotion, Kamel Rezig inaugurates Thursday Algerian Production Fair in Nouakchott.(APS,19/01/2023)

ALGIERS-The Minister of Trade and Export Promotion, Kamel Rezig moved Thursday to Mauritania as part of an official visit to inaugurate the Algerian Production Fair in Nouakchott, the Ministry said.

This event, which will run until January 24, aims to "promote Algerian products of superior quality from different economic sectors and to promote them in this brotherly country", according to the Ministry.

It also constitutes "a favorable opportunity for Algerian companies to establish fruitful partnerships", the same source indicates.

Organized at the Palais des Congrès in Nouakchott under the patronage of the Ministry of Trade and Export Promotion, this economic event will see the participation of 150 companies representing the sectors of food processing, services, mechanical engineering, steel and metallurgy, energy, chemical, petrochemical and electrical and electronic industries.

Companies active in construction, textiles and leather as well as ready-to-wear will also take part in this fifth edition of the Algerian Production Fair in Nouakchott.

Algeria Press Service (APS), Cuban Agency Prensa Latina sign cooperation Agreement.(APS,20/01/2023)

ALGIERS- Algeria Press Service (APS) and its Cuban counterpart Prensa Latina news Agency signed Thursday, in Algiers, an Agreement to enhance bilateral cooperation on information.

The Agreement was signed by Director General of APS, Abdelhamid Kacha, and President of Prensa Latina, Luis Enrique Gonzalez Acosta.

The two Agencies, represented respectively by the Director General of APS, Mr. Samir Gaid, and the President of Prensa Latina, Mr. Luis Enrique González Acosta, have agreed to strengthen their bilateral cooperation in the field of information, in particular through mutual use of multimedia content.

Under this Agreement, the two Agencies mutually offer each other access to their respective informative content and grant each other the right to use multimedia content (photography, videos, computer graphics), and the launch of joint projects.

On this occasion, the Director General of the APS emphasized the importance of this agreement which reflects the determination of the two parties to further increase their cooperation for a more sustained dynamic in the historical and privileged relations linking the two countries.

Addressing the phenomenon of fake news, Mr. Gaid insisted on the need to fight against this scourge which threatens the stability of countries, through close cooperation and the establishment of a prevention and control mechanism.

For his part, the President of Prensa Latina described as "strategic" the agreement signed between the two agencies allowing "to fight more against the media campaigns carried out against our countries".

The same official called for strengthening relations between the two agencies in the era of new information and communication technologies, showing the availability of his agency to contribute to further promote Algeria's relations with the countries of Latin America, particularly in the media field.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune chairs High Security Council meeting.(APS,19/01/2023)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, Minister of the National Defense, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune chaired Wednesday, in Algiers, a meeting of the High Security Council to examine the country’s general situation, the Presidency of the Republic said in a statement.

Government-Wali Meeting Thursday in Algiers.(APS,18/01/2023)

ALGIERS- A Government-Wali (province Governors) Meeting will be held Thursday at the Palace of Nations in Algiers, under the high patronage of President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, its fifth meeting with the walis (Governors) of the Republic to assess the implementation of guidelines and recommendations from previous meetings and examine the prospects for the development of the national economy in order to improve the standard of living of citizens.

This important periodic meeting, which brings together members of the government, the walis of the Republic, central and local officials, elected representatives and economic partners, is intended to be a meeting of evaluation and prospection in the context of the process of consecrating the rule of law and establishing good governance practices, social equity and regional balance.

The last Government-Walis meeting, held in September last year under the theme “Promotion of the national economy and local development”, made it possible to review the main socio-economic achievements in various provinces of the country, in the light of positive indicators of the national economy, This was made possible by measures taken on more than one level, notably through the removal of administrative obstacles to investment, the provision of land, support for young entrepreneurs, the control of inflation, the improvement of the purchasing power of citizens, support for the agricultural sector and the reduction of imports.

During the 4th edition of the Government-Walis meeting, which focused on three main issues, namely the role of the wali in local economic development, the new legal framework for the promotion of the investment climate and the reform of local finance and taxation, President Tebboune stated that all the development problems affecting the shadow areas in the country’s provinces had been definitively resolved, and hoped that the remaining problems would be resolved by the beginning of 2023.

On this occasion, the progress of the implementation of the roadmap was evaluated, whose outlines were defined during the 3rd edition of the meeting held in September 2021 and concluded with 182 recommendations relating to the reactivation of investment and the adaptation of local development programmes, with a reform of the management methods of local public structures.

This meeting, under the theme “Economic recovery, regional balance, social justice”, was marked by important decisions to support development, with encouraging data and figures for an economic recovery based on solid foundations.

President Tebboune had revealed figures and data indicating “the beginning of Algeria’s exit from the crisis” after having suffered for years from a “rentier economy oriented towards imports”, through a new revival of the national economy.

During this meeting, the President of the Republic announced the consolidation of the legal arsenal against corruption, while committing himself to protect honest officials, adding that this approach will be reinforced by a special legal mechanism that encourages initiatives and facilitates investment.

In addition, the work of the second government-walis meeting, held in August 2020, was devoted to the evaluation of measures related to local development in shadow areas, in addition to digitisation, statistics, the fight against bureaucracy, and the prevention of the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the evaluation of measures related to local economic development.

Organised a few months after the first government meeting with the walis, chaired by President Tebboune in February 2020, i.e. less than two months after his investiture at the head of the country, with the slogan “For a new Algeria”, this meeting made it possible to discuss the foundations of the new mode of governance according to a sustainable and integrated development approach for the improvement of the citizen’s living standards.

During this first meeting, President Tebboune called for “a definitive break with old practices, to get closer to the citizen and to strengthen his confidence in the institutions of the state”. He also called on elected representatives and local officials to “stop making unkept promises and to fight disregard and negligence towards the citizen”.

The President of the National People’s Assembly (NPA), Mr. Brahim Boughali receives the permanent members of the Algerian Parliament at the Union of Councils of OIC Member Countries.(APS,19/01/2023)

The President of the National People’s Assembly (NPA), Mr. Brahim Boughali, received on Wednesday at the NPA headquarters, the permanent members representing the Algerian Parliament in the Union of Councils of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), said a statement from the lower house.

“This meeting is part of the on-going preparations for the holding of the 17th Congress of the Union of the Councils of the OIC Member Countries, but also to give the directives to ensure the success of this meeting and to honour Algeria, which is the president of this session”.

Algeria-Turkey: Strengthening cooperation in the field of agriculture.(APS,19/01/2023)

ALGIERS - The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mohamed Abdelhafid Henni received the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Algeria, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş with whom he reviewed the state of bilateral relations and the ways and means of their reinforcement in the agricultural field, indicates Wednesday a press release of the Ministry.

The meeting, held Tuesday at the Ministry's headquarters, allowed the two parties to discuss "the opportunities for cooperation and exchange offered in the field of agriculture, particularly concerning veterinary health certificates, strategic crops in the South, cotton production, and investment in the agri-food industry", specifies the same source.

The two parties agreed to hold a meeting for Algerian and Turkish experts and businessmen next March, in order to examine the files and opportunities for cooperation in areas of common interest, the statement concludes.

Algeria rejects the punitive measures practiced by the Zionist entity against the Palestinian people and their leaders.(APS,19/01/2023)

NEW YORK-Algeria rejects the punitive measures practiced by the Zionist entity against the Palestinian people and their leaders, underlined the Permanent Representative of Algeria to the United Nations in New York, Ambassador Nadir Larbaoui.

In his speech delivered on Wednesday during the Security Council debate on the situation in the Middle East, the Permanent Representative of Algeria to the United Nations in New York, Ambassador Nadir Larbaoui expressed Algeria's rejection of the measures punitive measures decided by the Zionist occupier against the Palestinian people and their leaders, following the request for an advisory opinion by the General Assembly of the United Nations, to the International Court of Justice, recalling the declaration signed, in his capacity as President in exercise of the Arab Summit on behalf of the Arab group and with many countries, to mark the unwavering support for the International Court of Justice and international law as the cornerstone of the international system, as well as the attachment to multilateral cooperation.

In this regard, Mr. Larbaoui recalled that the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, had previously challenged the international community, and the Security Council in particular, in a letter addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations following the violence against the sanctity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, to assume its responsibilities in order to put an end to these criminal practices and to ensure the necessary protection for the Palestinian people and their sacred places, in particular the occupied city of El-Quds , which is delivered daily, and in the midst of an international silence, to the practices and violations of the occupation aimed at modifying its demographic nature and its Arab, Islamic and Christian identity and which could have the consequence of undermining the efforts of recovery of the negotiations.

Regarding Palestine's membership in the UN, Mr. Larbaoui affirmed Algeria's continued support for the State of Palestine to obtain full membership in the UN, in addition to its support for the General Assembly resolution 77/247, in which it requested an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice regarding the legal implications resulting from the occupation's violation of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.

The Permanent Representative of Algeria recalled the results of the Arab Summit held in Algiers, which underlined the centrality of the Palestinian cause and the absolute support for the rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to freedom and self-determination , and the establishment of its independent state, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, underlining the collective adherence of the Arab countries to the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002 and their commitment to the resolution of the Arab-Zionist conflict over the basis of the principle of land for peace, in accordance with international legality and relevant Security Council resolutions.

He also stressed that Algeria remains steadfast in its position of support for the brotherly Palestinian people, and that it is fully convinced that a just and comprehensive peace as a strategic option is only possible through the end of the occupation of all the occupied Arab lands and the implementation of the resolutions of international legality and the Arab peace initiative.

Finally, and in an allusion to those who use the Palestinian cause to serve their own interests, Mr. Larbaoui concluded his speech by indicating: "I say to the Palestinian brothers, it is in moments of truth that attitudes, the intentions and the objectives become clear, that the lie is exposed, and that the free peoples, the true supporters of the Palestinian cause, place above all, the freedom of the Palestinian people, their struggle and their sacrifices for the exercise of their right to self-determination".

Algeria signs UN Joint statement supporting International Court of Justice (ICJ).(APS,18/01/2023)

NEW YORK (United Nations)- Algeria, as the acting president of the Arab Summit and a member of the Arab troika in New York, has signed at the United Nations on behalf of the Arab group, with several countries, a joint statement reiterating their unwavering support to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the international law, as a cornerstone of the international order, and their commitment to multilateralism.

The document's signatories, as UN member States, expressed "deep concern" about the occupation authorities' decision to impose punitive actions against the Palestinian people, leaders and civil society following a request for an ICJ advisory opinion by the UN General Assembly.

All of the countries reject the punitive measures and call for immediate repealing of the measure.

The statement comes as a result of a series of sanctions taken by the occupation authorities against the Palestinian people and its leaders following the exercise of their democratic, peaceful and legal right to ask for an ICJ advisory opinion, adopted by the UN General Assembly.

The resolution, adopted by a large majority with 87 votes in favour, 26 against and 53 abstentions, aroused the ire of the Zionist occupation authorities.

The statement's signatory countries are Algeria, on behalf of the Arab Group, as president of the Arab Summit and member of the Arab troika in New York, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Namibia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Algeria presents its energy transition policy in Abu Dhabi.(APS,18/01/2023)

ALGIERS-Algeria’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Khamissi Arif partook in the 13th session of the General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi, in which he presented the policy of Algeria in the field of renewable energy and its approach to achieving an effective energy transition.

During the work, Mr. Arif also presented the approach envisaged by Algeria for the realization of an efficient energy transition. The ambassador notably called on foreign investors to adhere to the program intended for the production of 15 GW of electricity from renewable sources by participating in the calls for tenders which will be announced later.

He also indicated that his country intends to move forward towards the realization of a progressive and responsible energy transition through the adoption of a varied energy mix taking into consideration all available energies, the least expensive and the cleanest.

Energy facilities secured and protected against cyber-attacks.(APS,18/01/2023)

The Sonatrach group has adopted systems to prevent and fight against cyber threats targeting strategic data and has the technological means to deal with this type of attack, an official at the national hydrocarbons company said on Tuesday.

Speaking on national radio, Sonatrach’s Director of Internal Security, Mounir Belhocine, said that the national hydrocarbon company has set up procedures and systems to raise awareness among users to prevent this type of threat. A technological watch and the development of expertise are being carried out within the company”, the same official stressed.

“Today, the threat has evolved technologically. Oil companies are facing a new threat, which is the cyber attack and which can target management and operating systems and databases on the state of reserves, installations and the production process,” he said, adding that this issue of cyber-attack is handled by a specialised department within Sonatrach.

In this context, Mr. Belhocine confirmed that the oil company has Algerian skills in cybersecurity and technological security of installations and a policy of ensuring the development of this expertise.

He also added that thanks to state-of-the-art technological means, Sonatrach had “brilliantly” dealt with this type of attack.

Security of energy facilities: 10,000 agents trained by the NPA.

Regarding the internal security of the facilities and energy sites of the national company and its partners, he reported on the paramilitary training since 2013 to date, of 10,000 agents at training centres under the National People’s Army ( NPA) and a training program underway for 8,000 other agents.

At the same time, he said, the trained officers carry out simulation exercises at the facilities under the supervision of the security services officers in order to draw lessons and improve responsiveness.

The Textile and Leather Industrial Holding "GETEX" is preparing to export its products to Chad.(APS,18/01/2023)

ORAN - The textile and leather industrial holding "GETEX" is preparing to launch the export of its products to Chad, under an agreement recently signed between this Group and a Chadian partner, we learned from Abdelkader Hamedi Mansour, assistant to the CEO of the Holding.

"A signature of a detailed contract on the needs of this partner is expected very soon, before starting export operations", said Mr. Hamedi Mansour in a statement to APS on the sidelines of the 2nd Algerian Investment Fair. and international trade, which is held at the Oran Convention Center until January 19.

The first export operations will concern complete uniforms for security guards produced by the GETEX Holding, the same source said, recalling that the group offers a very varied range of products, ranging from textiles and clothing clothing, knitwear and leather, including leather goods and shoes.

The Holding aims to find its place on the national market on the one hand and to make a place for itself on foreign markets, in particular those of Africa, underlined Mr. Hamedi Mansour, recalling that the State encourages and accompanies this approach. which is part of its policy aimed at diversifying national production, reducing the import bill and increasing the volume of non-hydrocarbon exports.

To achieve these objectives, the holding company relies on training, "the only guarantee of quality production", explains the same manager. In this context, he recalled that "GETEX has an exclusive contract with the Algerian-Turkish company Tayal, specialized in textiles, for the training of personnel which affects all categories of personnel, ranging from security guards to executives. superior".

These training courses include model making, styling, design and creation, he said.

GETEX has also signed an agreement with the Houari Boumediene University of Science and Technology in Algiers, for the creation of a module on textiles, with the prospect of recruiting the students who will be trained there.

Algeria, Malta express satisfaction with quality of bilateral relations.(APS,18/01/2023)

ALGIERS - Algeria and Malta expressed Tuesday their satisfaction with the quality of bilateral relations, during a periodic meeting of Algerian-Maltese political consultations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad in a statement.

Mr. Amar BELANI, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad co-chaired, this Tuesday, January 17, 2022, in Algiers, with Mr. Christopher CUTAJAR, Permanent Secretary of the Maltese Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, the periodic meeting of Algerian-Maltese Political Consultations.

During this meeting, the two parties reviewed the state of bilateral relations, as well as ways to promote them further in the political and economic reforms undertaken by Algeria and in the light of new developments imposed by the global geopolitical and economic context.

Mr. BELANI and Mr. CUTAJAR expressed their satisfaction with the high level of bilateral relations and reaffirmed the joint commitment of Algeria and Malta to boost their economic and trade partnership.

To this end, the two officials agreed to convene the 6th session of the Joint Commission Algerian-Maltese during the year 2023, to deepen sectoral cooperation and exchanges between economic actors of both countries and take full advantage of the benefits granted by the new regulatory framework for investment in Algeria.

International and regional political issues of common interest were also on the agenda of discussions between the two leaders, including the issue of Western Sahara, the situation in Libya, the Sahel, the Middle East and the occupied Palestinian territories. As such, they agreed to strengthen the consultation between Algeria and Malta to support the efforts of the international community in the quest for a peaceful settlement of these conflicts, in accordance with UN resolutions.

The Euro-Mediterranean cooperation as well as the issue of irregular migration were also reviewed on this occasion. The two parties also reiterated their willingness to promote the human dimension and mobility as vectors for the revival of the partnership between the two countries.

An economic seminar on the Algerian market in Brussels on January 26.(APS,18/01/2023)

BRUSSELS - An economic seminar on the Algerian market will be organized on January 26 in Brussels by the Algerian Embassy in Brussels and the Belgian regional foreign trade agencies (AWEX FIT and HUB brussels) in collaboration with the Arab Chamber of Commerce Belgian-Luxembourgish, within the framework of economic diplomacy.

This seminar, which will be enhanced by the presence of the Ambassador of Algeria in Brussels, Mr. Ali Mokrani, who will deliver an opening speech, will be led by representatives of the Ministry of the Environment and Renewable Energies, the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency, the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Sonatrach and Sonelgaz.

This economic event will mainly focus on the new business environment in Algeria, in particular since the adoption of the new Investment Code in August 2022.

Its purpose is to highlight the opportunities offered by Algeria in terms of the development of renewable energies and green hydrogen, recycling and waste recovery.

The potential of the multimodal transport sector and the development of industries will also be discussed during this meeting.

For the Belgian side, the communications enhanced by the intervention of the Ambassador of Belgium in Algiers, Mr. Alain Leory, will focus on the Belgian financial instruments offered by FINEXPO to Belgian companies, in their approach to their Algerian partners, and on sharing of experiences with various Belgian companies operating in Algeria.

Finally, B2B meetings will be organized during this Seminar.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune receives Mali's Foreign Minister, Reconciliation Minister.(APS,17/01/2023)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune received Monday, in Algiers, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulaye Diop, and Mali's Minister of Reconciliation, Peace and National Cohesion, Colonel Ismael Wague.

The audience took place at the headquarters of the Presidency of the Republic, in the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, and the Director of Cabinet at the Presidency of the Republic, Mr Abdelaziz Khellaf.

The unifying role of Algeria in the establishment of peace in Mali hailed.(APS,17/01/2023)

ALGIERS - The Malian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Abdoulaye Diop, hailed, Monday in Algiers, the "unifying role" played by Algeria in the establishment of peace and reconciliation in Mali.

"Colonel Assimi Goïta, President of the Transition, Head of State, appreciates the moderating and unifying role that Algeria plays and can play to continue to move forward in the peace process in Mali," Diop told the outcome of the audience granted to him by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

The Malian MFA indicated, on the other hand, that President Tebboune, as usual, "spoke to us with great frankness and sincerity. He spoke to us about Mali, which he knows very well, as he would speak about Algeria, and shared with us his vision of things", adding that "we left this meeting very encouraged by what we heard".

The head of Malian diplomacy indicated that he was the bearer of "a message from Colonel Goïta to his older brother, President Tebboune, in which he conveyed to him his wishes for health and prosperity for the Algerian people, brother and friend".

The message also relates to "President Goïta's desire to work to strengthen the centuries-old ties of good neighbourliness, fraternity, friendship and solidarity between our two countries which are linked by a common destiny", he said. he adds.

He also stressed that Mr. Goïta "will do everything so that relations between the two countries can evolve in the supreme interest of our two peoples, above any other consideration".

"President Goïta has also instructed us to transmit to President Tebboune the commitment of the government and the people of Mali to continue to work for peace in Mali and to restore understanding between the Malian people in order to allow them to devote themselves to the tasks which are those of development and tranquillity".

"He also asked us to reiterate his deep gratitude and thanks to President Tebboune and to Algeria for the role it is playing as mediator for this peace process (...) and bring all parties to look in the same direction," he continued.

General Said Chanegriha, the chief of staff of the People's National Army supervises ceremonies commemorating Tiguentourine events.(APS,17/01/2023)

ALGIERS- General Said Chanegriha, the chief of staff of the People's National Army, supervised Monday, in In-Amenas, the ceremonies commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Tiguentourine events, accompanied by the minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, the ministry of National Defense said in a statement.

"As part of the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the events in Tiguentourine, and in consultation with the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Army General Saïd Chanegriha, Chief of Staff of the People's National Army, supervised, in the company of the Minister of Energy and Mines, Mr. Mohamed Arkab, this Monday, January 16, 2023 in In Amenas in the 4th Military Region, the commemoration ceremonies of these events, and this, in the presence of the Commander of the 4th Military Region, general officers from the ANP General Staff, the CEO of Sonatrach, Mr. Toufik Hakkar, alongside a number of Ambassadors and Defense Attachés accredited to Algiers, as well as local authorities, civil and military, of the region", specifies the same source.

At the start and after the raising of the national emblem and the interpretation of the national anthem at the level of the Tinguentourine gas complex, the General of the Army deposited, in the company of the Minister of Energy and Mines, a wreath of flowers in front of the commemorative stele of the events of Tiguentourine, and this, in the presence of representatives of diplomatic authorities accredited in Algeria, before the participants observe a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the criminal attack having targeted this extremely vital gas site.

The ceremony continued with a welcoming address delivered by Mr. Hakkar, through which he bowed in memory of the victims of barbaric terrorism.

For his part, the Minister of Energy and Mines praised, in his speech, "the professionalism of the personnel of the People's National Army and their bravery in defeating the criminal plan of terrorist groups", notes the press release. .

In his speech, the Major General, Director of Information and Communication of the ANP General Staff, highlighted "the vigilance and determination of the personnel of the People's National Army during this quality operation carried out with exceptional promptness and precision which resulted in the elimination of elements of this terrorist group," the statement added.

On the same occasion, "Army General Chanegriha, Chief of Staff of the People's National Army, and through him all the personnel of the ANP, were honored in recognition and consideration to the sacrifices and the efforts made", continues the same source.

The occasion was also an opportunity to oversee a ceremony of distinction in honor of some families of Algerian and foreign victims, where special tribute was paid to the family of Chahid Lahmar Mohamed Amine, who fell in the field of honor during of these events.

The ceremonies ended with the participation of all the guests in a tree planting operation at the base of the Tiguentourine gas complex.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra : Algeria spares no effort to strengthen rapprochement between African, Nordic countries.(APS,17/01/2023)

ALGIERS- Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra stressed Monday to his Finnish counterpart Pekka Haavisto that Algeria will spare no effort to consolidate the rapprochement between the African and Nordic countries, the ministry said in a statement.

In a telephone interview at the initiative of Mr. Haavisto, the two heads of diplomacy discussed the preparation of the 20th meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of African and Nordic countries, scheduled for the spring in Algiers, according to the document.

In this respect, Mr. Lamamra assured his interlocutor "that by succeeding Finland at the head of this Afro-Nordic consultation framework, Algeria will spare no effort to consolidate the rapprochement between these countries in the extension of their traditional commitment to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations," the statement read.

In addition, the two Ministers "particularly" welcomed the quality of the historical relations between the two countries, "marked by friendship and solidarity and which mark their 60th anniversary in January".

They also took this opportunity to exchange views on a number of issues related to regional and international news, as well as on the next multilateral deadlines of common interest, underlines the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its press release.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Amar Belani receives the Adviser to the British Ministry of Defense for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).(APS,17/01/2023)

ALGIERS- The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Amar Belani received, on Monday, the Adviser to the British Ministry of Defense for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA ), Air Marshal Martin Elliot Sampson, as part of the senior British military official's working visit to Algeria, said a Ministry statement.

The two parties had "fruitful" talks which focused on "the ways and means of strengthening and expanding cooperation between the two friendly countries, particularly in the fields of defense and security in their global dimensions, the economy, investment and scientific and technical cooperation," the statement said.

Mr. Sampson stressed "the extreme importance that the United Kingdom attaches to the development of fruitful cooperation and a beneficial partnership with Algeria in view of its preponderant international position and its promising political capacities. , economic and military, in addition to his significant contributions and pioneering role in continental and international fora to ensure stability and security in North Africa and the Sahel region".

The meeting made it possible to review the agendas of bilateral relations for the next period. The two parties emphasized the importance of good preparation for the next important bilateral events, in particular the 2nd Session of the strategic dialogue scheduled for this year.

The two Algerian and British parties also discussed several regional and international issues of common interest, in particular the situation in Libya, Mali and the Sahel as well as the Western Sahara issue, the statement concludes.

Algerian Investments, International Trading Fair opens in Oran.(APS,17/01/2023)

ORAN- The 2nd Algerian Investments and International Trading Fair kicked off in Oran with the participation of about thirty exhibitors.

The Inspector General at the Ministry of Trade and Export Promotion, Djilali Loubibat, accompanied by local authorities, presided over the opening ceremony of the Fair, which will continue until January 19.

The professional event, organized by the event agency "SOS Event" in collaboration with the National Agency for the Promotion of Foreign Trade, under the patronage of the Ministry of Trade and Export Promotion, is part of the relaunch economic activities and the development of investments and trade between Algeria and its foreign partners, underline the organizers.

The Fair aims to encourage productive investment and reduce imports, create lasting partnerships and provide more cooperation opportunities based on the principle of mutual benefit among investors from various sectors.

The event also set itself the objective of promoting the exchange of experiences between Algeria and its partners, and contributing to the establishment of twinnings in different sectors, the same source said.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune receives Secretary of Fatah Movement’s Central Committee.(APS,16/01/2023)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune received Sunday, in Algiers, the Secretary of the Central Committee of Fatah Movement Jibril Rajoub, special envoy of the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The audience was held at the headquarters of the Presidency of the Republic, in the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Ramtane Lamamra and Principal Private Secretary to the Presidency of the Republic, Abdelaziz Khellaf.

Secretary of Fatah Movement’s Central Committee commends President Tebboune’s initiative to end division between Palestinians.(APS,16/01/2023)

ALGIERS-The Secretary of the Central Committee of Fatah Movement, Jibril Rajoub commended Sunday the initiative of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune to end the division between Palestinians and achieve national reconciliation.

In a statement to the press at the end of the audience granted to him by the President of the Republic, Mr. Rajoub praised "the project presented by President Tebboune to contain, even put an end to the division on the Palestinian scene, and thereby achieving Palestinian national unity, in anticipation of the establishment of a fully sovereign Palestinian state with El-Quds as its capital", reiterating on the occasion the commitment of the Fatah Movement to bring this initiative to a successful conclusion and to achieve the national unity, "a sine qua non condition for the establishment of a Palestinian state".

The Palestinian official said he gave President Tebboune a letter from President Mahmoud Abbas, adding that President Tebboune instructed him, in turn, to convey "a message of friendship and respect to the Palestinian people, assuring them that Algeria is mobilizing its means and capacities to serve the Palestinian people and their cause".

President Tebboune, who called on "Palestinians to banish discord and ensure that the split ends, also instructed me to convey a message to the Palestinian leadership and its head, Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas)," he continued.

Furthermore, the Secretary of the Central Committee of the Fatah Movement sent "a message of thanks and friendship to the Algerian people and to President Tebboune, one of the symbols of unity, history and the pride of the valiant Algerian people".

7th Edition of the African Nations Football Championship (CHAN): Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane welcomes the remarkable opening ceremony.(APS,14/01/2023)

ALGIERS- The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane welcomed the remarkable opening ceremony of the 7th Edition of the African Nations Football Championship for local players (CHAN 2022), which he attended on Friday at the Nelson-Mandela stadium (Algiers), in the name of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

"Congratulations to the Algerian youth for this remarkable opening of CHAN. With your spontaneity, your enthusiasm and your interaction, you mark this exceptional edition with a purely Algerian imprint", wrote Mr. Benabderrahmane on his official Twitter account.

Recalling that the President of the Republic had declared to the press on Thursday during the inauguration of the Nelson Mandela stadium that "youth is a priority", Mr. Benabderrahmane underlined that "the Government will strive to make this a reality on the pitch".

On this occasion, the Prime Minister wished full success to the national team during this competition.

Trade balance: A surplus of 18.1 billion Usd during the first 11 months of 2022.(APS,16/01/2023)

ALGIERS- Algeria's trade balance recorded during the first 11 months of 2022 a surplus of around 18.1 billion Usd, thus exceeding the official forecasts which forecast a surplus of 17.1 billion Usd in 2022, said an official at the Ministry of Trade and Export Promotion said on Sunday.

Speaking on National Radio, the Deputy Director of Export Monitoring and Support at the Ministry of Commerce, Houari Abdellatif, said that the trade balance had reached, during the period from January to November 2022 a "very positive" level, after recording a surplus of around USD 18.1 billion, compared to USD 1.8 billion in 2021.

Non-hydrocarbon exports represent 11% of the overall export rate, which is "a historic first", where the Algerian economy has managed to increase its non-hydrocarbon export quota to "a double-digit rate", he said. he adds.

Non-hydrocarbon exports achieved USD 6.06 billion until the end of last November, an increase of 36% compared to the same period of 2021, continued the same official, predicting that the value of exports could be at the end of 2022 between 6.5 and 7 billion USD.

According to Mr. Houari, "these record figures" are the fruit of export efforts to nearly 147 countries around the world, led by European countries. France comes first with more than 700 million Usd, followed by Italy (415 million Usd) and Germany (264 million Usd), he specified.

For the Americas, the United States is at the top of the ranking with exports approaching 415 million dollars.

Among African countries, Côte d'Ivoire ranks first (70 million dollars), followed by Niger (63 million dollars), Ghana, Mauritania and Senegal (30 million dollars each).

Regarding non-hydrocarbon exports to Arab countries, Tunisia comes first with 124 million dollars, followed by Jordan (55 million dollars), Iraq and Syria (20 million dollars each).

Regarding non-hydrocarbon exported products, fertilizers top the list with a value of 1.7 billion dollars, an increase of 28% compared to the same period in 2021, followed by iron and steel with more than 500 million (+30%), cement nearly $400 million (+93%) and detergents with more than $48 million after not exceeding $1 million during the same period in 2021, let the manager know.

According to Mr. Houari, new products broke export records such as detergents and cardboard (more than 9 million dollars), mineral and soft drinks (nearly 17 million dollars) and other products highly prized in African countries.

Mr. Houari affirmed that the public authorities are working to maintain the high momentum in non-hydrocarbon exports in order to achieve 10 billion dollars in 2023 and 15 billion dollars in 2024.

The National Hydrocarbons Company Sonatrach: More than 58 billion DA devoted to the protection of energy sites in 2021.(APS,16/01/2023)

ALGIERS - The Compagnie Nationale des Hydrocarbures Sonatrach has devoted more than 58 billion dinars (about 400 million dollars) during the year 2021 to the protection of its key energy installations, said Sunday in Algiers, the CEO of the Group, Toufik Hakkar .

The CEO of Sonatrach communicated this figure during a study day organized in collaboration with the Ministry of National Defense (MDN) on the theme of "the security of energy sites in Algeria", in the presence of the Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, representatives of the MDN, representatives of partners and stakeholders in terms of the safety of hydrocarbon installations.

During his speech, Mr. Hakkar said that the national hydrocarbon company has mobilized more than 22,000 agents equipped with all the specific equipment to ensure the security of its key sites and that of the joint ventures.

The CEO assured that Sonatrach "works in close collaboration with the People's National Army (ANP) and the security services to ensure the total security of the installations, industrial sites and pipelines".

“We have put all the necessary human and technological resources to ensure the safety of our facilities and the 22,000 km of pipelines,” he added.

In this wake, Mr. Hakkar also recalled that "Sonatrach's security system has evolved since the terrorist attack against the Tiguentourine gas site on January 16, 2013", reassuring that today all of Sonatrach's energy sites are "totally secure" and that "the continuous improvement of the efficiency of this system represents a permanent challenge within the group".

"Sonatrach has adopted a new protection strategy in agreement with the country's high authorities to protect critical energy installations, both from an operational point of view and in terms of updating and modernizing technological remote monitoring systems", he also said.

As part of this new strategy, a vast site protection program has been launched, relating to remote monitoring and intrusion control systems at the access level, with the use of new technologies, he further mentioned, calling on "Sonatrach executives and agents to redouble their efforts to preserve the country's energy infrastructure".

For his part, Mr. Arkab underlined, in his speech, "the importance of the organization of this study day which constitutes an opportunity to discuss experiences in the field of industrial safety with partners from various sectors, in the context of the increase in sabotage operations that have affected many oil and gas installations around the world in recent years".

Mr. Arkab hailed "the effective and decisive role played by the ANP in their efforts to protect the country's facilities, property and people", noting that "energy security represents an important and strategic issue throughout the world". .

Based on this observation, he added that "the energy and mining sector attaches great importance to the protection of energy and mining sites, through the development of several legal texts and the establishment of hydrocarbon regulatory agencies, electricity and gas and mining activities, responsible for ensuring compliance with the legislative and regulatory provisions relating to the safety of installations, property, people and the environment".

The Minister called on foreign operators to invest in the field of hydrocarbons and mines in Algeria, taking advantage of the favorable investment climate thanks in particular to the security and stability of the country, stressing that all infrastructures are highly secure.

The ANP will always ensure the security of energy sites

For his part, Colonel Mustapha Merah, of the Directorate of Information and Communication of the General Staff of the ANP, assured that the High Command of the ANP has set up a periodic awareness program for the benefit of those in charge of protection on the various dangers that could directly threaten the facilities or their workers, as well as on "the need to be vigilant and cautious in carrying out their tasks with complete self-sacrifice and dedication to serve the country" .

The DND representative assured that "all the country's energy installations are completely secure", while reassuring "Algeria's partners that they can materialize all forms of cooperation and joint investment projects on the ground".

"The ANP will continue to implement force development programs to raise the level of combat capabilities of all kinds with various partners, in addition to continuing efforts to maintain military equipment readiness, in order to renew and modernize them with the aim of ensuring the safety of the areas of industrial, economic and energy sites, particularly in the Great South of the country,” he said.

During this study day, several communications were presented by Sonatrach executives on its experience in terms of security and safety of the sensitive installations it operates to face new challenges, in particular cyber-threats aimed at the disruption of the functioning of the vital systems of the targeted country with international repercussions.

Safety and security approaches adopted within Sonatrach's partner companies, like the Italian group Eni and the Norwegian company Equinor were also presented. On this occasion, the representatives of these companies expressed their satisfaction with the quality of the cooperation with the national authorities in this area.

In addition, a documentary film was screened on the successful intervention of Sonatrach teams for the repair in a short time of oil pipeline stubs damaged in the region of El Oued in September 2020 following bad weather.

"New York Times" lists "Tassili N'Ajjer" among tourist places to visit in 2023.(APS,16/01/2023)

ALGIERS - The "New York Times" has listed the Tassili N'Ajjer massif in southern Algeria among the must-see tourist spots to visit in 2023.

The American newspaper has compiled a list of 52 tourist places around the world that are worth visiting based on several criteria, including scenic beauty, local culture, cuisine and the element of adventure that the selected sites offer.

"A stone's throw from the countries of the western Mediterranean, Algeria, which is home to the Tassili N'Ajjer, has recently facilitated the procedures for obtaining a visa for tourists who wish to visit the tourist sites of its great south", notes the New York Times, which sees it as a "godsend for exploring this country".

"The largest country in Africa, Algeria is home to Tassili N'Ajjer, a national park that is eight times the size of Yellowstone in the United States of America", underlines the newspaper.

Describing the site, the New York Times writes: "in the heart of the vast Saharan landscape of sand and stones, extend the dunes and reliefs of the Red Tadrart".

And to emphasize that the Tassili N'Ajjer, accessible only by 4X4 vehicle, "is home to thousands of rock paintings and engravings dating back to the time when the desert was a flourishing savannah".

Foreign tourists wishing to visit the south of Algeria through approved national tourism and travel agencies can obtain a regularization visa upon arrival without having to undertake the formalities of applying for an ordinary visa, the authorities had recently announced. Algerians as part of efforts to promote Saharan tourism.

A new weekly Paris (France)-Djanet (southern Algeria) service was opened within this framework, with a flight scheduled every Saturday from CDG airport.

Relations between Qatar and Algeria, a model of inter-Arab integration.(APS,16/01/2023)

ALGIERS- The Ambassador of the State of Qatar in Algeria, Abdulaziz Ali Al-Naama, considered that the relations between his country and Algeria were a "model of inter-Arab integration", stressing that "pivotal stages" had been crossed in 2022, in bilateral relations in favor of a "promising strategic partnership".

"The year 2022 has been marked by several achievements, important decisions and high-level visits which have enabled bilateral relations between the two countries to take pivotal steps," said the Qatari ambassador in an interview with APS.

Achievements which "translate the sincere and serious will of the brothers in the two countries to create a greater rapprochement, in accordance with the orientations of the leaders of the two brotherly countries", he added, qualifying the relations between Qatar and the Algeria of "inter-Arab integration model".

In this regard, he underlined having worked, since his appointment as ambassador to Algeria, to "raise the level of bilateral relations to the height of the potential and capacities of the two countries and brotherly peoples, in accordance with the common will of the two enlightened leaderships. to move towards a strategic partnership".

To do this, "a dynamic of action has been set in motion between the two countries through a rapprochement and an exchange of high-level official visits", he said, affirming that the visit of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, in Qatar last February, was a "very important step in promoting relations between the two countries into a promising strategic partnership, thanks to the Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding conferring on relations between Qatar and Algeria a new dimension".

"The significant, rapid and large-scale development that relations between Qatar and Algeria have recently experienced has been noted by many observers", noted the Qatari diplomat, stressing the "privileged" nature of bilateral relations which are based , he said, on mutual trust, which is one of the constants of the foreign policy of the two countries".

The mutual visits of the leaders of the two brotherly countries "have made it possible to establish bilateral relations on a solid basis through agreements, in particular that on political consultation and coordination between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries, which has enabled the officials of the two countries to consult and exchange views on issues of common interest," Al-Naama said.

=Algerian-Qatari economic cooperation: promising prospects and projects in several areas=

Asked about the remarkable improvement in the level of economic partnership between the two countries, Mr. Al-Naama said that if "it is good to talk about Algerian-Qatari relations, it would be better to apply them on the ground. “, considering that “the prospects for economic cooperation are firm convictions between the brothers of the two countries to achieve a broader rapprochement, in application of the aspirations of the enlightened leaderships of the two countries”.

He stressed the need to translate these beliefs and aspirations on the ground by "accompanying the businessmen of the two countries and overseeing their coordination through the Joint High Commission which held meetings in Doha and Algiers, sanctioned by agreements that the two countries are working to implement on the ground".

To this end, the Qatari ambassador recalled that the Qatari League of Businessmen welcomed the promulgation of the new Algerian law on investment, which offers "wealth-creating opportunities for both parties, something that we have seen during the successive visits of Qatari businessmen to access the production and industry market in Algeria and prepare the necessary arrangements for this", he said.

He cited examples of Qatari investments in Algeria, such as "the construction of the Algerian-Qatari-German hospital, access to dairy production markets, the extension of the activity of the Algerian-Qatari steel company in the industrial area of Bellara and other activities, the contours of which will be defined in the next period, such as air and maritime transport, railways and others".

He also recalled the recent signing of an investment agreement strengthening cooperation and investment in the development and management of 73 hotels under the Hotel, Tourism and Thermalism (HTT) group throughout the national territory, indicating that his country intends to launch other tourism projects, in addition to commercial, food and industrial projects.

In this context, the Qatari diplomat reiterated his country's desire to "contribute to government efforts in Algeria, a brother country to protect environmental diversity and protect endangered animals through projects in the field", citing as examples the houbara bustard breeding center in the Brezina reserve and the protection of the gazelle.

=== The Arab world needs Algerian diplomacy, based on firm principles ===

Regarding the convergence of diplomatic positions between the two countries on several issues of common interest, the Qatari ambassador underlined that this "translates into the convergence of views on a number of issues, at the head of which is the Palestinian question, and contributes to their common conviction of the need to put an end to crises and wars in the world by peaceful means and dialogue".

He, in this context, indicated that the State of Qatar "salutes the regional and Arab role of Algeria, as well as its honorable history in the resolution of many regional or Arab conflicts", adding that "the Arab world needs , above all, Algerian diplomacy, which is based on firm principles".

Noting "the existence of a broad consensus between the two countries on all economic, political and regional issues concerning the Arab world or the whole world, and the common position vis-à-vis the Palestinian question and the resolution of the Libyan crisis", Mr. Al-Naama specified that "the treatment of topical issues is done in a consensual spirit and with an enlightened vision, in the best of Arab interests".

"The world is currently going through one of the most delicate and complex circumstances in the midst of geopolitical and ideological polarization and wars that can change the balance of power in the world at any time," he said. he observes, noting the imperative to "find a mechanism of action that unifies our efforts in the Arab region to the best of our interests, and to advocate a strong position from which to lead our nation and confirm our place among the nations of the world".

Returning to the Arab summit in Algiers (held on November 1 and 2), the ambassador considered that this meeting "made it possible to relaunch joint Arab action", stressing that "history will remember that this summit was decisive in this area, particularly in terms of settling extremely complex issues, mainly disputes between Arab countries, and the creation of an Arab economic bloc, in addition to the issue of Palestinian reconciliation, by putting the cause at the top of the priorities of Arab action and international agendas".

The Qatari diplomat also underlined that His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani's participation in the Arab summit "stems from his great interest in the causes of the nation", and that his appreciation of the Algiers Declaration "parts from concern for Arab interests".

Referring to the Palestinian question, Mr. Al-Naama said that the State of Qatar "will always remain alongside its brothers in Palestine, out of fidelity to its moral responsibilities of supporting the brothers and the oppressed and in view of the justice of the cause", adding that Qatar "believes that all crises in the Middle East will end with the end of the suffering of our brothers in Palestine and with the implementation of the results of the Arab initiative of 2012, based on the establishment of the Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, capable of ensuring a dignified, secure and stable life for the Palestinians".

He highlighted, in this regard, the commitment of the State of Qatar to "provide political, economic, humanitarian and media support to the Palestinian people, within the framework of its strategies for the consolidation of peace and international security and support for development projects around the world, more specifically in the direction of Palestine, to which we attach paramount importance, being the mother of Arab and Islamic causes".

And to recall, "the honorable positions of Qatar in support of the Palestinian cause in international forums, at their head, the United Nations".

In this regard, Mr. Al-Naama expressed his country's consideration for Algeria's efforts and steps in obtaining by Palestine the status of a member state of the UN.

"We appreciate the tireless efforts of Algeria, which has insisted on consolidating cohesion and brotherhood between the various Palestinian factions, through a conference for the reunification of ranks, with a view to concretizing Palestinian national unity, which is a success. which adds to the assets of Algerian diplomacy," he said.

== President Tebboune's honorable positions hailed ==

Mr. Al-Naama also expressed the esteem of the State of Qatar for "Algeria's efforts and the honorable positions of President Tebboune, with regard to the Arab-Islamic Umma, more precisely to the place of Qatar during the very recent stages that history will write in letters of gold".

He thereby hailed President Tebboune's contributions to "the success of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, through His Excellency's participation in the opening ceremony and which gave the championship a dimension that adds to the level of rapprochement between the two countries. This testifies to the interest and importance that His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani gives to Algeria, leadership and people and to his brother President Tebboune".

16th Polisario Congress: The Speaker of the Council of the Nation, Salah Goudjilreaffirms Algeria's position in favor of Sahrawi cause.(APS,16/01/2023)

ALGIERS-The Speaker of the Council of the Nation, Salah Goudjil reaffirmed the "constant and unconditional" position of Algeria in favor of the cause of the Sahrawi people and its right to self-determination and independence, in accordance with international legality and United Nations (UN) resolutions, said the council Saturday in a statement.

In a letter addressed to the 16th congress of the Polisario Front which is held in Dakhla in the Sahrawi refugee camps, read on its behalf by the president of the Commission for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and the Algerian Community Abroad of the Council of the Nation, Omar Dadi Adoun, Mr. Goudjil stressed "the constant and unconditional position of Algeria in favor of the cause of the Saharawi people and their right to self-determination and independence on his land and the establishment of his sovereign state, in accordance with international legality and UN resolutions", according to the same source.

"This position has been emphasized on many occasions by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, on the basis of the principles of our country's foreign policy, drawn from the Novembrist reference, rejecting all forms of colonization and supporting all liberation movements around the world," he said.

In this context, Mr. Goudjil hailed "the achievements and victories won by the Polisario Front, described as the sole legitimate representative of the Saharawi people, as well as its triumphs at the political, legal and military levels in the face of intransigence and the maneuvers of the occupier who destabilized the region with his colonial desires".

Welcoming the resistance of the Polisario Front in the face of disinformation and its attachment to the demands of the Saharawi people, while laying bare the maneuvers of the Moroccan occupier aimed at imposing its plans to recycle a new form of occupation, Mr. Goudjil recalled "the legitimacy of the choices made by the peoples in their wars of liberation following the example of Algeria".

Mr. Goudjil also welcomed the growing international solidarity with the Saharawi cause, stressing the need "to intensify efforts and mobilize more support for the decolonization of Africa and the recovery of the inalienable right of the Saharawi people to self-determination. and independence".

Furthermore, the Saharawi President and Secretary General of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali received a delegation from the Council of the Nation chaired by Omar Dadi Adoun who conveyed "the greetings of Mr. Goudjil to President Ghali and to the Saharawi people, wishing to see success the 16th Congress of the Polisario Front to allow the Sahrawi people to access their right to self-determination and independence", the statement concluded.

Amazigh New Year: President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune presents his wishes to Algerian people.(APS,12/01/2023)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, presented on Wednesday his wishes to the Algerian people on the occasion of the Amazigh New Year 2973, wishing happiness and prosperity to the homeland and to all Algerians.

"On the occasion of the Amazigh New Year, I wish happiness and prosperity to our homeland, as well as to all Algerians. Assegas Amegaz," tweeted President Tebboune.

Amazigh New Year: Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane extends wishes to Algerian people.(APS,12/01/2023)

ALGIERS - The Prime Minister, Mr. AïmeneBenabderrahmane, presented on Thursday his wishes to the Algerian people on the occasion of the Amazigh New Year 2973, wishing a year of good and prosperity to all Algerians and to Algeria.

“On the occasion of the Amazigh New Year 2973…AssegasAmegaz. Assegas Amerbouh to Algerian men and women both inside and outside the country. I pray to Allah Almighty that this year be synonymous with good and prosperity for us and for our dear homeland,” the Prime Minister wrote.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune receives the President of the International Football Federation (FIFA) and the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). (APS,13/01/2023)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune received, Thursday in Algiers, President of the International Federation of Football (FIFA), Gianni Infantino and President of the African Confederation of Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe.

The audience took place in the presence of the Minister of Youth and Sports, Abderezzak Sebgag, the President of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), Djahid Zefizef and the President of the Algerian Olympic and Sports Committee (COA), Abderrahmane Hammad .

“I would like to thank the President of the Republic for granting us this excellent audience where we reviewed issues related to football, youth and Africa. I am very happy to participate in the inauguration of this magnificent stadium, named after Nelson Mandela, a real football stadium of which Algeria, South Africa and Fifa are proud, “said Mr. Infantino at the outcome of the hearing granted by President Tebboune.

The President of Fifa also congratulated the President of the Republic for “the extraordinary work accomplished in recent months for the preparation of CHAN-2022, but also for giving a bright future to football”.

“Algeria is a football country and we all remember the 1982 World Cup in Spain where Algeria wrote an excellent page in the history of African and world football. We look forward to working together with the Algerian state and government as well as with the Algerian Federation for a bright future for football,” he added.

For his part, the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, said he was “very honored” by the audience granted to him by President Tebboune.

“It is a very special day for us with the inauguration of this magnificent enclosure by the President of the Algerian Republic. I thank Mr. Tebboune for naming this stadium after Nelson Mandela, a leader for the world and for all the children of Africa. I wish all the success for the CHAN-2022 which will open tomorrow Friday”, declared Mr. Motsepe at the end of this hearing.

The President of the Republic had previously officially inaugurated the new Baraki stadium, which bears the name of the late South African leader, Nelson Mandela.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune highlights Algeria's Mediterranean, Arab and African dimensions.(APS,13/01/2023)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, highlighted, Thursday in Algiers, the Mediterranean, Arab and African dimensions of Algeria, during the official inauguration of the new stadium of Baraki which is named after the late South African leader, Nelson Mandela.

Algeria "has entered the phase of the consecration of its membership. What we have proved by the dazzling success of the Mediterranean Games JM-2022 in Oran, "said President Tebboune to the press after the inauguration ceremony.

"The same goes for the Arab Summit which was successful and through which we have demonstrated our belonging to the Arab nation. Today and thanks to this building that bears the name of the man symbol Mandela, we affirm our African identity," he added.

The head of state recalled the struggle led by the leader Nelson Mandela and his historical relationship with Algeria where, he said, he was trained, with his companions, by the moudjahidin of the National Liberation Army (ALN) in 1961, to prepare the revolution in South Africa and overthrow the apartheid regime.

Upon his return to his country after this training in Algeria, he was arrested and imprisoned for a long period, he said.

Upon his release from prison, Mandela "became an icon of love of freedom, emancipation and endurance," added President Tebboune, recalling that his first visit abroad was to Algeria, where he said "I am Algerian. Algeria is my homeland. This means that I am not a refugee.

"We will not find a better symbol than Nelson Mandela to represent Algeria, South Africa and the African continent," said Presiden Tebboune regarding the name given to the stadium.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra underlines President Tebboune's commitment to continue efforts to reform Security Council.(APS,13/01/2023)

ALGIERS- Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra highlighted, Thursday in Brazzaville, the commitment of President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to pursue efforts to achieve a concrete progress in terms of governmental negotiations aimed at reforming the UN Security Council and achieving a more representative, fairer and more balanced international order, said the ministry in a statement.

Taking part in Brazzaville in the work of the ministerial meeting of the Committee of Ten of the African Union (AU) on the reform of the UN Security Council, Lamamra welcomed, in his speech, "the strong support that the African position is receiving at the international level.

The meeting focused on the assessment of the progress made in the negotiation process on the reform of the Security Council, and this in light of efforts to promote the unified African position that emphasizes the need to allow the continent to obtain two permanent seats in the UN body, from three to five seats, in accordance with the content of the "Ezulwini Consensus" and "the Sirte Declaration."

President Tebboune "is committed to working with his African brothers, leaders of the Committee's member countries, to preserve this momentum and continue efforts to achieve a concrete progress in terms of government negotiations to reform the Security Council and achieve a more representative, fairer and more balanced international order, especially in the context of the fallout of the current international crisis that bears the beginnings of the formation of new power relations on the international scene, "said the head of Algerian diplomacy.

Government meeting: Several sectors on the agenda.(APS,11/01/2023)

ALGIERS - The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane, on Wednesday chaired a government meeting devoted to examining files relating to the granting of economic land, preparations for the holy month of Ramadan, securing supply in drinking water and to the cinematographic industry, indicates a press release from the services of the Prime Minister.

"The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane, chaired, this Wednesday, January 11, 2023, a government meeting held at the Government Palace.

During its weekly meeting, the Government examined the following points:

In the field of investment:

The Government has examined a draft law setting the terms and conditions for the granting of economic land in the private domain of the State, intended for the implementation of investment projects.

This draft law, which falls within the framework of the implementation of the directives of the President of the Republic relating to the improvement of the investment climate, introduces new mechanisms and provisions which release the act of investing in the administrative circuit, devote facilitations and establish more transparency and diligence in the processing of files for access to land intended for investment, by ensuring follow-up and support for investors who will benefit from a framework more incentive.

In the field of culture:

The Government has examined a draft law relating to the cinematographic industry, which falls within the framework of the orientations of the President of the Republic relating to the revision of the legislative and organizational framework governing the cinema sector in order to promote the cinematographic industry and to create a real economic dynamic around this field.

This draft text, drawn up on the basis of the conclusions of a broad consultation launched by the Ministry of Culture and the Arts with professionals, artists and experts in the field, aims to put in place a legislative framework specific to the various cinematographic fields, with the aim of establishing rules and mechanisms that meet the aspirations of professionals and are consistent with the country's new economic approach.

Regarding preparations for the holy month of Ramadan 1444/2023:

The Government heard a joint communication from the Ministers in charge of Religious Affairs, Culture and Communication, on the program of religious, cultural and media activities on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan.

To this end, a rich and varied program has been developed in coordination with the various sectors and departments concerned, focusing in particular on religious, scientific, cultural, educational and solidarity activities.

The actions traced within the framework of this program, will be carried out at the level of all the national territory and also in the direction of our national community established abroad and this, in particular through the various national and local television and radio channels as well only through social media.

Finally, in the field of hydraulics:

The Minister of Public Works, Hydraulics and Basic Infrastructure presented a communication on the state of execution of the emergency program to secure the supply of drinking water to the population.

In this context, and given the current climatic situation, marked by a rainfall deficit, urgent measures have been taken through the renewal of the emergency plan put in place during the two (2) years 2021 and 2022, in order to ensure the regular supply of drinking water to the population during the current year.

These measures are part of the implementation of the action plan aimed at guaranteeing water security in the short and medium term.

Celebration of Yennayer: Consecration of an identity.(APS,11/01/2023)

"The celebration of the Amazigh New Year is a receptacle, a unifying moment for the Algerian people which strengthens national cohesion", recalls the Secretary General of the High Commission for Amazighity (HCA), Si El-Hachemi Assad, who affirms: " The purpose of celebrating Yennayer is to instill the spirit of nationalism and strengthen the cohesion of the Algerian people.

In addition to the "love of the land and respect for the environment" that must be instilled in new generations, the celebration of the Amazigh New Year constitutes, for the HCA, an opportunity to strengthen the spirit of pride of our Amazigh civilisation, and that of solidarity and fraternity which characterizes the Algerian people. "The rehabilitation of the Amazigh dimension of the Algerian nation is likely to consolidate the foundations of the nation and to better preserve it from the dangers and external threats which have as pitfalls our national unity and our sense of territorial integrity", a judged the SG of the HCA. This ancestral festival, popular in more ways than one, has origins as far back as the history of North Africa. Yennayer, coinciding with January 12, has, since January 2018, been declared a public holiday, unemployed and paid. This holiday is marked by solidarity, mutual aid, fraternity, conviviality and living together.

Peasant common sense and popular genius It was in 2016 that Tamazight became a national and official language. And it was in December 2017 that Yennayer was consecrated "national holiday and day off and paid", a decision taken by the Council of Ministers before its adoption by Parliament and its publication in the Official Journal, in August 2018. An Academy of the language Amazigh was also instituted. What the Algerians are celebrating is the consecration of a process which consists, since the 1990s, of taking into account the Amazighness of Algeria and the identity and linguistic claims that have carried it for decades. Without the peasant common sense and the popular genius which made it possible to revitalize the Amazigh heritage, whole sections of this identity and this culture would be forgotten today.

The Yennayer festival is one of the landmarks of the rich intangible heritage that has escaped oblivion and death. Today, the double cultural and historical dimension of the event, variously celebrated in all the cities of Algeria, is highlighted by the celebration of tradition and popular rites in the warm atmosphere of family reunions imbued with joy and of friendliness. If this common heritage inherited from the past still exists, the following generations, now managers and guarantors of this memory, have the heavy responsibility, not only to preserve it, but also and above all to enhance and promote it.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra on working visit to Mali.(APS,10/01/2023)

ALGIERS- Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, as special envoy of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, paid a working visit to Mali where he was received by President of the Transition, Assimi Goïta, to whom he conveyed a message from President Tebboune, said Tuesday the ministry in a statement.

"Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community abroad, Ramtane Lamamra has made, as special envoy of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, a working visit to Mali, during which he had several bilateral and multilateral talks in the context of Algerian-Malian relations and efforts to establish peace and reconciliation in Mali," said the same source.

In this regard, Lamamra was received by President of the Transition, Colonel Asimi Goïta, "to whom he conveyed a message from his brother President Tebboune, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen fraternal relations and cooperation between the two brotherly countries, and speed up the pace of implementation of the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement resulting from the Algiers Process, given its extreme importance in preserving the unity, sovereignty and stability of the Republic of Mali and the entire region.

Mr. Lamamra also held bilateral talks with his Malian counterpart, Abdoulaye Diop, as well as with the Minister of National Reconciliation, in charge of the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement, Colonel Ismael Wagué, the same source added.

The head of Algerian diplomacy also met, at the headquarters of the Algerian Embassy in Bamako, representatives of Malian movements signatories of the Algiers Agreement.

At the end of his visit, Mr. Lamamra chaired, at the headquarters of the Algerian Embassy, a coordination meeting with the International Mediation Group on Mali, made up of representatives of neighboring countries, permanent members of the UN Security Council, as well as representatives of regional and international organizations, including the UN, the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Draft Law on prevention, fight against money laundering and terrorist financing adopted.(APS,11/01/2023)

ALGIERS- Members of the Council of the Nation adopted, on Tuesday, the draft law on the prevention and fight against money laundering and terrorist financing, during a plenary session chaired by President of the Council, Salah Goudjil, in the presence of Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, Abderrachid Tabi and Minister of Relations with Parliament, Basma Azouar.

Speaking after the vote, Tabi said that the adoption of the draft law on the prevention and fight against money laundering and financing of terrorism "will strengthen national mechanisms to prevent and combat money laundering and financing of terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

These measures, he said, "will ensure the high efficiency of our financial system and improve the effectiveness of the parties responsible for the prevention and fight against this crime.

The draft law "will specify the essential rules and legal provisions that must include all forms of prevention and fight against this crime," said Tabi.

Thus, the text of the law "will specify the essential ways to strengthen coordination and exchange of information between all parties concerned, including the sector of banks and financial institutions and non-financial professions at national and international levels," he explained.

This bill is divided into 5 main areas, some of which relate to the revision of certain terms for "more precision" and the definition of the obligations of stakeholders in the prevention and fight against money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, he recalled.

The project also includes "administrative sanctions imposed on financial companies, institutions and non-financial professions, such as lawyers, notaries, auctioneers, accountants, their managers or their auxiliaries in case of failure to comply with the obligations assigned to them, and requires them to report to the specialized body any suspicious transaction," added the Minister.

Signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Mediator and the High Authority for the Fight against Corruption.(APS,11/01/2023)

ALGIERS- A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed on Tuesday in Algiers between the Mediator and the High Authority for Transparency, Prevention and the Fight against Corruption for optimal management of citizens' concerns, protection and prevention against corruption.

The Memorandum was signed by the Mediator of the French Republic, Mr. Madjid Ammour and the President of the High Authority for Transparency, Prevention and Fight against Corruption, Ms. Salima Mousserati, at the headquarters of the Mediator.

Mr. Ammour indicated that this Convention aimed to build bridges of cooperation between the two parties "given the intrinsic relationship between the improvement of the quality of public service on the one hand and transparency, the prevention and the fight against corruption on the other hand which are among the requirements of the promotion and enhancement of the relationship between citizen and administration".

The Memorandum also tends "to establish a working framework governing the procedures for redirecting requests between the Mediator and the High Authority, according to their areas of competence, whether it concerns questions related to public structures and services concerning the Mediator or facts related to the fight against corruption which falls under the High Authority for Transparency, Prevention and Fight against Corruption", he added.

The area of cooperation and partnership will encompass the joint organization of events around topical issues related to the prevention and fight against bureaucracy and corruption, in addition to the establishment of an implementation and monitoring mechanism between the two parties.

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune "has put in place the institutional and legal bases to lift administrative restrictions and put an end to bureaucracy and its negative repercussions having created an environment conducive to the violation of citizens' rights and the spread of corruption thus establishing (bases) new perspectives in front of the citizen guaranteeing his rights within the framework of the new Algeria".

For her part, Ms. Mousserati affirmed that this Memorandum "is intended to be a means of strengthening the channels of direct communication with citizens and developing an effective method of taking charge of their concerns with a view to processing requests within the deadlines and respond to grievances, in addition to constituting a framework for both parties to establish the means of cooperation and partnership in the fight against bureaucracy and corruption, and thus establish a new relationship between Citizens and Administration on solid foundations" .

The Mediator, which has branches throughout the national territory, "is an additional mechanism intended to guide whistleblowers of corruption to approach the branches of the Mediator of the Republic and file their complaints, if they wish, in anticipation of their transfer to the central level", affirmed Ms. Mousserati.

She also underlined that this Memorandum aims to establish "cooperation, exchange of information and coordination on how to manage and process grievances".

4th Algerian-Romanian political consultations held in Bucharest.(APS,11/01/2023)

ALGIERS- The 4th Algerian-Romanian political consultations were held Monday, in Bucharest, under the chairmanship of Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Amar Belani and Romanian Secretary of State for Global Affairs and Diplomatic Strategies Traian Hristea, the Ministry said Tuesday in a statement.

“This meeting, which marked the resumption of contacts in accordance with the cooperation mechanism established by the two countries, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, enabled the two sides to discuss the state of the bilateral relations and ways to strengthen the bilateral cooperation and exchanges, as they had an exchange of views on international and regional issues of common interest,” said the source.

At the bilateral level, the two sides agreed to “promote the cooperation in the fields of agriculture, higher education, research, innovation, renewable energy and the new information and communication technologies and to raise them up to the excellent political relations existing between the two countries since the establishment of their diplomatic relations in April 1962,” added the source.

As regards regional and international issues of common interest, the two sides, that exchanged views on the international crises and those related to Algeria’s immediate neighborhood (Western Sahar, Mali, Libya, Sahel, Middle East) “ strongly stressed the necessity of respecting multilateralism and international law when dealing with these crises,” according to the statement.

Before holding these consultations, Belani held discussions with the Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Bogdan-Lucian Aurescu who underlined on this occasion “his strong willingness to work for the strengthening of the relations between the two countries, in view of the great potential for the bilateral cooperation,” said the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad.

Mr. Belani held talks, during his visit to Bucharest, with Secretary General of the Romanian Minister of Research, Innovation and Digitization Constantin Saragea in which the two sides “agreed to develop the cooperation and the exchange of expertise in the fields of innovation, digitization, new information and communication technologies and startups,” according to the source.

Mr. Amar Belani was received Tuesday by deputy speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of Romania Vasile Daniel Suciu.

National Open Doors on Olive Oil Exports.(APS,11/01/2023)

ALGIERS - The kick-off of the National Open Doors on the export of olive oil and its derivatives was given Tuesday in Algiers to highlight the potential of this sector.

The kick-off of these Open Days, scheduled until Thursday and placed under the slogan "Algerian olive oil: authenticity, refined taste and great international ambition", was given at the headquarters of the National Agency of Foreign Trade Promotion (ALGEX) by the Minister of Trade and Export Promotion, Kamel Rezig, in the presence of representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Algeria, professional associations and employers.

In a speech delivered on this occasion, Mr. Rezig considered that these open days made it possible to "encourage all the professionals who produce, develop and export olive oil and its derivatives so that this sector can increase the volume of its exports, in view of its potential and its characteristics thanks to the favorable natural and environmental conditions which have made it possible to have a product of remarkable quality which has distinguished itself several times in international competitions".

This is why "the ministerial departments, in particular those concerned with this sector, the economic operators and the professional associations must work seriously to find solutions to intensify and enhance the production of olive oil by improving the quality and adaptation to the needs of international markets and to international standards," said the minister.

According to figures presented by Mr. Rezig, Algeria exported 600,000 liters of olive oil to 19 countries in 2021, worth around $2 million.

This volume can be multiplied "if the gaps are filled and the obstacles removed with better exploitation of the assets of this sector", he said, specifying that the objective is to reach 100 exporters to 50 foreign countries and l equivalent of $5 million in revenue by 2024.

These open days will see, for three days, the organization of an exhibition on olive oil and its derivatives, as well as communications and technical workshops with a view to formulating recommendations and proposals around the priority measures to be take to promote the olive sector.

==Export of 600 tons of olive oil in 2021 to 19 countries ==

During the opening of the open house, several presentations on the capacities of this sector were presented.

According to figures from the ALGEX Agency, the average value of olive oil exports reached, between 2017 and 2021, 603,900 USD for an average volume of 202 tonnes liters, with a peak of 1.88 million USD in 2021. with 601 tons.

The number of countries importing Algerian olive oil reached, during the same period, an average of 16 countries, with a peak of 19 countries in 2021.

France leads the importing countries of this variety of edible oil with a rate of 70.82% of all Algerian exports, followed by Canada with 14.45%, then the United States with 4.36%.

The data presented by the ALGEX representative shows an average of 36 exporters, with a peak of 85 operators in 2021.

The average value of olive oil imports reached USD 8.20 billion worldwide, with a peak of USD 8.75 billion still in 2021.

Italy is the first olive oil importing country with a rate of 21.5%, followed by the United States with 17.1%, while Spain is the first exporting country of this material with a rate of 45.2%.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune congratulates startup “Farm AI,” ranks second globally.(APS,10/01/2023)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune congratulated Monday the startup “Farm AI” which ranked second globally out of 12,000 participants in a competition organized in China.

“My congratulations to the youths of the startup “Farm AI” who ranked second globally out of a total of 12,000 participants in a competition held in China,” tweeted President Tebboune.

“I am proud of you,” said President Tebboune, adding that “It is with young people like you that the new Algeria, to which we aspire, will become a reality. May Allah protect you.”

Algeria condemns attack against state institutions in Brazil.(APS,10/01/2023)

ALGIERS - Algeria has strongly condemned the attack against state institutions in Brazil, affirming its rejection of any act likely to spread chaos and undermine stability in this country, said Monday the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad in a statement.

"Following the recent events recorded in the Federal Republic of Brazil, Algeria expresses its strong condemnation of the assault on State institutions in Brazil and its rejection of any act likely to sow chaos and undermine the stability in this friendly country," the statement read.

"Convinced that the Brazilian people are capable of overcoming this ordeal in peace, Algeria affirms its support for the legitimate institutions, as well as for the democratic process which led to the election of Mr. Lula Da Silva to the highest office of Brazil, and which has been favorably received internationally," the statement added.

Excerpts from videos showed, on Sunday, the invasion and ransacking by hundreds of supporters of the far-right ex-Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro of the Congress, the presidential palace, the Supreme Court and several seats of Ministries in Brasilia . The protesters reject the results of the presidential elections organized at the end of last October and won by Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Development of a roadmap to encourage national cotton production.(APS,06/01/2023)

SOUK AHRAS- The Minister of Industry, Mr. Ahmed Zeghdar said Monday in Souk Ahras that a roadmap is being developed to encourage national cotton production and reduce the importation of raw materials intended for the textile industry.

In a statement to the APS during his inspection in Souk Ahras of the Algerian Industrial and Technical Textiles Company (EATIT), the minister indicated that his department is working to encourage the textile sector and the local production of the raw material. in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development through "the development of a roadmap to encourage local cotton production and reduce the import rate currently estimated at 99%".

The State will work to support companies investing in the textile and leather sector so as to develop these two sectors that generate added value and jobs, assured the Minister.

During his visit to the National Company of Paints belonging to the Algerian group of chemical specialties whose annual production capacity reaches more than 46,000 tons, the Minister urged company officials to preserve product quality and meet deadlines. delivery of orders by working to expand their business to meet the needs of the region and export to Libya, Tunisia and other African countries.

Mr. Zeghdar emphasized the importance of scientific research and development in the field of the paint industry and the development of young skills in order to increase the market share of this company whose production has recorded in 2022 a growth of 20% compared to the previous year.

The Minister will continue his working visit to the wilaya by going to the commercial activities area of Sedrata then the activities area of Bir Bouhouche and the industrial area of M'daourouch to inspect other private industrial Companies.

Algeria-Saudi Arabia: Signing of a Convention relating to the organization of Hajj.(APS,10/01/2023)

ALGIERS- The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Wakfs and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed, Monday in Jeddah, a Convention relating to the organization of Hajj for the 1444/2023 season, indicates a press release from the Ministry.

This signature comes within the framework of the participation of the Minister of Religious Affairs and Wakfs, Youcef Belmahdi at the head of a large delegation, in the activities of the Conference and Exhibition on the Hajj and Umrah services which will take place in the city of Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from Monday until next Thursday.

It should be noted that the delegation taking part in this meeting is made up of the Ambassador of Algeria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ali Boughazi, the Director General of the National Office of Pilgrimage and Umrah (ONPO), Ahmed Slimani and the Director of Organization, Legal Affairs and Cooperation, Youcef Hafsi.

Algerian startup offering solutions in agriculture awarded.(APS,10/01/2023)

ALGIERS - The startup "FARM AI" managed to get the second place in the international competition organized by the Chinese firm Huawei, for having created an innovative solution to the fungal disease using artificial intelligence (AI).

Out of 12,000 participants of different nationalities in the international start-up competition (Tech4Good), FARM AI managed to win second place thanks to its innovation, showing great talents and proven know-how of a group of young people. experienced Algerians in their quest for innovative solutions in various fields.

Note that the startup won first place in the "People's Choice" category, indicates the Ministry of the Knowledge Economy and Startups.

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent, on this occasion, a message of congratulations to the young winners, in which he wrote: "my congratulations to the young people of the startup +Farm AI+ who won second place in the world out of a total of 12,000 participants in a competition in China".

President Tebboune underlined that "it is with young people like you that the new Algeria to which we all aspire will be materialized. May Allah keep and protect you".

For his part, the Minister of the Knowledge Economy and Start-ups, Yacine El Mahdi Oualid affirmed that the realization of this start-up would carry Algeria's name very high in international forums, saying he was proud "of the considerable assets of young talents wherever they are".

Speaking about this coronation, one of the members of the startup, Rania Hadna explained, in a statement to APS, that the participation in the Huawei competition was the result of the efforts of 7 young people who have worked since last September. to find an innovative solution to the problem of the fungal plant disease which affects the crops of a large number of farmers given the speed of its spread, between 5 and 7 days, which can damage approximately 20% of wheat ears.

Gathering information on the ground, the group began to seek a definitive solution to this agricultural problem by using AI (i.e. a digital application) and a drone camera for the detection of wheat leaf rust.

The application is available to farmers through their mobile phones, while the drone has an information system that can accurately photograph the location of this type of fungus, which offers the farmer the possibility to eradicate the fungal disease and avoid crop loss.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune chaired a Council of Ministers.(APS,09/01/2023)

The President of the Republic, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defence, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, on Sunday chaired a meeting of the Council of Ministers devoted to the examination of a draft law on the prevention and fight against trafficking in persons, and to the extension of ministerial presentations concerning several sectors

“Mr Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the Republic, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defence, today chaired a meeting of the Council of Ministers devoted to the examination of a draft law on the prevention and fight against human trafficking, and joint ministerial presentations on the mechanism of supply of the national market in 46% Urea, preparations for the holy month of Ramadhan 2023, and desalination of sea water.

After opening the session, presenting the agenda and giving the floor to the Prime Minister to make an assessment of the Government’s activities over the past two weeks, the President of the Republic gave the following instructions and directives:

1- On the draft law on the prevention and fight against human trafficking:

– The President welcomed the content of the law, after its adoption by the Council of Ministers, describing the text as an added value that reinforces the legal acts in the field of human rights protection.

2 – On joint ministerial presentations:

A – Mechanism for supplying the national market with urea 46%:

The President stressed the need to develop local production of this substance, given its positive impact on improving the yield of agricultural production, and its high price on the international market.

B – Desalination of sea water:

The President said that the efforts made in higher education and vocational training augur well for the restoration of the natural dynamics and speed of development in our country.

– Further develop the quality of training, through partnerships with internationally renowned institutes and universities, in order to exchange expertise in this field.

– Need for the industry sector to adapt with the progress made in this field, through the establishment of a specialized industrial environment likely to develop and exploit this segment to set it up as an additional foundation of the national economy.

– Mobilising the Interior, Water Resources, Agriculture, Industry and Environment departments on a large scale to create an emergency plan for a new policy to save water nationwide and preserve the underground water wealth.

– Relaunch and put into service all the projects of wastewater treatment plants in the provinces, in order to use them for irrigation instead of using groundwater.

– Develop a plan for the generalisation of seawater desalination plants all along the coastal strip, in order to avoid the repercussions of the difficult climatic situation the world is facing.

– Strictly control the authorisations for the exploitation of groundwater for irrigation of agricultural areas, and apply the heaviest penalties to those responsible for unauthorised drilling.

– Activate the role of the Water Police, in charge of controlling water use in all areas and fighting against waste everywhere in the country.

– Create start-ups specialised in wastewater exploitation techniques, as part of the vision of water saving and water security.

– Develop scientific studies, as a matter of urgency, to accurately determine the volume of groundwater.

C – Preparations for the holy month of Ramadhan 2023:

– The Government has been instructed to bring together all the favourable conditions during this holy month.

– Continue the fight against speculation by keeping the same pace throughout the year and by exposing the speculators and their plans to public opinion.

– Encourage farmers to sell directly to citizens, while allocating them temporary spaces dedicated to this activity during the holy month.

D- General guidelines:

-The President affirmed that the establishment of the pilot arts high school aims to fill the cultural and artistic gap among the rising generation, and to consolidate our cultural and artistic foundations in the face of challenges, based on our cultural references such as cinema, theatre and music.

– Use specialised teachers and experts to provide training in the various artistic disciplines up to the point of obtaining an artistic baccalaureate, the aim being to establish a training culture in the field of art.

– The President underlined the important and determining role of cinema, which goes beyond the notion of entertainment and contributes to shaping the spirit of the Algerian individual and society in general.

Before closing the session, the Council of Ministers approved decrees on the appointment and termination of functions in senior state positions”.

2023: The People's National Army (ANP) animated by the same determination for the construction of the new Algeria.(APS,06/01/2023)

ALGIERS - The People's National Army (ANP) is driven by "the same ambition, the same will and the same determination", in 2023, with a view to achieving the objectives set and adding a new milestone to the construction process of the new Algeria, underlined the review El Djeich in its last issue.

"As we welcome the new year 2023, we at the ANP are driven by the same ambition, the same will and the same determination to achieve the objectives set and to add a new milestone to the process of building the new Algeria", indicates El Djeich in its editorial entitled: "Positive balance sheet and promising prospects", and in which the review noted that "the year 2022 will have printed, at the national level, a dynamic encompassing all sectors".

Thus, the review recalled that in the field of defence, "under the leadership of the President of the Republic, Supreme Head of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defence, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the ANP has continued the work of modernization of its forces, through the adoption of a carefully considered strategy".

She underlined that for this purpose, "the significant images released by our units having participated in the military parade on the occasion of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Independence, confirm the development reached by our army and its mastery of the different weapons. , science and technology".

In this context, added El Djeich, the President of the Republic also encouraged "to continue the work of development and modernization of all the components of the ANP and its promotion so that it reaches ranks worthy of greatness and the sanctity of its missions, which allow it to meet the challenges it will face and win the bets".

In the same context, the High Command of the ANP has "placed the development of military manufacturing at the heart of its strategy, by setting up a real industry, on which it works rigorously and tirelessly, as Mr. President of the Republic, calling it a 'locomotive of national industry'", noted the publication.

Similarly, Army General Saïd Chanegriha, Chief of Staff of the ANP, "has repeatedly emphasized the continuous improvement of the levels of military industries in their various branches", further indicated the editorial of El Djeich.

Regarding the fight against terrorism and organized crime in all its forms, the review highlighted "the remarkable results" obtained by the detachments of the ANP, results which "are the fruit of excellent preparation for combat, high-level training and permanent vigilance" of its personnel in all the military regions.

This is what the Army General, Mr. Chanegriha, constantly insists on, affirming that "victory in battle depends mainly on the mentality of the combatant, the quality of his training, the level of his physical and psychological preparation as well as his ability to make sound decisions, in all circumstances and at all stages of the battle," wrote El Djeich.

On the political level, and in the wake of the progress made, with in particular the completion of the institutional edifice of the State, the review noted that "the high authorities of the country devoted themselves to the promulgation of various legislations in order to organize and moralize political life, taking care to involve the youth and the living forces as fundamental actors in the development of society, in addition to the courageous decisions taken in the interest of the citizen and for the future of the country ".

On the economic level, the review noted that this sector had been the subject of "profound reforms in order to free it from the rentier economy, and this, through the revision of the law on investment, the granting facilities for investors, elimination of bureaucracy and support for start-ups", adding that "this has translated into improved performance, in that the value of non-hydrocarbon exports exceeded 6 billion dollars in 11 months".

In the same vein, the publication highlighted the fact that "Algeria has also oriented itself towards investment in the implementation of regional structuring projects which will strengthen the economic potential of the African continent, and this, in the aim of contributing to the emergence of a space for development".

At the same time, the editorial underlined, "these reforms have been reinforced by unprecedented social decisions which have placed the citizen at the heart of the concerns in order to improve their living environment and preserve their purchasing power", reminding this By the way, the measures taken, "in particular the introduction of unemployment benefit for the benefit of young people, the increase in wages as well as the continuation of the program of construction of housing in different forms".

For its part, "the diplomatic scene was marked by intense activity which resulted in the active participation of our country in various international fora, starting from its constant positions and its geostrategic weight", observed El Djeich.

For the publication, "the flagship event of this year 2022 will have been undoubtedly the success of Algeria in its approach to unifying the Arab ranks, on the occasion of the holding in Algiers of the 31st Summit of the League of States Arab States, which ended with the adoption of important decisions".

"In the forefront of these decisions, the strengthening of constructive common action aimed at putting an end to the crises that certain Arab countries are going through, support for the Palestinian cause, in addition to the constitution of a solid Arab economic bloc which would contribute to the realization of the aspirations of the Arab peoples", she underlined.

Financial year 2023: Remittance of budget allocations to the various Ministerial Departments.(APS,06/01/2023)

ALGIERS- The Minister of Finance, Mr. Brahim Djamel Kassali chaired, Thursday in Algiers, the ceremony of handing over the financial allocations allocated under the Finance Law 2023 to the various ministerial departments.

The ceremony for the presentation of budget allocations, decided in the 2023 Finance Law which establishes for the first time a budget based on programs and performance, took place at the International Conference Center (CIC) Abdelatif-Rahal in the presence of the Secretaries Generals and Authorizing Officers of the various ministerial sectors and public administrations concerned as well as Central Directors in the Ministry, CEOs of public establishments and members of the People's National Assembly (APN) and the Council of the Nation.

In his speech on this occasion, Mr. Kassali affirmed that "the delivery of the documents of the preliminary programming of the allocations, to which are attached the decisions of notification of the financial allocations of the investment expenditure for the financial year 2023, comes after the publication of FL 2023 and its adoption by the 'Programs' type".

He assured that the LF 2023 "is not like previous years, because it will be the starting point for the effective implementation of the provisions of organic law 18-15 relating to finance laws as well as these executive texts" , noting that the year 2023 will be the year of the implementation of the reforms".

The Minister specified that "the Ministry was there for the distribution of financial allocations during the first week of January", and this, he explains, in order to concretize "our commitment and will to better control of its management and leave a positive impact on its pace of implementation as well as the achievement of the objectives set".

In addition, Mr. Kessali underlined that "the new budgetary regime will allow more transparent and efficient management of these allocations, and this after the various reforms carried out by the Ministry of Finance to support and strengthen this regime, like the revision of the Public Procurement Code and the creation of the public-private partnership law".

The Minister recalled, in this sense, the revision of the Law on public accounting in order to define the methods of operating three accounts: budgetary, general and cost analysis (CAC) in accordance with the principles of the organic law. 15-18.

The revision also affected Ordinance 11-03 of August 26, 2003 relating to money and credit with the aim of "better adapting to world economic developments and meeting the needs of the economic reform expected to promote institutional performance economic".

In addition, a large training operation was organized for the benefit of trainers and state budget actors throughout the country in order to reinforce the concepts acquired and respond to the concerns raised, adds the minister.

For his part, the Director General of the Budget, Mr. Abdelaziz Faid, welcomed the implementation of the new budgetary framework under Organic Law 15-18 relating to finance laws, considering that this "system is intended to be a Constitution for state finances, being a provider of data adapted to the best practices and international standards".

The Organic Law, he continues, established a new management system based on results and performance but also including all aspects of good governance, in particular medium-term estimates, budget precision, rigor, governance , public expenditure control and evaluation.

According to the figures put forward by the DG of the budget, 50 program portfolios have been distributed, including 33 intended for ministries and 17 for public establishments and bodies.

Presentations on the budgetary reform according to the Organic Law relating to the laws of finance were presented in addition to the projection of a documentary film on the budgetary reform.

A budget of 350 billion Dinars (BN DA) granted to salary increases in the civil service.(APS,06/01/2023)

A budget of 350 billion dinars (bn DA) has been allocated, within the framework of the 2023 Finance Act, to cover salary increases for civil service workers, Abdelaziz Fayed, director general of the budget at the Ministry of Finance, said on Thursday in Algiers.

Speaking to the press on the sidelines of the ceremony to hand over budget allocations to the various ministerial departments and public enterprises under the 2023 Finance Act, Fayed said that a budget of around 350 BN DA has been allocated to cover salary increases for 2.8 million civil service workers.

Fayed also said that the same budget will be allocated during 2024 to cover the salaries of civil servants, explaining that this revaluation will be paid next March with retroactive effect from January 2023.

Regarding the way the salary increases will be implemented, he said the authorities have decided to review the number of index points by adding 75 points in 2023 and another 75 in 2024. “We did not opt for the value of the index point, because this measure will mainly benefit the highest salaries. But with this index point increase formula, it is the lowest salaries that will benefit from this revaluation,” he explained.

It is also planned, within the framework of the 2023 Finance Act, “the unfreezing of more than 300 public projects blocked since 2014 and 2015,” said the same official.

Reassuring that “the state will proceed gradually to the unfreezing of projects frozen following the crisis of 2014,” he said the allocation under the Finance Act 2023 of a financial envelope of about 120 billion DA to the unfreezing of projects that concern several socio-economic sectors, citing in particular education, health, transport, public works and culture.

The implementation of an energy mix strategy examined.(APS,06/01/2023)

The Government examined, during its weekly meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane, the implementation of an energy mix strategy, indicate the services of the Prime Ministry in a press release.

“The State has initiated an in-depth reflection on the vectors for the introduction of the energy mix into the national energy system”, specifies the same source.

This reflection aims “to adapt to the changes experienced by the world energy scene as well as to the upheavals already made or expected both in terms of demand and supply of energy on the one hand, and to guarantee security and a transition energy meeting the requirements of economic development, on the other hand”, it is underlined in the communication presented by the Minister of Energy and Mines, during this meeting.

The approach also aims to “contribute to the country’s energy diversification, to preserve non-renewable conventional resources and to allow Algeria to access advanced technologies to ensure the country’s energy security in the long term”, according to the same source.

Algeria-Qatar: The possibilities of exporting pharmaceutical products examined.(APS,06/01/2023)

ALGIERS- The Minister of Pharmaceutical Industry, Ali Aoun, received Thursday, the Ambassador of Qatar in Algiers, Abdulaziz Ali Al-Naama, with whom he discussed means of strengthening bilateral cooperation and export possibilities Algerian pharmaceutical products to Qatar, the ministry said in a statement.

This meeting, held at the headquarters of the Ministry, "is part of the strengthening of Algerian-Qatari relations", and made it possible "to examine the potentialities and opportunities for bilateral cooperation in the field of the pharmaceutical industry, in to develop the partnership and promote the export of pharmaceutical products to Qatar", according to the same source.

To this end, "it was agreed to transmit to the Ministry of Public Health of the State of Qatar the list of drugs manufactured in Algeria, in order to support their export to the brotherly and friendly country and to present the potential for investment in the pharmaceutical field, but also to encourage and support operators in the field".

Finally, the two parties discussed the possibilities of investment through the creation of an Algerian-Qatari pharmaceutical product manufacturing unit, the statement added.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune receives leader of Movement of Society for Peace.(APS,05/01/2023)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune received Wednesday, in Algiers, the leader of the Movement of Society for Peace (MSP) Abderrezak Makri.

In a statement to the press following the audience that was held at the headquarters of the Presidency of the Republic, Makri said he wishes that “everyone cooperates in the interest of Algeria and makes sure that the strength of the Algerian State is preserved, regardless of the opinions and ideas.”

“The President has already told me that his doors are open for debate and dialogue with the parties, personalities and all those who aspire to a general partnership in the interest of the nation,” said Makri, underlining that his meeting with President Tebboune comes within this framework.

Makri added that his meeting with the President of the Republic “was open and characterized by a great comfort,” pointing out that he “ listened with interest to the President Tebboune on the different economic and political issues.”

MSP’s leader dubbed “civilized behavior” the audience, welcoming the existence of “a relation between the opposition and power, notably at the level of the Presidency of the Republic.”

Zionist official storms Al-Aqsa: Algeria condemns provocative act.(APS,04/01/2023)

Algeria strongly condemned on Tuesday the provocative act of a Zionist official who stormed the Al-Aqsa mosque in flagrant violation of the resolutions of international legality and in clear contempt for Muslims and Christians around the world, calling on the UN Security Council to assume its responsibilities towards the Palestinian people, said a statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad.

Algeria strongly condemns “the provocative act of a Zionist official who stormed the Al-Aqsa mosque, in flagrant violation of the resolutions of international legality and in clear contempt for Muslims and Christians around the world,” the statement reads.

“This condemnable act, which comes in addition to a series of systematic violations committed by the occupation forces against the Palestinian people, their property and their holy places, as part of a dangerous expansionist plan, confirms once again the imperative of providing the necessary protection to the Palestinian people and putting an end to these criminal practices that undermine the Middle East peace process,” the source added.

“Algeria calls on the UN Security Council to assume its responsibilities towards the Palestinian people and reiterates its inalienable position in favour of this brotherly people with a view to recovering its legitimate rights, foremost among which is the establishment of an independent state on the 1967 borders with Al-Quds as its capital,” the statement concluded.

Tourism: Algeria, Qatar ink agreement in field of hotel investment.(APS,03/01/2023)

ALGIERS- A framework agreement has been signed between Algeria and Qatar on the strengthening of cooperation and investment between the two parties in the field of development and management hotel units under the group HTT (hotel, tourism and spa) by the Qatari thermalism) by the Qatari company "Retaj" Hotels and Hospitality.

Signed by CEO of the group HTT, Mohamed Anouar Benabdelouahad, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qatari company "Retaj," Sheikh Nayef Bin Eid Al Thani, under the supervision of Minister of Tourism and Crafts, Yacine Hamadi, this agreement provides for "the mobilization of investment necessary to promote hotel units in accordance with international standards and improve the quality of services in this field.

Under this agreement, the Qatari company "Retaj" will support the 73 hotels under the group throughout the country, in terms of management, rehabilitation and improvement of services.

In this regard, Hamadi stressed the need to promote the management of hotels under the group and improve services within the hotel units to attract tourists, stressing the need to take advantage of the experiences of the Qatari leader in the hotel industry "Retaj."

A digital platform to facilitate the adhesion of producers to the public system "Eco-Jem".(APS,04/01/2023)

ALGIERS - The National Waste Agency (AND) announced, on Tuesday in a press release, the launch of a digital platform to facilitate the accession of producers and holders of packaging products to the public waste treatment system of "Eco-Jem" packaging.

The "Eco-Jem" system collects financial contributions from producers and holders of packaging products from traders or importers of the various goods, with a view to reusing them in practical and sustainable solutions to take care of packaging waste by l National Waste Agency (AND) in cooperation with the parties concerned (local authorities, public bodies, economic operators, as well as civil society, etc.).

The value of the financial contributions is fixed according to the contribution grid and according to the annual declaration of the member, namely the total weight of the packaging used before its separation during its marketing, consumption and use, specifies the same source.

This system, which enshrines the "polluter pays" principle, tends to develop and enhance waste sorting, transport and treatment activities, which are among the AND's main missions.

By virtue of the "Eco-Jem" system, the member assumes his legal and environmental commitments through the contribution to the operation, the organization of waste recovery sectors and the promotion of the waste recovery market while benefiting from the marketing advantages through the affixing of the "Eco-Jem" label to the packaging of the product as a green imprint making it possible to inform the consumer that the producer of this product is adhered to the public system of recovery and recovery of waste and that he has contributed financially to the operation of managing the products he offers.

This operation results in the conclusion of agreements between the AND and the producer or holder of the waste, the statement noted.

The rate of packaging waste amounts to 30% of the total household and similar waste (DMA), produced annually in Algeria, i.e. at least 3.3 million tonnes with an economic value of 122 billion DA, according to the data from the national waste information system.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune presents wishes to Algerian people.(APS,01/01/2023)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune presented, Saturday evening, his wishes to the Algerian people on the occasion of the new year 2023, wishing that the wishes and aspirations of people will be met and that change will continue for the better.

"The year 2022, with what it has witnessed as events, decisions, positive indicators, and improvement of socio-economic conditions, achieved through the determination of all Algerians, is almost over," said President Tebboune in his message broadcast by Algerian Television.

"With the advent of the new year, which we wish will be better than the previous one at all levels, a year that will witness the fulfillment of Algerian people's wishes and aspirations," he added.

May the year 2023 be also the year of increased investment, a prosperous year for our country," added the president.

"Happy New Year and best wishes to all the Algerian people without forgetting the members of our national community abroad.

Long live Algeria, worthy and proud ... Glory to our martyrs," concluded President Tebboune.

“Algeria is an African power,” President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune tells Le Figaro daily.(APS,31/12/2022)

ALGIERS-The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, said that it was "urgent" to open a new era of bilateral relations between Algeria and France, stressing that Algeria is an African power.

"It is urgent to open a new era of bilateral relations between Algeria and France. More than 60 years after the war, we must move on. If memory is part of our common genes, we also share many fundamental interests, even if our views may differ," said President Tebboune in an interview with the French daily Le Figaro, announcing on the occasion that he would pay a state visit to France in 2023.

He said that "France must free itself from its colonizer complex and Algeria from its colonized complex. Algeria is an African power that no longer resembles what it was in 1962.”

Speaking about the issue of memory and after recalling that the decision to install a Commission of historians on both sides was taken by him and the French President, he said that "part of the colonization must be depoliticized and given to history.”

"We must take into account the 132 years of occupation because it did not start with the war of independence. There are proven, archived, and documented facts, and we cannot hide the writings attest," said the head of state.

As for nuclear tests conducted by colonial France in the region of southern Algeria, President Tebboune "urged France to clean the sites of these tests, to Reggane and Tamanrasset, where there is massive pollution.”

“I also hope that France will provide the medical care needed by the populations of these regions,” he continued.

In response to a question about "the restoration of the usual flow of visas by France," the President of the Republic said that "the movement of people between our two countries has been regulated by the Evian Agreements of 1962 and the Agreement of 1968.”

"There is a specificity concerning Algeria compared to other Maghreb countries. It was negotiated and should be respected," he said.

As regards his "understanding” with the French President, Emmanuel Macron, the head of state said: "Yes, we have a certain complicity and I see in him the embodiment of a new generation that can save relations between the two countries.”

Regarding the teaching of the French language in Algeria, President Tebboune said that "the French language was not imposed on Algerians because the families can choose.”

"Algeria has not been freed to be part of a linguistic Commonwealth,” he assured.

He also said that "English is popular because it is a universal language. The Anglo-Saxons got the upper hand over the Latins...".

In response to a question about the organization of a possible friendly soccer match between the national teams of the two countries, the President of the Republic said he "hopes, of course, that this match will take place in Algeria.”

Terrorism is behind us and no longer represents a danger to Algeria

The President of the Republic stressed that "terrorism is behind us and no longer represents a danger to Algeria," regretting that foreigners refuse to see it.

"Islamism is behind us, it no longer represents a political danger even if there are some remnants," he said.

As for the instability in the Sahel, President Tebboune stated that "the dislocation of Libya has facilitated the transfer of heavy weapons" in this region, stressing that "the resolution of this crisis is dependent on Algeria.”

"If the implementation of the Algiers Agreement of 2015 for the pacification of this area was supported, we would not be there. Algeria has a reasoning of neighbor; it does not make geopolitics, like others.”

In the same vein, he said that "we live in good understanding with our Malian brothers for over a century. We must integrate the people of northern Mali in the institutions of this country" to bring peace.”

"Terrorism is not what worries me most, we can defeat it,” he assured

"I am much more concerned about the fact that the Sahel is sinking into misery. There, the solution is 80% economic and 20% security," he lamented.

Concerning the crisis in Ukraine, President Tebboune said: "I do not approve or condemn the Russian operation in Ukraine. Algeria is a non-aligned country, and I want to respect this philosophy. Our country was born to be free.”

Drawing a parallel with what is happening around the world, the President of the Republic said that "the United Nations should not only condemn the annexations that take place in Europe, and the annexation of the Golan Heights by the Zionist entity or Western Sahara by Morocco.”

2022: Algeria has strengthened its presence within international Organizations.(APS,31/12/2022)

ALGIERS-The intense diplomatic activity that Algeria has experienced since President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune took office enabled it to strengthen its presence in 2022 within the most important regional and international organizations and continental authorities, constituting an acknowledgement by the international community of its eminent role as a power acting for the establishment of security and stability in the world, and also the strengthening of human rights.

In this context, Algeria was brilliantly elected as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for the period 2023-2025, in recognition of its role as a pivotal country in its region, concerned with promote the principles and values of human rights in the world.

Algeria's accession to the HRC, from January 1, 2023 for the third time since the creation of this body in 2006, will not only enable it to work for the promotion and protection of human rights in around the world, but also to confirm its place in the concert of Nations.

The Algerian candidate, Ambassador Larbi Djacta, was also brilliantly re-elected to the presidency of the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) of the United Nations against the Moroccan candidate, El Hassane Zahid, by obtaining a score 121 points against 64 for the Moroccan candidate.

Among the fruits of the resurgence of Algerian diplomacy, the election of Algeria, by acclamation, and for a term of four years from January 1, 2023, to the Committee in charge of Non-Governmental Organizations and to the Commission for Science and Technology in the Service of Development of the UN ECOSOC.

Algeria, in the person of its permanent representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Salima Abdelhak, was elected as Vice-President of the 27th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) which took place in The Hague from November 28 to December 2, 2022.

Algeria was elected, in 2022, member of the Board of Directors of the International Telecommunication Union.

At the continental and regional level, and on the proposal of the President of the Republic, the candidate of Algeria Dr. Cherif Rahmani was unanimously elected as a member of the Panel of Eminent Persons of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).

The election of Dr. Rahmani will ensure Algeria a continued presence in this AU body responsible for evaluating the achievements of APRM member states in terms of good governance.

For his part, the member of the Council of the Nation, Abdelmadjid Azzedine was elected president of the Geopolitical Group of North Africa in the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), while the senator, Abdelkrim Koreichi was acclaimed president of the Foreign and Political Affairs and National Security in the Arab Parliament.

In addition, Algeria was unanimously elected to chair the Desert Locust Control Committee in the Western Region (CLCPRO) for the years 2023 and 2024.

This election came in recognition of Algeria's efforts in the fight against the migratory locust.

In the same vein, the secretary general of the National People's Assembly (APN), Azzedine Khennouf was elected member of the executive committee of the Association of Secretaries General of Arab Parliaments.

Algeria is resolutely moving forward on the road to joining the Security Council and the BRICS

After having succeeded, thanks to its effective diplomacy, in being an active element within the international community, Algeria is now resolutely and confidently advancing towards strengthening its influence and working to obtain the quality of non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, and to join the BRICS thanks to its political and economic achievements, obtained since the election of President Tebboune as head of the country.

In 2022, Algeria submitted its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the period 2024-2025 during the elections to be held within the framework of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in June 2023, and leads a campaign based on Mr. Tebboune's directives relating to foreign policy, as well as the main halts in the history of Algerian diplomacy.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Ramtane Lamamra, underlined, in this sense, that obtaining a mandate from the Security Council "will constitute a renewed opportunity for Algeria to reaffirm its principles and to share its vision regarding the issues on the Security Council's agenda in the area of international peace and security".

It will also be an opportunity to make the African voice heard within this international body and to strengthen cooperation with a view to meeting the challenges facing the continent, in addition to continuing to play its role as an active force in establishing peace and stability in the region, and to lend its full support to the implementation of African solutions to African problems.

In the economic field, Algeria is working to intensify its activities through a global strategy for the orientation of international cooperation, according to the logic of the balance of interests, and this, with a view to achieving the objectives of the ambitious development program through which Algeria is aiming for a worthy place among the emerging countries.

Following his participation in the high-level dialogue session of the "BRICS" group, held last June, the President of the Republic announced, in this sense, that Algeria is seeking to raise the domestic product so as to enable it to join this group which includes the countries with the fastest economic growth in the world (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa).

After asserting that "the BRICS group is of interest to Algeria, given that it is an economic and political power", President Tebboune considered that "joining this group will protect Algeria, a pioneer of the principle of non-alignment, friction between the two poles", underlining Algeria's ability to bring added value to this bloc.

Algeria's efforts to join this economic bloc have been welcomed by Russia, China and South Africa.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune receives Saudi Minister of Interior.(APS,27/12/2022)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, received, Monday in Algiers, Minister of Interior of Saudi Arabia, Emir Abdelaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdelaziz Al-Saud, said the Presidency of the Republic in a statement.

The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Presidency of the Republic, in the presence of Chief of Staff at the Presidency of the Republic, Abdelaziz Khellaf and Minister of the Interior, Local Authorities and National PLanning, Brahim Merad.

Increase in salaries, pensions and unemployment benefits: Trade unions, organizations and citizens welcome the decision of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune.(APS,27/12/2022)

Guest of the 8 p.m. newscast of the National Public Television, Mr. Chorfa indicated that the decision of the President of the Republic to increase salaries during 2023-2024 to reach an annual threshold oscillating between 4,500 DA and 8,500 DA in depending on the categories, “will affect 2.8 million civil servants and contract workers, while increases in the economic sector will be fixed by collective agreements between the operator and the social partner”.

The increase in wages in three years "will be 47 to 50%" knowing that its threshold will vary between 4,500 DA and 8,500 DA per year depending on the category, explained the minister who cited as an example the salary increase in benefit of teachers who will benefit from a revaluation of nearly 13,500 DA over the next two years. Regarding the revaluation of retirement pensions, the Minister mentioned the first category of beneficiaries, namely those affiliated to the National Pension Fund (CNR) for a period of less than 15 years and who currently receive a pension of 4,000 to 10,000 DA, specifying that the increase in the pension will reach 11,000 DA and will concern 900,000 retirees. For the retirement pension at 15,000 DA, this will increase to 20,000 DA and will concern 250,000 retirees.

Unemployment benefit: 1.9 million beneficiaries

With regard to unemployment benefit, which will also be increased on the instructions of the President of the Republic, the Minister of Labor has indicated that the number of beneficiaries will reach, at the end of December 2022, 1.9 million beneficiaries among university graduates, graduates training institutes and non-graduates. Thus, the unemployment benefit will increase from 13,000 DA net to 15,000 DA, while the costs of health coverage (Chifa card) of those concerned will be borne by the State pending their integration into the world of work. After welcoming the decisions taken to this effect, the Minister of Labor affirmed that "these decisions will certainly cost the public treasury significant amounts, but, he said, the preservation of the dignity of Algerians and the improvement of their standard of living is priceless”. Mr. Chorfa underlined in this regard that “negotiations are underway in the economic sector between the social partners and employers with a view to allowing workers to benefit from increases within the framework of collective agreements”. “These decisions taken by the President of the Republic are “historic given that increases in salaries and allowances have climbed by 50% in recent years, which proves, he said, that the President of the Republic has honored its commitments vis-à-vis the social categories concerned.

Increase in wages, valuation of unemployment benefit and pensions

The substantial increase in wages, retirement pensions and unemployment benefits decided on Sunday by the Council of Ministers chaired by the Head of State Abdelamdjid Tebboune, "will in no way affect the financial capacities of the State" several experts and economic specialists comment unanimously. And for good reason, revenues from oil taxation have experienced a significant jump during this year 2022. "Oil and gas exports are increasing at the end of 2022" noted, for El Moudjahid, the expert Brahim Guendouzi teaching economics at the University of Tizi-Ouzou. “The situation is therefore very favorable to improve the purchasing power of households,” he argued. In this sense, President Tebboune's decision approved by the Council of Ministers materializes, according to him, "his commitment to make up for the drop in purchasing power that had been caused towards the end of 2020 by a high inflationary trend, not only in Algeria, but all over the world due to the international consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic”. The specialist Brahim Guendouzi made it clear, in this respect, that the increase in wages during the years 2022, 2023, 2024, reaching 47%, all categories combined, consolidates the decisions already taken in the field of social transfers on the instructions of the President of the Republic.

He thus referred to the introduction of the unemployment benefit which will be increased from 13,000 to 15,000 DA, the abolition of the IRG for salaries equal to or less than 30,000 DA, the raising of the index point and in particular the maintenance the consumer product subsidy system already included in social transfers. Regarding inflation, he said that it has returned to a downward trend of 9 to 7%, which indicates the efficiency of the State's social policy. "It is necessary to control inflation as a monetary phenomenon" advised the expert Guendouzi.

Organic law relating to finance laws: Objectives and evaluation criteria

The Inspector General at the Ministry of Finance, Djamel Zergout, affirmed yesterday in Sétif that the organic law 18-15 relating to the finance laws which will be in force from next year "is based on management by programs which make object of monitoring with objectives and evaluation criteria”. Chairing the opening of a regional conference on the implementation of this organic law at the National Institute specialized in vocational training (INSFP) of the city of Tbinet, Mr. Zergout underlined that "the new budgetary system provided for by this law from 2023 onwards from budget management on the basis of means to management by programs which are monitored with objectives and evaluation criteria”. The same official indicated that the Ministry of Finance with the General Directorate of the Budget began a year ago an operation to clarify Law 18-15 and its implementing decrees, specifying that explanatory publications are currently being developed and training is organized to shed light on this new accounting and budgetary system which is part of the reform of the preparation of the State budget before moving on to the budget of local authorities. He also considered that the operation is in its infancy and will constitute a leap in terms of renewing the rules governing the public budget. For her part, Mrs. Siham Bourabrab, executive at the Ministry of Finance, considered that the organic law 18-15 of September 2, 2018 relating to the amended and supplemented finance laws constitutes a decisive challenge for the improvement of public management. This law, she added, “will bring better visibility of the budget and allow to define priorities in terms of public work challenges and the structuring of objectives as well as the orientation of action towards performance through 'reliable clues'.

44th anniversary of the death of President Houari Boumediène: The man of nationalizations.(APS,27/12/2022)

He had conceived his vision as Head of State, from 1965 to 1978, as a desire to develop the country, by guaranteeing "school for all", "the land for those who work it", "free healthcare", "the exploitation of the natural resources of the soil and subsoil for the sole benefit of the community", "a policy of regional balance", "the conduct of a sovereign foreign policy", "the fight against the injustice of 'one world economic order'.

A new rural world the fellahs lived almost at the level of the poverty line. It was necessary to put an end to this situation out of fidelity to the cardinal principles set out in the Proclamation of November 1, 1954, the Soummam Platform of 1956 and in the Tripoli Program of 1962. With regard to the choice of industrial strategy, Boumediène did not decide unilaterally. He listened attentively to all the specialists of the time who considered that only a State holding all the means of production could guarantee the feasibility of the model. Aware of the challenges that industrial strength could bring in terms of values and independence, he embarked on a vast program of building factories in order to meet the needs of the population and create jobs. State enterprises have been created in various industrial niches. Virtually every economic sector was covered by a national company.

These companies are still pillars of current economic life, like Sonatrach and Sonelgaz. Recovery of national wealth One of the first measures taken by Houari Boumediène was the nationalization of mines, banks and insurance. In 1967, the distribution of petroleum products was nationalized. The major confrontation with the former metropolis resulted, on February 24, 1971, in the nationalization of 51% of French oil companies and 100% of gas fields. For the president, nationalization is a fundamental condition for development. Support for Palestine and the liberation movements History will remember that Algeria has never failed in its will to support Palestine, as the late Houari Boumediène said so well: ''I am with Palestine, whatever his position. This unconditional support is a truth known and recognized by all. In 1974, a Palestinian Embassy was opened in Algiers, and it was under the leadership of Algeria that the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) was admitted as an observer to the General Assembly of the UN and Yasser Arafat addressed its members.

Algeria has been a considerable support for the struggles of the South African people, with the opening in Algiers of an information office of the ANC. This office was represented by great personalities of the fight against apartheid like Robert Reisha, Johnny Makatini. It was at the time when our capital, then represented, as an unavoidable stopover in Africa, the “Mecca of revolutionaries”, according to the late Amilcar Cabral, father of the independence of Guinea. In the ranks of the ANC, the MPLA, the PAIGC, the FRELIMO, the SWAPO or the ZAPU, the young combatants constituted the dynamic core of the liberation movements. For a fair economic order The name of Algeria is linked, for many, to the new international economic order. She was undoubtedly the catalyst. Boumediène became one of the defenders of the N.O.E.I. which must replace “the international order of misery”. From the group of “77” to the second UNCTAD, which was held in February-March 1968 in New Delhi, to the third summit of the Non-Aligned in Lusaka, in September 1970; from the Lima conference in October-November 1971 to the third UNCTAD in Santiago-du-Chile, in April-May 1972, Algeria multiplied.

Algiers Summit of the Non-Aligned (September 1973)

It was within the framework of the Non-Aligned Movement, of which he was Secretary General from 1973 to 1976, that Houari Boumediène adopted a strategy which consisted in giving Third World countries their autonomy vis-à-vis the West. Under the Algerian impetus, economic content will prevail over ideological considerations. The October war, which opposed Israel to Egypt, will allow OPEC member states to test – against the West – the oil weapon. It will also be an opportunity for Algeria to maintain the difficult cohesion of the organization and to prevent the oil-exporting countries, the richest, from cutting themselves off from the Third World. She pleaded the following year, at the first summit of OPEC Heads of State, for the Organization to come to the aid of the most disadvantaged oil-importing countries. For a certain number of political analysts, Houari Boumediène, occupied an important place on the international scene, asserting himself as the intransigent but pragmatic leader of the third world, which he understood as the main conflict of the last quarter of the twentieth century would no longer be one opposing East to West but North to South, rich peoples to poor peoples, industrialized States to underdeveloped countries.

Digitalization of payments: Towards adoption of digital dinar.(APS,27/12/2022)

ALGIERS- The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane, said Monday in Algiers that the Bank of Algeria intends to adopt a national digital currency under the name of “Algerian digital dinar” as part of the digitization of payments.

In his speech at the opening of the work of the conference on the future challenges of central banks organized by the Bank of Algeria on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of its creation, Mr. Benabderrahmane underlined that “among the main workshops open to the Bank of Algeria, represents the digitization of payments by moving towards the adoption of a digital form of currency, which it will issue, manage and control under the name of Algerian digital dinar”.

He added that “the Algerian digital dinar” will eventually be a support for the physical form of fiat money.

“In the digital age, the need to strengthen the security and control of payment systems will undoubtedly be felt, new challenges that the Bank of Algeria must face”, concluded the Prime Minister.

Algeria’s foreign exchange reserves exceed US$60 billion.(APS,27/12/2022)

ALGIERS-Algeria’s foreign exchange reserves exceed US$60 billion, announced Monday the Governor of the Bank of Algeria, Salah Eddine Taleb.

In a speech at the opening of the conference on the future challenges of central banks, organized on the occasion of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the creation of the BA, Mr. Taleb specified that "foreign exchange reserves exceed currently 60 billion USD, or almost a year and a half of imports of goods and services".

The BA governor said that the Algerian banking system has shown "great flexibility" despite a difficult international situation, marked in particular by the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2014 oil crisis.

The year 2022 presented a "new challenge" in controlling inflation as a global phenomenon, as the Central Bank focused on adopting a "pragmatic" monetary policy, including the exchange rate , as a mechanism to mitigate imported inflation and preserve the purchasing power of the citizen in light of the first balance of payments surplus since 2014.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune signs 2023 Finance Law.(APS,26/12/2022)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defence, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, signed on Sunday in Algiers, the Finance Law for the year 2023.

The signing ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Presidency of the Republic, in the presence of President of the Council of the Nation, Salah Goudjil, President of the People's National Assembly (APN), Brahim Boughali, Prime Minister Aïmene Benabderrahmane, Chief of Staff of the People's National Army (ANP), General Saïd Chanegriha, Chief of Staff of the ANP, Abdelaziz Khellaf, and members of the Government.

upport for investment and growth, and consolidation of social achievements

The 2023 Finance Law, signed yesterday by the President of the Republic, includes a series of measures both in support of investment and in the fiscal sphere, within the framework of a new budgetary approach centered on objectives, and for greater efficiency and transparency. This is the first finance law drawn up under organic law 18/15 relating to finance laws, which notably establishes the budget forecast over a three-year period. The text advocates in particular the continuation of the State's effort to control its financial balances, the encouragement of investment, the consolidation of social achievements while continuing the dynamics of growth. This is how the law introduces, in its article 9, a simplification of the procedure obliging investors to reinvest 30% of the amounts corresponding to the exemptions under the corporate income tax (IBS) and the tax on the professional activity (TAP), granted within the framework of aid schemes, while granting them the possibility of investing or making placements in start-ups or incubators. Are also exempted from the obligation to reinvest these tax advantages, companies created in the framework of partnership between public or private companies and foreign companies.

Promoting the entrepreneurial spirit

In addition, natural persons with a turnover of less than 5 million DA / year will be eligible for the law on the auto-entrepreneur, while subjecting them to the single flat-rate tax (IFU) up to 5% on the turnover, whatever the nature of their activity, according to this text of law. The objective of this measure (Article 49) is to promote the entrepreneurial spirit and to facilitate young people's access to the labor market, in particular through self-employment.

Reduction of tax burdens

In addition, it was authorized to proceed with the customs clearance of production chains and materials less than 5 years old and agricultural equipment and materials less than 7 years old, after the amendments voted by the APN. Still in the investment chapter, the text also provides for the reduction of tax burdens concerning the tax on vehicles for transporting company personnel and exemption from IBS for fishing and aquaculture cooperatives and approved federations. This exemption also includes interest from deposits in Islamic finance-type investment accounts from January 1, 2023, for a period of 5 years, according to the amendments validated by the deputies.

Strengthen financial and economic inclusion

Regarding tax inclusion, the LF 2023 introduces an adaptation of the ceilings linked to the exercise of the right to withholding tax on fees, the payment of taxes through banking channels via scriptural means, by setting the ceiling at one million DA, with a view to strengthening financial and economic inclusion and supporting the efforts of the tax administration in the fight against money laundering. Such procedures also reduce the risks that may arise from the use of counterfeit notes and absorb worn notes.

Simplify the importation of vehicles less than 3 years old

On the other hand, the law introduces a simplification of the import of tourist vehicles less than three years old with tax advantages depending on the type and motorization of the vehicle, by removing the condition of limiting this import once every three years. It will therefore be authorized to proceed with the customs clearance of tourist vehicles less than three years old and imported by resident individuals for personal use, with payment of all duties and taxes provided for under public law.

Widening tax exemptions

For foreign trade, the field of tax exemptions will be extended to import operations of hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as exemption from the import of goods, within the framework of border barter, the preventive provisional additional tax.

Habitat: Full interest rate coverage

In the area of housing, the Public Treasury has been authorized to cover 100% of the subsidized interest rate, as part of the construction of an additional tranche of housing under the formula AADL.

Main indicators: (with forecasts for the years 2024 and 2025)

- The reference price of a barrel of crude oil is 60 dollars for the period 2023-2025.

- The market price of a barrel of crude oil is 70 dollars for the period 2023-2025.

- The inflation rate is expected to slow to 5.1% in 2023, 4.5% in 2024 and 4% in 2025.

- The economic growth rate should reach 4.1% in 2023, 4.4% in 2024 and 4.6% in 2025.

- Program authorizations should amount to 3,259.65 billion DA and payment appropriations will reach 4,019.28 billion DA in 2023.

- The budget deficit for the year 2023 will reach 5,884.9 billion DA (-22.5% of the Gross Domestic Product), with an average value of 5,720 billion DA during the period 2023-2025 (-20.6 % of GDP).

- The overall Treasury deficit should reach an average of 6,586.3 billion DA during the period 2023-2025 (-23.7 of GDP).

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune chairs meeting of Council of Ministers.(APS,26/12/2022)

ALGIERS- The President of the Republic, Supreme Head of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defence, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, chaired on Sunday a meeting of the Council of Ministers devoted to the examination of bills and presentations relating to several sectors, says a press release from the Council of Ministers.

"Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the Republic, Supreme Head of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defence, today chaired a meeting of the Council of Ministers devoted to two bills relating to currency and credit and the rules of public accounting and financial management, as well as presentations on salary increases, the diagnosis and outlook for the health and pharmaceutical industry sectors, and the energy, Vocational Training and Education and Fishing and Fish Production.

After the opening of the session by the President and the presentation of the Government's activity report over the past two weeks by the Prime Minister, the President of the Republic gave the following directives and instructions:

First: Concerning the salary increase

-Increase in wages, during 2023-2024, between 4,500 DA/year and 8,500 DA/year depending on the category, i.e. increases during 2022, 2023 and 2024 reaching 47%.

-Increase of the minimum threshold of the retirement pension in Algeria to fifteen thousand dinars (15,000 DA) for those who received a pension of less than ten thousand dinars (10,000 DA) and to twenty thousand dinars (20,000 DA) for those who received a pension of fifteen thousand dinars (15,000 DA), to harmonize it with the minimum wage threshold which has also increased from 18,000 DA to 20,000 DA since 2021.

-Increase in the unemployment allowance from 13,000 DA to 15,000 DA net of tax in addition to the assumption by the State of the expenses of the health coverage of the unemployed during the period of benefit of the allowance.

- Mr. President enjoined the Government to introduce more facilitations for the creation of economic enterprises in different fields able to integrate Algeria into the smart economy in order to reduce youth unemployment.

- The time limit for creating an Economic Enterprise at the level of the administration must not exceed one month.

The President of the Republic has emphasized the need to align the salary grid first with purchasing power, then with continued support for the socially vulnerable category, taking into account the value of work and the development of production as the main references for the revaluation of wages.

Second: Concerning the state of the health sector (diagnosis and outlook)

- The President commended the efforts made by doctors and health personnel in recent years during the health crises that the country has gone through.

- Mr. President clarified that the general situation experienced by the country has had a negative impact on the health sector, however its situation which requires a radical revision does not necessarily mean its reconstruction from scratch.

- The President of the Republic underlined that the main problem of the health sector does not concern structuring, but rather management, and that the reform must continue throughout the year and not for a defined period.

- Motivate doctors and paramedics by creating an optimal socio-professional atmosphere so as to allow them to comfortably exercise their missions and better accomplish their professional duty.

- He stressed the need to provide professional retraining to paramedical agents, through training sessions for their insertion in the mechanism of administrative and professional promotions.

- Review the specific statutes of all professional categories in the health sector.

- Promote, modernize and standardize the quality of hospital care and health services, and set up an internal work system for hospitals, able to ensure electronic monitoring of medical records retracing the patient's journey, and reduce the pressure on doctors.

- Separate between administrative management and medical management, and move towards the specialization of hospitals to create care centers able to help loosen the noose on hospitals at the national level.

- Support the specialization of hospitals by signing contracts with specialized international hospitals, with a view to taking charge of surgical operations in Algeria for complex cases requiring specific care.

Third: Concerning the pharmaceutical industry (Diagnosis and perspectives)

- Mr. President welcomed the efforts currently being made to relaunch this strategic sector, affirming that making medicines available to citizens is a noble task.

- Rehabilitate the Saidal Group to enable it to cover a large part of the needs of the national drug market, coverage which has fallen to 5% when it represented 47% of the market share.

- Produce vaccines for children and insulin in Algeria from 2023.

- Fight against all forms of drug smuggling and toughen penalties against anyone involved.

Fourth: Regarding the roadmap for the development of hydrogen in Algeria

- The President of the Republic welcomed the strategy of creating new energy sources in Algeria, especially as the world is now moving towards clean energies, stressing, however, the imperative of good preparation and study of the projects provided for in this strategy.

- The President has enjoined the sectors concerned by this strategy to use seawater desalination stations to develop hydrogen.

- He enjoined the Minister of Energy and Mines to work to raise the level of gas production, in order to preserve the national consumption average, on the one hand, and to strengthen exports, on the other share, in execution of the commitments made by Algeria vis-à-vis its foreign partners.

Fifth: Concerning the bills relating to currency and credit, and to the rules of public accounting and financial management The two texts were approved by the Council of Ministers, Mr. President having welcomed the creation of the Banque Nationale de l'Habitat, and the opening of bank branches abroad, in France, Mauritania, Senegal and Niger.

-The President of the Republic highlighted the legal value of the two bills which intervene in the continuity of the reforms carried out on the financial and economic systems during the last three years.

Sixthly: Concerning the balance sheet of activities and the strategic axes of the vocational training and education sector by 2030:

- The President of the Republic hailed the level reached by the vocational training and education policy, Algeria having some 1,300 institutes and training centers across the national territory, in several specialties, which makes it a real model , especially since the quality of training is now linked to economic activity with its various disciplines.

Seventh: Concerning the roadmap of the fisheries sector and fisheries productions:

- Mr. President commended the efforts made by young people in the field of aquaculture and fish production despite average capacities, which made it possible to provide fish resources at affordable prices for the benefit of citizens.

- Mr. President called for the continuation of this approach and to ensure that this activity is not cyclical.

- He also encouraged fishing vessel manufacturing companies to increase production rates, urging the Ministers of Interior and Transport to coordinate in order to facilitate these companies the extension of their spaces in ports ".

Algerian diplomacy based on principles of peace, refusal of enslavement of peoples.(APS,23/12/2022)

ALGIERS-The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune said Thursday evening that Algerian diplomacy was based on the principles of peace and refusal of the enslavement of peoples.

During his periodic interview with representatives of the national press, President Tebboune clarified that Algeria was seeking to live in peace in the Mediterranean, and was working to help countries that needed it without political compensation, far from any alignment , defending the principle of rejecting the enslavement of peoples.

Referring to his visit to Russia in response to the invitation of his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, the President of the Republic assured that Russia "is a friendly country and our relations are good and go back more than 60 years. We will visit the Russia, then China".

Algeria has good relations with Asian countries and Latin American countries, and its relations with Europe "exist and will be further strengthened", he added, assuring that the United States and the India are also friendly countries.

As for the recent visit of the King of Jordan, Abdullah II, to Algeria, and a possible mediation relayed by certain media, President Tebboune indicated that he had not mentioned any mediation and any country, stressing that his visit was like all the other visits of leaders who have come to Algeria, except that there are always parties who pay into interpretations.

The President of the Republic affirmed that the Algerian people would be the first to know in the event of mediation initiated by any party, considering that "things have passed the stage of mediation".

Regarding relations between Algeria and Saudi Arabia, President Tebboune said they are "excellent", noting an upcoming visit by the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, who "was to go to Algeria even before the Arab Summit is held".

With regard to the Libyan file, the President of the Republic declared:

"Our destiny is common", maintaining that Algeria was convinced that the elections are the only solution for the Libyan file.

As for the Tunisian question, President Tebboune expressed his respect for his counterpart, Kaïs Saïed, describing him as an "honest, intellectual and nationalist person", insisting on non-interference in Tunisia's internal affairs, which "will inevitably come out of its problems".

Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACI): Signing of several economic and trade agreements.(APS,26/12/2022)

ALGIERS- The Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACI) announced on Sunday in a press release the signing of several economic and trade agreements, on the sidelines of the kick-off of the 36th edition of the international event Assihar, organized from January 23 to 6 in Tamanrasset, in addition to the holding of several bilateral working meetings between Algerian, Nigerien and Chadian companies, in order to explore opportunities for joint cooperation.

The opening of the "Assihar" economic event was distinguished by the organization of the "Algeria-Sahel" Economic Forum, organized by the CACI and which was crowned by the signing of 4 agreements, indicates the press release which adds that the he one of these agreements was signed between the CACI and the Tourist Management Establishment (EGT) of Tamanrasset.

The signatories are the Director General of the CACI, Fathi Nadira and the Director General of the EGT of Tamanrasset, while another Agreement was signed between two Algerian and Chadian commercial companies.

A 3rd Agreement has also been signed between EGT Tamanrasset and a commercial group.

The 4th Agreement which aims to establish an Algerian-Chadian business council between the CACI and its Chadian counterpart, the CCIAMA.

At the end of the work of the Forum, bilateral working meetings were held between Algerian, Nigerien and Chadian companies, in order to explore opportunities for cooperation of common interest, in the presence of the Minister of Trade and Export Promotion. , Kamel Rezig, specifies the press release.

The CACI specifies in its press release that among the results of these meetings, is "the announcement of a partnership agreement with an Algerian company active in the field of textiles and leather, with a view to exporting a of 3 million euros of its products to the Republic of Chad".

Mr. Rezig had kicked off an "Algeria-Sahel" Economic Forum on Friday in Tamanrasset, in the presence of the Minister of Industry and Handicrafts, Yacine Hamadi, the Minister of Commerce and the Industrie du Mali, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Commerce of Niger, as well as members of the diplomatic corps of Mali, Niger, Mauritania, Chad and Burkina Faso.

"Tamanrasset is hosting the first meeting of Algeria-Sahel businessmen to discuss ways and means of developing and strengthening interregional trade," said Mr. Rezig, who praised the "role played by the chambers of commerce and industry, as well as advice from businessmen in supporting economic operators with a view to developing exchanges between them".

For his part, the President of the CACI, Kamel Hamani indicated, according to the press release, that this forum "is intended to be a platform with a view to creating a dynamic for trade in the Sahel region, highlighting the importance of "find a strong legal and legal reference for the regulation of these exchanges, in order to achieve the expected objectives".

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune gives interview to national media representatives.(APS,23/12/2022)

ALGIERS - The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, granted a periodic interview to representatives of the national media.

President Tebboune discussed several issues during this meeting, in particular those relating to the social front, as well as political, economic and diplomatic issues.

During his periodic interview with national media representatives, broadcast Thursday evening on national television and radio stations, President Tebboune responded to his possible candidacy for a second presidential term, saying that it was still too early to to talk about a second term in the supreme office, and that his concern is to complete the fulfillment of his commitments.

“I have no answer and I don't even think about it. We are two or three months beyond the mid-term and it is more than too early to talk about it,” said President Tebboune.

He assured, in this context, that "the main thing is that there are still two years left to complete and concretize my commitments and it is up to the people to judge afterwards", adding that "everything will come his time".

The Head of State recalled his concern to carry out the reforms promised to the Algerian people at the speed he considers necessary to "change the situation", acknowledging that the pace with which he is advancing can sometimes overtake certain ministerial departments which take time to adapt.

“The evaluation of government staff responds to the imperatives of result,” he said, affirming “not to sacrifice any executive on the basis of the criticisms he receives”.

He assured, in the same framework that the year 2023 would be that of the consolidation and consecration of the achievements made in recent years to achieve a real new Algeria, admitting however not to be "100% satisfied with everything that has been done so far”.

Reviewing the achievements of the past three years, the Head of State cited the Constitution which "changed a lot of things", like the moralization of public life and the enhancement of the role of the associative movement and of youth, arguing that this approach had allowed the "train which for 30 years had been adrift to return to the right track".

President Tebboune reaffirmed, in this regard, the determination of the State to continue the fight against corruption, particularly with regard to the recovery of looted and embezzled funds, announcing that 20 billion dollars had already been recovered from the interior of the country.

Regarding certain proposals relating to pardon measures for the benefit of the perpetrators of squandering and embezzlement of public funds, Mr. Tebboune said he rejected this idea which is opposed to the principles of "morality and the law".

He also claimed to reject all the disparities between the components of the people, believing that Algeria was on the brink of the abyss and that the situation had to be resolved, which is why he decided to start with the improvement of purchasing power.

Several measures in 2023 to ensure a dignified life for citizens

In this context, President Tebboune reaffirmed his commitment to continue to increase workers' wages and to take the necessary measures next year to ensure a decent life for citizens, while ensuring the regulation of prices, inflation rate, and the strengthening of national production.

He also insisted on the necessary “generalization of digitization” which “will one day become a reality and everything will be revealed”.

Turning to the National Education sector, Mr. Tebboune recalled the particular interest he attached to this sector, committing to improving the socio-professional conditions of the Teacher and to ensuring the recruitment of graduates from the Ecoles Normales Supérieures ( ENS).

On the economic side, he assured that the year 2023 will be crowned by Algeria's accession to the BRICS, recalling that China, Russia and South Africa have welcomed this approach.

Regarding the funds circulating on the parallel market, he noted that no figures exist on the real amount of these funds, believing that the most important thing was to eradicate this phenomenon and to allow the national economy to benefit from these funds through the creation of wealth and jobs.

In addition, he affirmed that Algeria was ready to export its surplus electricity production to Europe in the context of the energy crisis that this continent is experiencing.

With regard to gas, President Tebboune noted the need to multiply discoveries in this area in order to increase the volume of exports from approximately 53 billion M3 currently to nearly 100 billion M3.

He indicated, in this regard, that Algeria provided all the guarantees to capture foreign direct investment (FDI) in various sectors, adding that the next period will see the realization of many investment projects.

Referring to the file of automobile construction, he will say that the objective was to establish a real automobile industry by integrating Algerian companies within the framework of subcontracting with the Italian partner, aiming at the construction of other types of vehicles. , such as tractors, trucks and motorcycles.

Regarding the draft revision of the law on currency and credit, President Tebboune said that part of this text will be examined at the next Council of Ministers.

Regarding the country's foreign policy, he said that Algerian diplomacy was based on the principles of peace and the refusal of the enslavement of peoples.

He approached, in this context, the Algerian-French relations about which he will say that they are marked by a treatment of equal to equal, without renouncing the file of the Memory, nor forgetting what had committed colonial France against the Algerian people, welcoming the security cooperation between the two States at the highest level which has taken "a big step".

The Head of State announced a visit to Russia and China, as well as a visit to Algeria by the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohamed Bin Salmane, whose country has “excellent relations” with Algeria.

Regarding the recent visit of King Abdullah II of Jordan, President Tebboune denied the existence of any mediation with any State.

With regard to the Libyan file, the President of the Republic maintained that Algeria was convinced that the elections are the only solution for this file. As for the Tunisian question, President Tebboune insisted on non-interference in the internal affairs of Tunisia, which "will inevitably come out of its problems".

With regard to the Palestinian cause, Mr. Tebboune expressed his wish to see all the peace-loving Arab countries work in 2023 with Algeria, within the framework of the UN General Assembly, to enable the Palestine to “become a full-fledged state within the United Nations”.

Moreover, the President of the Republic insisted on the sincere commitment of Algeria in favor of the reunification of the Arab ranks, considering that the Arab Summit represents a real beginning of the reform of the Arab League.

On the sports side, President Tebboune described the absence of the national football team from the Qatari World Cup as "a disappointment".

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune signs Law on auto-entrepreneur, Law supplementing ordinance on General Status of Public Service.(APS,20/12/2022)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune signed the Law on the auto-entrepreneur status, adopted recently by the Parliament, as well as the Law supplementing the ordinance on the General Status of the Public Service, enshrining the right to a leave for the creation of a company by the employees, contract employees and administrators.

The Law on the auto-entrepreneur status aims to organize the new economic activities that appeared with the emergence of the knowledge economy and the digital economy and which haven’t been governed by any legal framework to date.

The Law develops the entrepreneurial spirit and facilitates the access of young people to the labor market through self-employment, and its enables reducing the number of people working in the parallel market without social security cover and contributes to the integration of this category into the formal economy.

This Law helps reduce the expenses of startups by enabling them to appeal to independent entrepreneurs and also ensure a common exploitation of the human resources between several Companies.

The Law on auto-entrepreneur facilitates the exportation of some digital services, such as the development of web applications and mobiles, the e-marketing, the community management and computer graphic, notably in view of the new regulations issued by the Bank of Algeria authorizing the transfer of all the revenues of the export of the digital services in currency to the country, according to the Ministry of the Knowledge Economy, Startups and Micro-enterprises.

The President of the Republic signed the Law supplementing the ordinance on the General Status of the Public Service and enshrining the right to a leave for the creation of a company by the employees, contract employees and administrators, a text initiated by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security.

The entry into force of these two Laws “will encourage the Algerian specialists to enter the world of entrepreneurship and will contribute to the country’s economic development.”

Child protection: Algeria abides by its international commitments, says Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane.(APS,20/12/2022)

ALGIERS- Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane underlined Monday, in Algiers, that Algeria abides by its international commitments as well as its willingness to implement the programme of President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune who attaches great importance to the promotion of children’s rights.

Chairing the opening of the first national conference on “the state of childhood in Algeria… achievements and challenges,” the Prime Minister said that the choice to hold this conference on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the ratification by Algeria of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child “has connotations with strategic dimensions, the most important of which is the reaffirmation by our country of its compliance with the international commitments” in this field.

Algeria reiterates, through the organization of this conference, its willingness to implement the programme of President Tebboune who attaches “a great importance to the promotion of children’s rights, because convinced that the investment in children today determines the society’s fate in the future,” said Benabderrahmane.

Prime Minister underlined the main achievements that have been made since the independence, in order to strengthen and promote children’s rights, as one of the State’s priorities, enshrined through its policies and programmes in order to enable this category, which represents two thirds of the population, to enjoy its rights to a dignified life.

The opening of the works of this two-day conference took place in the presence of the Speaker of the People’s National Assembly Brahim Boughali, members of the government, adviser of President of the Republic, in charge of national and international organizations and of non-governmental organizations Hamid Lounaouci, National Delegate for Child Protection Meriem Cherfi, as well as Chairman of the National Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CNESE) Sidi Mohammed Bouchenak Khelladi.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Amar Belani holds talks with Japan's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.(APS,20/12/2022)

ALGIERS- The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Amar Belani, on Sunday held discussions with Japan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kenji Yamada, who is on a working visit to Algeria, the ministry said Monday in a statement.

"During the meeting, the two sides praised the quality of historical relations of solidarity and friendship between the two countries, expressing their common desire to further strengthen political dialogue and cooperation in all sectors," the statement said.

They "agreed to consolidate the legal framework governing relations between the two countries, mainly through the completion of pending draft agreements and the increase of high-level visits."

They also expressed their common desire to extend their fruitful cooperation and exchanges of expertise and knowledge to other fields, especially in solar energy, earthquake engineering, maritime transport and the mechanical industry.

In addition, the Japanese official commended Algeria's efforts "to improve its attractiveness of foreign direct investments (FDI), through the promulgation of the new Law on Investment, which was favourably received by Japanese operators and economic circles."

Hydrocarbon exports: Over $6 bn in 11 months.(APS,20/12/2022)

ALGIERS- The value of non-hydrocarbon exports exceeded six billion dollars in the first eleven months of 2022, the minister of Trade and Export Promotion, Kamel Rezig, said Monday in Algiers.

"Our non-hydrocarbon exports have exceeded 6 billion dollars in the space of eleven months thanks to the quality and reliability of the national product which has established itself on international markets", declared Mr. Rezig at the end of his visit to the Algerian Production Fair (FPA), in the company of diplomatic and consular representatives accredited to Algiers.

Considering this figure as being the result of the strategy set by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, which "has borne fruit", the Minister assured that "this amount reassures us and pushes us to move forward to double the revenue from our non-hydrocarbon exports in 2023", recalling the expected objective of reaching 15 billion dollars of these exports.

Mr. Rezig highlighted the interest of the Algerian Production Fair in promoting non-hydrocarbon exports.

"It is in this perspective that we devoted this day to the ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Algeria", he said, adding that this "campaign to promote Algerian products will allow them to see the quality of the national production and the significant progress recorded by Algeria in various industrial sectors".

The 2022 edition of the FPA is also considered the most important fair since independence with more than 730 public and private companies representing different sectors.

Inaugurated last Tuesday by the President of the Republic, the 30th edition of the FPA which will continue until December 24, confirms the will of the public authorities and economic actors to promote the Algerian product on the national and international market.

Held under the slogan "for a strong and attractive economy", this event brought together companies from various sectors, including the military, mechanical, manufacturing (furniture, decor and textiles), electrical, electronics, household appliances, mechanical, petrochemical, and agro-food, as well as services, banks, and building and construction materials, in addition to the crafts sector.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune receives French Minister of Interior.(APS,19/12/2022)

ALGIERS President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune received Sunday, in Algiers, French Minister of Interior, Gerald Darmanin.

The audience took place at the headquarters of the Presidency of the Republic, in the presence of Minister of Interior, Local Authorities and National Planning Brahim Merad.

Algeria, France decide to resume normal consular relations

French Minister of Interior, Gerald Darmanin said Sunday that Algeria and France decided to resume the “normal” consular relations that existed before the Covid-19 pandemic, notably in terms of visas.

“We have decided together, since last Monday, to resume the normal consular relations that existed before the Covid-19 pandemic, notably in terms of visas and the exchange between our populations, equal to the extremely strong and specific friendly relations between France and Algeria,” said Dermanin following the audience granted to him by President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

“I thank President Tebboune for his welcome and the important discussions we had,” he said, adding that this visit comes in the wake of that paid by French President Emmanuel Macron.

He said that he had previously “important discussions” with Minister of Interior, Local Authorities and National Planning Brahim Merad, “which enabled France to continue to show great willingness for cooperation as a result of the discussions held between Presidents Tebboune and Macron, cooperation in terms of civil security and exchanges between the two countries,” he added.

World Arabic Language Day: official celebration at the National People's Assembly (APN).(APS, 19/12/2022)

ALGIERS - The People's National Assembly (APN) on Sunday hosted the official celebration ceremony of World Arabic Language Day (December 18) in the presence of the President of the parliamentary institution, Mr. Brahim Boughali, members of the government and representatives of several institutions and official bodies.

Organized by the High Council of the Arabic Language (HCLA) under the slogan "Contribution of the Arabic language to civilization and human culture", the ceremony also saw the presence of the Advisor to the President of the Republic in charge of National Education and Higher Education, Noureddine Ghouali, the Minister of Culture and the Arts, Soraya Mouloudji, and the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kamel Baddari.

In a speech delivered at the opening of the ceremony, Mr. Boughali specified that Algeria, which is betting on a "real take-off", is aware of the role of language, "one of the pillars of national identity", in the "strengthening of the national personality" and the consolidation of social and national cohesion.

"Attached to its foundations which are Islam, Arabism and Amazighity, Algeria is opening up to modernity and to the prospects of rebirth and progress", he argued, welcoming, in this regard. , the decision of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to introduce the English language at school, "proof if there is any of his enlightened and far-sighted vision" in the service of authenticity and modernity, he said.

"Since the end of the 20th century, the Arabic language has been one of the official languages of the United Nations, and no one is unaware of the role of Algeria in favor of this international recognition, a role which goes in the direction of the historical contribution Algerians in the writing and production of books in Arabic, the study of its sciences (...) and the promotion of its place", affirmed, for her part, the Minister of Culture and the Arts.

For the Minister, the slogan "Contribution of the Arabic language to the civilization and culture of humanity" chosen by UNESCO to celebrate this day confirms that "the linguistic contribution, all forms, styles and literary arts combined, that the Arabic language has brought to the human sciences and to translation, has allowed it to have a great impact on the cultures of the world and to enrich human culture".

The celebration of this international day is no longer reserved only for Arabs, since many organizations, diplomatic and cultural missions and academies of other languages today celebrate this day, she said, adding that "the nations cover the role of the Arabic language in the development of science and translation".

For his part, the rector of Djamaâ El-Djazaïr, Mohamed Maâmoun Al Kacimi Al Hoceini underlined that "the Arabic language constitutes one of the main factors of unity and one of the essential elements of the national personality".

For his part, the President of HCLA, Salah Belaid recalled the high patronage of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune who, he said, safeguards the foundations of national identity through the interest that he grants to the preservation of memory, recalling the Council's efforts to promote the use of the Arabic language.

The celebration was marked by the interventions of the presidents of the Arabic language academies of Egypt, Syria, Mauritania and the United Arab Emirates and by the organization of a book fair including the main publications of the HCLA.

Since 2012, UNESCO has been celebrating World Arabic Language Day, through its contribution and role in the preservation and propagation of human civilization and culture.

Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane highlights Algeria's efforts to provide Africa with development resources.( APS,16/12/2022)

WASHINGTON (United States)- Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane stressed Thursday, in Washington, Algeria's efforts to "provide Africa with the means for a real development."

In a statement to the press at the end of the work of the United States/Africa Summit, in which he took part in his capacity as representative of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the Prime Minister indicated that "Algeria works to liberate Africa by giving it the means to develop in order to emerge from its isolation".

Algeria emphasized, during its participation in this event, "on the problems of the development of the African continent by calling for allowing Africa to initiate a real process of development", he specified. .

“Algeria highlighted during this Summit the radical change it has made in “record time through the revision of the legal framework to relaunch and free investment from bureaucracy”, he underlined. .

He added that Algeria has started a process of global development that has targeted all sectors", he explained, stressing that the country "has achieved the best results in Africa, as evidenced by the various world institutions".

In this regard, Mr. Benabderrahmane recalled the ambitious program of the President of the Republic as well as the development programs which "take into account the dimension of regional integration, like several projects which Algeria is working on implement in the infrastructure sector and basic structures in order to contribute to the development of the black continent".

The Prime Minister took a souvenir photo with the American President, Joe Biden and the African Presidents and Heads of State and Government on the occasion of the closing of the work of the 2nd United States/Africa Summit in Washington.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune receives participants in the international Symposium on Imam Al-Maghi.(APS,16/12/2022)

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune received, on Thursday, participants in the International Symposium on “Imam Mohamed Ben Abdelkrim Al Maghili: Governance, Unity and Stability of African Societies” organized in Algiers on December 12 and 13, says a statement from the Presidency of the Republic.

” They are the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, the President of Usman Bauchi Foundation, Ibrahim Tahir Bauchi (Nigeria), the Caliph of the Tidjanie brotherhood of the Djenaba region (Senegal), Chiekh Serine Hassen Sik, the President of the House of the Koran “Meriem Niass”, Omar Tidjani, the Sultan of Agadez, Ibrahim Oumarou (Niger), the President of the Association of Imam Ben Abdelkrim Al Maghili and his grandson, M. Ibrahim Saidan, Sheikh Karib Allah Nasser Kabar, leader of the Kadiria brotherhood in Nigeria and West Africa, and the grandson of Imam Al-Maghili, Abdelkarim Sherif Ali Sherif, president of the Al-Maghili Foundation,” the statement said.

The meeting, which took place at the headquarters of the Presidency of the Republic, was attended by the Minister of Religious Affairs and Wakfs, Youcef Belmehdi, and the Chargé de Mission to the Presidency of the Republic, Mr Hassouni Mohamed.

The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane receives US President’s special climate envoy John Kerry.(APS, 15/12/2022)

The Prime Minister, Mr Aïmene Benabderrahmane, received in Washington the special envoy of the President of the United States of America for the climate, John Kerry, on the sidelines of his participation in the US-Africa Summit, as representative of the President of the Republic, Mr Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

The talks were an opportunity to exchange views on climate challenges and ways to promote international cooperation to meet them through the development of renewable and clean energy.

On this occasion, the two parties discussed Algeria’s plan to develop the use of renewable energies, as well as the capacities offered to support this plan through the use of American expertise and advanced technologies in this strategic field.

At the end of the US-Africa Business Forum, organised as part of the second day of the US-Africa Summit, the Prime Minister took part, on Wednesday evening, in a dinner at the White House hosted by the American President, Mr Joe Biden, in honour of the Heads of State and Government participating in the Summit.

Closing of the work of the Afro-American Forum in Washington.( APS,15/12/2022)

WASHINGTON - The work of the Afro-American Business Forum organized as part of the 2nd day of the United States-Africa Summit and in which the Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane took part in his capacity as representative of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, ended on Wednesday in Washington.

US President Joe Biden, who chaired the closing of the Forum, announced in his speech several trade initiatives and new investments in Africa and pledged to strengthen the partnership. "We cannot solve the world's problems without Africa," he said.

He revealed that an agreement has been reached to encourage the free trade zone specifying that an amount of one billion dollars will be devoted to improving online payment during the next five years in Africa”.

He added that 370 million dollars will be allocated to new projects including 100 million dollars to support agricultural projects" and "10 million dollars for the support of small and medium enterprises and the availability of drinking water in Africa". .

In his intervention during a session held on Wednesday morning under the theme "Building a sustainable future: partnerships for the financing of basic infrastructure in Africa and the energy transition", Mr. Benabderrahmane highlighted the important steps taken by the Algeria in terms of economic reforms, in particular the financing of basic infrastructure and the energy transition.

Mr. Benabderrahmane underlined that Algeria has chosen to talk about this important theme because it attaches particular interest to all aspects related to this important issue, in particular basic infrastructure, energy transition and sustainable development.

After the closing of the business forum, the work of the Summit continues, Thursday, at the level of Heads of State and Government, with the participation of the Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane, in five meetings on "good governance, democracy, human rights, justice and the rule of law", "Africa in peace and security", "Africa prospers through inclusive growth and sustainable development", "partnership with Africa to address global challenges", "strengthening food security and resilient food systems".

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune: The State tends to cover 40 to 50% of market needs in locally produced drugs.(APS,14/12/2022)

ALGIERS- The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune affirmed, Tuesday in Algiers, that "the State tends to cover a rate of 40 to 50% of the needs of the national market in drugs produced locally and to build a pharmaceutical industry which protects the country's health sovereignty".

"The State tends, through the SAIDAL Group, to cover a rate of 40 to 50% of the needs of the national market in locally produced drugs and to build a pharmaceutical industry that protects the health sovereignty of the country", indicated President Tebboune. , during his visit to the SAIDAL group pavilion, on the occasion of the inauguration of the 30th Algerian Production Fair "FPA 2022", at the Palais des expositions (Pins maritimes, Algiers).

"Some had tried, in the past, to destroy this company whose production did not exceed 4% of the needs of the local market in drugs", but "work is in progress to put it back on its feet", he said. supported.

In this wake, the President of the Republic called for "moving towards foreign markets and forging cooperation links with Arab and African countries like Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Mauritania and Senegal".

"Algeria is not only seeking to improve its revenues, but it also aspires to greater efficiency in this area", added President Tebboune, recalling "Algeria's adherence to the process of eradicating epidemics in Africa".

The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane meets in Washington with members of the Algerian Community.(APS, 14/12/2022)

WASHINGTON- The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane, met, Tuesday evening in Washington (United States), members of the Algerian community established in the United States, on the sidelines of his participation in the work of the United States / Africa summit, in his capacity as representative of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

On this occasion, the Prime Minister delivered a brief speech during which he transmitted to the members of the community, the greetings and encouragement of President Tebboune, urging them to contribute to the construction of the new Algeria with its development program and its great achievements” and to “closely note” the encouraging pathway initiated by the country in all areas.

He specified that the supreme objective that Algeria tends to achieve is “the restoration of the authority of the State and the confidence of the citizen in the institutions of the State as well as the confidence of foreign investors in the Algerianmarket “.

Mr. Benabderrahmane considered that the development program of the President of the Republic has made it possible to strengthen the consultative approach in the management of State affairs and to enhance the role of civil society and young people to promote the development of all the sectors.

Addressing the Algerian elite established abroad, Mr. Benabderrahmane declared: “you are the voice of the new Algeria whose destiny wanted it to be a pioneer in all fields”.

For their part, the members of the Algerian community established in the United States expressed their pride in the achievements made by Algeria since the election of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune at the head of the country, affirming that the important steps taken by Algeria were hailed throughout the world.

They also expressed their availability to participate, directly or indirectly, in the realization of the program of the new Algeria, discussing with the Prime Minister the main projects and development programs which are priorities for the Government.

Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane examines in Washington Algeria's economic reform steps.( APS,15/12/2022)

WASHINGTON (United States)- Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane reviewed Wednesday, in Washington, the major stages of Algerian economic reforms, especially the funding of basic infrastructures and energy transition.

Speaking during a session entitled "Building a sustainable future: partnerships for financing basic infrastructure in Africa and the energy transition", as part of an African-American Business Forum, organized on the sidelines of the second day of the work of United States-Africa Summit, Mr. Benabderrahmane described the choice of this important theme as "relevant", specifying that Algeria "gives particular interest to all aspects related to this important issue, in particular basic infrastructure, energy transition and sustainable development", also noting the need to "seek to diversify the sources of financing".

On this occasion, the Prime Minister mentioned the main reforms provided for in the new investment law which includes several facilitation measures and advantages, such as "the creation of a one-stop shop and a digital platform dedicated to investment, in order to grant guarantees to investors in all areas, in addition to guaranteeing the stability of the legal system".

As part of the reform of its economic system, Algeria has examined "all obstacles to investment, taking advantage of studies and reports drawn up by specialized institutions and "incorporating them into the overall reform program , drawn by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune", he argued.

Mr. Benabderrahmane also affirmed that "all the mechanisms and benefits provided aim to diversify the national economy and its sources of financing, and to provide all guarantees to investors within the framework of a win-win partnership".

He also reviewed "the main advantages offered by Algeria with a view to attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), and highlighted the importance and proximity of the Algerian market, Arab and African markets, emphasizing Algeria's efforts in supporting African countries in terms of basic infrastructure in order to achieve development and boost African economies".

As part of its contribution to the session, Algeria presented the main axes of the basic infrastructure development program and its flagship structures such as the East-West highway, the Trans-Saharan, dozens ports, airports and dams which constitute added value for its regional and continental integration.

Algeria, which is pursuing its policy of developing basic infrastructure, in particular the expansion of the rail transport network and the construction of logistics platforms, is currently considering the study of a project for the construction of a road linking Tindouf (Algeria ) in Zouerate (Mauritania), able to create a real economic corridor between Algeria and West Africa, he said.

Our country opens its doors to all investors wishing to adhere to this approach with a dual objective, namely support for national development efforts and contribution to regional and international integration, underlines the Prime Minister.

To accelerate the energy transition, Algeria is working to develop a national industry of renewable energy production equipment, in particular solar, through the use of financial resources from the exploitation of hydrocarbons, said the Prime Minister, emphasizing the importance of creating a favorable climate for innovation and entrepreneurship in this field, in particular for the private sector.

Referring to the "Solar 1000 megawatts" project for the production of solar energy, the Prime Minister said that it "is part of the Government's roadmap for the development of renewable energies".

In addition to solar energy, Algeria is working to carry out a number of projects in the field of renewable energies, including green hydrogen, which stems from its conviction that energy transition is the catalyst for green economic recovery where energy security is a crucial issue for the State with the aim of diversifying the economy and gradually abandoning fossil fuels.

Algeria's strategy in this area is based on three (3) axes, namely the development of renewable energies for the production of electricity through the implementation of the 15,000 megawatt program by 2035, the strengthening of resilience and energy capacity, setting itself the objective of producing more than 3 terawatts in 2024 and the objective of developing the green hydrogen sector by 2025.

Algeria, fervent defender of colonized peoples' right to self-determination.( APS,15/12/2022)

ALGIERS - Since its independence in 1962, Algeria, whose glorious struggle against the colonial yoke has made it a key player in liberation movements around the world, has never ceased to reaffirm its solidarity with all peoples of colonized territories who aspire to exercise their right to self-determination.

As the world celebrates on Wednesday the 62nd anniversary of the adoption by the UN General Assembly (GA) of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonized Countries and Peoples, Algeria's actions , which made the categorical rejection of colonial ideology one of the doctrines of its foreign policy, entered, as soon as it regained its independence, in line with the principles set out in the UN resolution.

This Declaration, also known as UN GA Resolution 1514 adopted on December 14, 1960, is the result of efforts by countries working tenaciously for peace, security and justice, since the start of the conference of Bandung (Indonesia) in 1955, against the inhuman colonial system which was still raging in certain regions of the world.

The struggles for liberation led by the peoples of Africa and Asia largely contributed to the adoption of this resolution, while the War of Liberation which was taking place in Algeria daily reported to the United Nations the atrocities of colonialism as well as the acts bravery of the Algerian people and their determination to eradicate it.

Since the beginning of the 1960s, Algeria, which then benefited from the prestige of an independence acquired by arms, has provided significant support to anti-colonial movements.

Faithful to its immutable principles, it had then played a leading role, through its solidarity with the liberation movements in the world, becoming in particular the "Mecca of African revolutionaries" who decided to follow in its footsteps to liberate their country.

Moreover, Algerian diplomacy has been very active on the international scene, denouncing colonialism, particularly in Africa, and mobilizing support for the self-determination of the peoples of the continent.

Support for the just causes of the Palestinian and Sahrawi peoples

Thus, Algeria had provided material, moral and diplomatic aid to African countries within the framework of support and accompaniment of the liberation movements in these countries to wrest their independence.

Among other things, it played an important role in the independence of Mozambique (1975), which was then under the yoke of Portuguese colonialism, by allowing the first 250 fighters who participated in the outbreak of the liberation struggle of this country, the September 25, 1964, to be trained on Algerian soil.

Algeria also spared no effort to reach a ceasefire agreement and the independence of Guinea-Bissau in 1974. This was for the late President Houari Boumediene a gift from the Algerian people to the friend of Algeria, Amilcar Cabral, the first to have described Algeria as "Mecca of revolutionaries".

Thanks to a very active diplomacy, Algeria also displays unfailing support for the just causes of the Palestinian and Sahrawi peoples who are struggling to recover their fundamental rights.

Commitments that it continues to emphasize before continental and international institutions such as the African Union (AU) and the United Nations in order to remind the international community of its historic obligations towards the right of peoples to self-determination.

With regard to Western Sahara, Algeria never ceases to recall that the only, just and lasting solution to this conflict is that which would allow the Saharawi people to freely exercise their right to self-determination in accordance with resolution 1514 (XV) of the 'UN.

Indeed, the UN body had, since 1963, included Western Sahara on the list of 17 non-self-governing territories awaiting decolonization and in 1990, the UN General Assembly had reaffirmed that the question of Western Sahara was part of the process of decolonization.

In this regard, Algeria has repeatedly denounced the impasse in which this process finds itself and warned of the risks of a threat to regional peace and stability, at a time when these same UN resolutions, which are supposed to enshrine the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination, are pilloried and outrageously flouted.

Under the leadership of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, it continues to make enormous efforts to highlight the true nature of the Sahrawi conflict, against the backdrop of the security, military and media blockade imposed by Morocco in what remains to date the last colony in Africa.

The Palestinian question is also one of the constants of the foreign policy of the Algerian State, turned towards just causes throughout the world.

Algeria thus continues to be a support to the Palestinian people, to respond to their call and to remain at their side until the realization of their legitimate rights to the establishment of an independent Palestinian State with Al-Quds as its capital and the return of Palestinian refugees to their lands, as set out in UN resolution 194 (III) of 1949.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune inaugurates 30th National Production Fair.(APS,14/12/2022)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, inaugurated on Tuesday at the Exhibition Center (Pins Maritimes, Algiers) the 30th National Production Fair "FPA 2022," in the presence of Ministers and members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Algeria.

President Tebboune began his visit to the fair by visiting the stand of military industries of the People's National Army (ANP) whose companies take part in this event for the sixth consecutive time.

The President of the Republic has highlighted the need to increase the rate of national integration and create "a real mechanical industry."

"We must not be satisfied with the assembly, and move towards industrialization," he said, stressing the importance of achieving an integration rate between 40 and 50%.

At the stand of the Council of Economic Renewal Algerian (CREA), President Tebboune stressed the need to reduce dependence on oil table and achieve a production "from field to consumer."

"We aspire to achieve between April and May a real table oil industry, from the field to the consumer, in order to end the import of crude oil to refine, and our dependence on the international market," he said.

Regarding sugar, the President of the Republic invited investors to produce it in Algeria, encouraging them "to export freely in a later phase," especially since sugar is in high demand on the African market.

At the stand of household appliances, Tebboune called for the reduction of imports of household appliances and the strengthening of local investment in this area.

He reiterated, on this occasion, the state's commitment to continue supporting investors to enable them to achieve an acceptable integration rate and contribute to the creation of more jobs.

Themed "For a strong and attractive economy," this this fair will run until December 24 with the participation of nearly 600 Algerian public, private and start-up companies, on a total area of about 27,000 m2, according to the Algerian Company of Fairs and Exports (Safex), organizer of this event.

Companies taking part in the FPA 2022 represent several sectors of activity including military, mechanical, manufacturing (furniture, decor and textiles), electrical, electronic, household appliances, mechanical, petrochemical, and food, as well as services, banks, and building and construction materials, in addition to the handicrafts sector.

According to Safex, the Fair will open its doors every day from 11:00 to 18:00.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune: The State committed to supporting Algerian investors and promoting national production.(APS, 14/12/2022)

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune highlighted, Tuesday in Algiers, the commitment of the State to support the Algerian investor and promote national production in order to meet the needs of the local market and to orient towards export.

On the occasion of the inauguration of the 30th Algerian production fair “FPA 2022” at the Pins-Maritimes exhibition center, the President of the Republic reiterated the State’s commitment to “accompany the Algerian investor to the revival of the national product which now has an excellent reputation on the world markets”, which will contribute to “the achievement of a real economic take-off”.

The President undertook, in this context, to grant the necessary facilitations to investors in the southern regions to revive the agricultural sector and develop the various sectors, noting that “the partnership is open to investors from the Gulf countries to support the diversification of the national economy, particularly in the dairy and cattle breeding sectors”.

In the same context, President Tebboune insisted on the importance of “encouraging the local production of fresh milk and reducing the bill for importing milk powder”, showing the State’s determination to face up to all sorts of milk powder mining scams.

Recalling that “Algeria has effectively achieved self-sufficiency in the production of fruits and vegetables”, President Tebboune called for the imperative to preserve and enhance Algeria’s natural products, such as honey.

President Tebboune invited Algerian investors to “exploit the opportunities currently available in European countries as the winter season approaches with a view to opening up new export channels, especially since the national product is now renowned for its excellent quality and competitiveness”.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune: Phosphate mines in Tébessa and iron mines in Tindouf, strategic projects.( APS,14/12/2022)

ALGIERS-The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune affirmed Tuesday that the phosphate mine in Tébessa and the iron deposit in Gara Djebilet (Tindouf) were two strategic projects for the future of Algeria.

Algeria will invest in phosphate, "a product of great importance due to the disruption experienced by this mineral on the international market", declared President Tebboune during his visit to the stand of the Société des mines de phosphates (Somiphos). , on the occasion of the inauguration of the 30th Algerian Production Fair "FPA 2022" hosted at the Palais des expositions (Pins maritimes, Algiers).

Describing this project as a "battle" that must be won, the President of the Republic stressed that the country had "all the skills and qualifications to do so".

Recalling that more than 250,000 students leave Algerian universities each year, President Tebboune insisted on the importance of advancing towards the best.

Concerning the iron deposit of Gara Djebilet (Tindouf), President Tebboune stressed the need to "review production levels upwards as soon as possible" and to speed up the construction of the railway in the region.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune: Algeria aims to doubling the production of gas for export.( APS,14/12/2022)

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune said Tuesday in Algiers, the ambition of Algeria to double its production of gas intended exclusively for export.

“We currently produce nearly 102 billion m3 of gas, half of it is consumed locally. I hope that in 2023, we will reach a production of 100 billion m3 of gas intended exclusively for export, “said Tebboune during his visit to the pavilion of oil industries of the Group Sonatrach, at the Algerian Production Fair (FPA-2022).

On this occasion, President Tebboune reaffirmed that Algeria was a “very reliable” energy partner for Europe, welcoming in particular the partnership between Algeria and Italy.

In this regard, the Chairman and CEO of Sonatrach, Toufik Hakkar, said that exports of Algerian gas to Italy had reached a record level.

“During this month, we have achieved a record level of our gas exports to Italy, a figure that we have not recorded since 2011. Our exports have approached 97 million m3 / day to Italy,” he added, noting that Algeria currently exports nearly 27 billion m3 of gas / year to this country.

Commenting on these figures, President Tebboune said that Algeria was not opposed to the fact that Italy becomes a hub for the distribution of gas (Algerian) to other countries, including Germany.

The President of the Republic took the opportunity to renew his greetings to all workers of Sonatrach, Naftal and Sonelgaz for their efforts to contribute to national development.

Halting at the pavilion of the group of phosphate industries, Mr. Tebboune stressed the importance of these industries that provide inputs for the agricultural sector, recalling that it is strictly prohibited to export mineral raw materials.

At the pavilion of Saidal, the President of the Republic noted the need to rehabilitate this group so that it can play its true role in the pharmaceutical industry in Algeria.

The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane: Algeria is a real investment destination and the State is determined to protect investors.( APS,14/12/2022)

WASHINGTON- The Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane, met, Tuesday in Washington (United States), American businessmen, on the sidelines of his participation in the work of the United States / Africa summit, in his capacity as representative of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

The meeting, which took place in the presence of members of the Algerian-American Business Council, made it possible to review the investment opportunities in Algeria, particularly within the framework of the new law on investment which is intended to be a solid base capable of diversifying the national economy and attracting foreign investment that generates wealth and jobs.

The political will of the country's high authorities was also highlighted, a will aimed at freeing up initiative and encouraging entrepreneurship with a view to diversifying the national economy away from hydrocarbons.

Mr. enabderrahmane, at the same time, made a speech in which he recalled that these meetings took place "in concretization of the directives of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune in terms of strengthening relations and cooperation with partners of Algeria, in particular the United States", a country with which "Algeria shares a common political will which it is important to exploit in order to develop the economic aspect of Algerian-American relations".

Imam Al Maghili, eminent scholar and author of integrated reform project, says President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune.(APS,13/12/2022)

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune highlighted, Monday in Algiers, the characteristics of Imam Mohamed Ben Abdelkrim Al Maghili, “an eminent scholar who left a legacy of virtue, and wisdom,” and the author of an integrated reform project aimed at achieving the right path and preserving both stability and social security.

In a message to the participants of the international symposium in Algiers on “Imam Mohamed Ben Abdelkrim Al Maghili: governance, unity and stability of African societies”, delivered on his behalf by the Minister of Religious Affairs and Wakfs, Mr. Youcef Belmehdi, President Tebboune recalled the career of Imam Al Maghili, which began with a scientific training with a pleiad of eminent Algerian scholars during the Zianid era, including the Algerian scholar Sheikh Sidi Abderrahmane El Thaalabi, and the Imam of Tlemcen Sidi Mohamed Ben Youcef El Senouci, and other prominent names, before pursuing the path of goodness by overcoming all difficulties and hardships.

The efforts of Imam Al Maghili were crowned by “the spread of the precepts of Islam in the African continent. Thanks to him and his peers among the scholars such as Sheikh Sidi Ahmed El Tidjani, Sidi Abderrahmane El Akhdari and many others, Islam has spread to large parts of the African continent, such as Mali, Niger, Chad and other regions.

History has remembered his contributions in the field of teaching, guidance, advice and reform, as the Imam helped to establish the rules of scientific institutions and cultural cities in different parts of Africa, he added.

These steps led these societies to take an interest in teaching, opening schools and taking care of students, recalled President Tebboune, who noted that the effects of this scientific renaissance lasted for several centuries.

“His scientific output has been disseminated and is the subject of great interest. It has contributed to the development of Fikh, Sufism and the sciences of the Arabic language,” said the President of the Republic, stressing that history has recorded the contributions of this scholar in the country, contributions that have influenced many scientists, authors and researchers in the past and the present.

Imam Al Maghili’s integrated reformist project ‘went beyond the educational, teaching or da’awa-related dimension to the areas of good governance for the preservation of stability and social security. His works were a reference inspired by the principles of the Islamic Sharia in that they contain supreme values and ideals, such as the supremacy of the law, justice and equity, respect for freedoms and rights, and effective societal participation,” said President Tebboune.

The President of the Republic recalled that “among the contributions of Al Maghili in the Touat region on the economic and development level, is the famous large market in Kseur Sidi Youcef which was an economic pole linking the Touat region to many countries, a path that should be followed by our countries today in order to establish African economic integration.

This project “has contributed positively to establishing administrative, legislative and legal rules, and to achieving the factors of cohesion, living together, stability and development, in addition to the dynamisation of socio-economic and cultural life, since it is a multi-dimensional project based on the golden mean taken by our scholars throughout history and which has made our religious referent”, he affirmed.

President Tebboune also stressed the importance of drawing inspiration from the values and principles of the religious referent in our countries, particularly in the Sahel region, which will help us to face the various challenges, particularly extremism. “Imam Al Maghili has managed to invest in the African dimension and to set itself up as a platform for understanding and constructive cooperation”, added President Tebboune, stressing that “the new Algeria is keenly aware of the strategic choice that the African dimension represents, a choice that will enable our people to achieve the aspirations expected through the strengthening of diplomatic action, the relaunching of religious tourism, while taking advantage of the depth of the tarikat of Sufism and its extensions in Africa, which will enable the cohesion of political positions, the promotion of economic cooperation, the promotion of scientific and cultural exchanges, and the establishment of stability, security and peace.

“Algeria, which has served Africa in the past, will continue on this path in the present and in the future, drawing inspiration from the glory of its forefathers,” concluded the President of the Republic.

NEW ALGERIA: 2019-2022, (II) Diplomacy: Algiers, back in force-Ms. Leïla Zerouki: "We have a diplomacy of principles and convictions".(APS, 13/12/2022)

"We are working, with our African, Arab, Mediterranean partners and those existing elsewhere in the world, to bring back peace, stability and serenity in the development of international relations", indicated, yesterday, in a statement to El- Moudjahid, Mrs. Leïla Zerrouki, the special envoy in charge of major partnerships at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad.

"Our diplomacy is guided by principles and convictions," she said. And to add: “We want to convince our partners that we are not the ones who are told what to do. We want to work to be part of the decisions that concern us as a sovereign country and which also concern our continent and our geographical area. We want peace, stability and multilateralism to guide the world. Otherwise, we risk a conflagration that can be fatal for all countries of the globe.

Human Rights Day: 2020’s Constitution, qualitative leap in enshrining rights, freedoms.( APS,13/12/2022)

ALGIERS- Minister of Justice Abderrachid Tabi affirmed Monday, in Algiers, that the Constitution of 2020 was a qualitative leap in the enshrinement of the rights and freedoms and has reorganized the work of authorities and bodies ensuring their protection.

In his speech at a ceremony organized by the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) read on his behalf by the Director of Civil Affairs at the Ministry of Justice, Ahmed Ali Mohamed Salah, the Minister specified that "the "Algeria's attachment to international conventions in this area stems from its conviction that the principles of human rights were supreme values for all of humanity".

These rights were gradually reinforced until the Constitution of 2020 which "constitutes a qualitative leap in terms of the consecration of rights and freedoms", he continued, adding that the new Constitution had "organized the functioning of the powers and bodies that ensure the protection of rights, headed by the Constitutional Court and the judiciary, in addition to the anchoring of the principle of participatory democracy through the creation of the National Observatory of Civil Society, as well as the strengthening of the role of the Higher Youth Council (CSJ)".

He also highlighted "the political will to promote these rights, as evidenced by the many political and institutional reforms carried out by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune".

Mr. Tabi underlined, in this wake, Algeria's attachment to the adaptation of the provisions of the Constitution to adapt the legal provisions to the Constitution in order to guarantee the rights and freedoms, in particular with regard to the justiciability, legal protection, the right to a fair trial, freedom of opinion and expression, assembly and peaceful demonstrations, in addition to the creation of associations.

In addition, the Minister of Justice underlined that "the importance of human rights has prompted countries to work to promote them, warning in this context against their use as a means by parties to exert pressure on the independent countries to influence their political orientations and their economic choices".

For his part, the President of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), Abdelmadjid Zaalani, affirmed that Algeria had taken "great" steps in the field of the promotion and protection of rights and freedoms, recalling the commitments of President Tebboune to preserve the dignity of the Algerian citizen, as well as the constitutional reforms which provide for the consecration of political and socio-economic rights.

For her part, the Special Envoy in charge of major international partnerships at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Leila Zerrouki, spoke of the fundamentals of human rights provided for in the Universal Declaration and in most State Constitutions, including the right to life, health and education, recalling in this regard the adoption by Algeria of free education since its independence, which has enabled the training of executives and powers of the state.

For his part, the representative of the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Algeria, Ahmed Mohamed Othmane, emphasized the threats to peace and security in the world, and climate change and the growing risks of conflicts which affect human rights as a whole, calling on countries to respect the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to provide the legal framework for their implementation.

At the end of the discussions which focused on the Algerian experience in the field of human rights and the strategy adopted for their development, the CNDH Prize was awarded this year, ex aequo, to the medical profession for its efforts during the pandemic. of Covid-19 and its sacrifices to protect patients' right to life, and to death row prisoners during the National Liberation Revolution who sacrificed themselves so that Algerians could live in freedom.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune sends a message on the occasion of the 62nd anniversary of the demonstrations of December 11, 1960.(APS,11/12/2022)

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune reiterated, Saturday, his full commitment to keep history and memory among the most important priorities.

“At the time when we commemorate this historical anniversary, on the eve of the eve of the third anniversary of the presidential election during which you placed your you placed your trust in my person, I reiterate my full commitment that history and commitment that history and memory remain among my most important priorities,” in a message on the eve of the commemoration of the anniversary of the of December 11, 1960.

“The new Algeria to which we all aspire, must be the one that makes of its memorable days lanterns that illuminate the right path traced and followed by our valiant Shouhada and Mudjahideen.

The demonstrations of December 11, 1960 have “confirmed to the international public opinion that the Glorious Revolution led by the valiant National Liberation Army under the banner of the National Liberation Front and for which so many Shouhada have sacrificed their lives, will not be slowed down by any military fanatics, whose war plans have been thwarted, nor by the advocates of false propaganda unmasked before the righteousness of the Glorious Revolution of November 1,” added President Tebboune. President Tebboune.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs commemorates the 62nd anniversary of the December 11 demonstrations.(APS, 12/12/2022)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs commemorated, yesterday, at the headquarters of the AE, the 62nd anniversary of the demonstrations of December 11, 1960, under the theme "A people wanted life".

On this occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, proceeded to lay a wreath in front of the commemorative stele of the Ministry and read the Fatiha in memory of the martyrs of the Algerian revolution.

For his part, the Director of Communication, Information and Documentation of the MAE, Ambassador Abdelhamid Abdaoui, delivered a speech in which he evoked the historical symbolism of the demonstrations of December 11 and their importance in the decision taken by the United Nations to grant colonized peoples the right to self-determination.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune chairs Sunday a meeting of the Council of Ministers.( APS,12/12/2022)

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Supreme Chief of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defence, chairs on Sunday a meeting of the Council of Ministers devoted to several bills and to a presentation by the education sector on the implementation of President Tebboune’s commitments for the benefit of teachers, indicates a press release from the Presidency of the Republic.

“Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the Republic, Supreme Head of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defense chairs a meeting of the Council of Ministers devoted to bills relating to the protection and preservation of State lands, to the exercise of trade union rights, the prevention and settlement of collective labor disputes, and the exercise of the right to strike, in addition to a presentation by the Education sector on the implementation of the President’s commitments of the Republic for the benefit of teachers,” the statement read.

President Tebboune insists on protection of state lands

The President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune chaired Sunday a meeting of the Council of Ministers during which he insisted on the imperative protection of state lands and lands recovered in municipalities, according to a statement from the Presidency of the Republic.

"The President of the Republic gave instructions to the Government to enrich the draft law on the protection and preservation of state land to strengthen the protection of these lands and land recovered in municipalities, including land recovered after rehousing operations," said the source.

President Tebboune also gave instructions to "revise the law on urban planning based on real urban planning to eradicate permanently aspects of anarchy, and for all construction operations and implementation are subject in the future to legislation and strictly regulated, especially in cities.

He also ordered the Ministers of Interior and Housing to ensure the creation of a Police of urban planning in the context of the proposed revision of the law on urban planning, to further protect state land.

The President of the Republic stressed "the need to incorporate into the draft revision of the law a repressive aspect providing the heaviest penalties for cases of complicity and against anyone whose passivity or laxity is established in the pursuit of the disfigurement of construction and urban planning, among officials at all levels.”

He also emphasized the importance of "distinguishing between the constructions subject to special programs relating to cases of rehousing, cases of construction concerned by the necessary regularization, under the law on urban planning," said the same source. President Tebboune orders immediate tenure for all contractual teachers

The President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune ordered Sunday the immediate tenure of all contractual teachers in the education sector, whose number is 59,987 teachers, before late February 2023, said a statement from the Presidency of the Republic.

Chairing the meeting of the Council of Ministers, the President of the Republic gave instructions to "immediately titularize all contractual teachers in the education sector, whose number is 59,987 teachers, before the end of November,” said the source.

He also ordered to "finalize the Statute of the teacher before December 31, 2022, to encourage teachers to fulfill their role and improve the level of training, while promoting their socio-professional situation.”

President Tebboune gave instructions to “ensure the continuous evaluation of the missions performed by the teacher as an educator and not as an administrative officer because being the bearer of a message and responsible for the training of generations," said the source.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune receives Turkey’s Foreign Minister.( APS,12/12/2022)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune received on Sunday, in Algiers, Turkey’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mevlut Cavusoglu.

The audience took place at the headquarters of the Presidency of the Republic, in the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, and the Director of Cabinet at the Presidency of the Republic, Mr Abdelaziz Khellaf.

Turkey’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mevlut Cavusoglu underlines Turkey’s determination to boost cooperation with Algeria

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlüt Cavusoglu highlighted on Sunday his country's determination to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Algeria, especially on issues related to the establishment of peace and stability, stressing the positive contributions of Algeria to this process.

In a statement at the end of the audience granted to him by the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the Turkish FM said that the meeting focused on regional issues, including the situation in Libya.

"We are determined to boost our cooperation and bring our bilateral relations to higher levels, especially about the establishment of peace and stability in the region," he said.

Cavusoglu, who said he listened to the opinions of President Tebboune on the Libyan issues, highlighted "the positive contributions of Algeria to various regional issues.”

The Turkish FM also said he conveyed to President Tebboune the warm greetings of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as well as his congratulations on the success of the Arab Summit hosted by Algeria in early November.

He also welcomed the efforts made by Algeria in favor of the Palestinian cause, stressing the convergence of views between Turkey and Algeria on this issue.

The two sides also discussed the first meeting of the Planning, Cooperation and Comprehensive Partnership Committee between Algeria and Turkey, held Saturday, he stated.

The President of the Republic sent an invitation to his Turkish counterpart to pay an official visit to Algeria, according to Cavusoglu.

Algeria-Turkey: 1st meeting of Planning, Cooperation and Global Partnership Committee was "exceptional”.( APS,12/12/2022)

ALGIERS-The Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Ramtane Lamamra said Saturday in Algiers that the first meeting of the Planning, Cooperation and Global Partnership Committee between Algeria and Turkey was "exceptional" because "it has set a new milestone in the foundation of this strategic, sustainable and complementary partnership.

”Speaking at a press conference following a meeting that brought together officials from all sectors, the minister said that trade between our two countries augurs "a promising future for the partnership between our two countries," stressing that the "pace achieved, which must be accelerated is one of the indicators to exploit to achieve the common strategic objectives, whether trade, investment, transport, technology or cooperation in different areas.”

"The results of this first meeting have contributed to the improvement of the strategic relationship between the two countries in light of changes in the world and will allow us to fully accomplish our role after the pandemic Coronavirus," he continued.

Regarding bilateral coordination on international issues, "we have supported the compatibility of views between the two countries and conducted an exchange of analysis and consultations to deepen our position on all these issues.

Lamamra also stressed that the two sides discussed the recommendations of the Arab Summit in Algiers and agreed to continue consultation on issues of common interest.

Regarding the Libyan issue, the minister said the two countries agreed to "support the inter-Libyan solution and to convene transparent elections allowing the Libyan people to exercise their right to freely elect their leaders.”Referring to pluralist diplomacy, he stressed that Algeria and Turkey agreed to "support peace and solutions based on international law," noting the mutual support to their respective candidacies at the international level.

"Algeria and Turkey share the same stances on international issues and the establishment of a new mode of cooperation between the countries of the South and the North, regardless of their economic situation," stated Lamamra.

For his part, Turkey’s FM, Mevlut Cavusoglu stressed that the meeting focused on the opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in several areas, including trade, agriculture, and industry, in addition to the sectors of fisheries, energy, education, and others.

As for trade between the two countries, the Turkish FM said "an increase by nearly 30% has been recorded in recent months compared to last year," predicting "to reach shortly the expected goal of a volume of trade between the two countries worth US$10 billion.

Cavusoglu highlighted "the important opportunities offered by Algeria in agriculture," saying "we live, no doubt, a very delicate situation at the international level in relation to food security, and therefore, he said, cooperation between the two countries will not only benefit the Algerian and Turkish people but all other peoples too.”

Referring to the industry, the minister recalled that 1,400 companies were operating in Algeria while Turkish investments in Algeria amount to US$5 billion.

In addition to the food crisis the world experiences, Cavusoglu said that "there is also an energy crisis, a field that Turkey and Algeria seek to develop.” After referring to the consular affairs, the Turkish official reported the appointment of a Turkish consul in Oran in early 2023.

Election of Algeria as member of UNHCR, "valuable achivement".( APS,12/12/2022)

ALGIERS- President of the National Council for Human Rights (CNDH), Abdelmadjid Zaâlani said Saturday, the election of Algeria as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, was a "valuable achievement" that strengthens its role in promoting several initiatives that support the principles and values of human rights throughout the world.

President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune: 2020’s Constitution institutes Constitutional Court as bulwark for democracy.(APS,06/12/2022)

ALGIERS- President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune affirmed Monday, in Algiers that the Constitution of 2020 has instituted the Constitutional Court, which celebrates today the 1st anniversary of its creation, as “a bulwark for the democracy and stability of the Republican system within an Algeria committed to the protection of the people’s dignity and the enshrinement of their rights.”

In a speech at the opening of the work of an international symposium, organized at the Palais des Nations, read on his behalf by the Advisor to the President of the Republic in charge of legal and judicial affairs, Boualem Boualem, President Tebboune specified that the in-depth revision of the 2020 Constitution had erected the Constitutional Court as "a bulwark for democracy and the stability of the republican regime within an Algeria attached to the protection of human dignity and the consecration of respect for its rights".

"Our country has succeeded, thanks to the achievements made on this path, to return to the international scene, constantly working for the respect of international charters and the defense of the supreme collective and individual rights provided for by the various clauses of the United Nations Charter, referring in this to its collective conscience and to its rich historical capital drawn from its Glorious Revolution", maintained President Tebboune.

The opening ceremony of the symposium took place in the presence of the President of the National People's Assembly (APN), Mr. Ibrahim Boughali, the President of the Constitutional Court, Mr. Omar Belhadj, the Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahamane , and the Advisor to the President of the Republic in charge of legal and judicial affairs, Mr. Boualem Boualem, in addition to members of the Government and of the Constitutional Court, and representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Algeria.

Recalling, on this occasion, the ceremony of his investiture, President Tebboune will say: "Three years ago, on December 19, 2019, I was decorated within this very building with the highest distinction, during my investiture official position as elected President of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, a responsibility that I assume with all loyalty to honor the trust of our worthy people".

"I am fully aware of its (people's) aspirations for true justice, prosperity and development in a feared and respected new Algeria, which occupies the place it deserves both regionally and internationally, a place befitting its human and material capacities and which fits with the great sacrifices of its children during the Glorious War of Liberation and through the different stages of its history", added the Head of State.

The President of the Republic also mentioned the creation of the Constitutional Court by virtue of the constitutional revision to which he had committed and which

was blessed by the Algerian people on November 1, 2020. A text which translates, he said, "our supreme commitments and the basis on which the expected change takes place". Reiterating his desire through the profound revision of the Constitution to "consecrate the rule of law, to enrich the system of rights and freedoms and to support the mechanisms for their protection and their safeguard", President Tebboune highlighting the paramount importance he attaches to "the immunization of the judicial system so as to consolidate peace and social justice, through the construction of effective institutions that protect these rights and protect them from any violation or deviation".

Algeria, "like the rest of the countries in Africa, Asia and Europe, is impacted by the frantic developments occurring on the international scene and by the various challenges induced by political and economic changes on the one hand, and by social and value transformations, on the other hand", he observed.

President Tebboune indicated that among the effects of these developments "are those affecting the scale of the values of societies and the awareness of peoples of their political, civic, socio-economic and cultural rights".

"However, these developments have never undermined the ideals we share, namely justice, equity, equality and the protection of human rights, which has led our States to amend their constitutional and legislative texts to meet the legitimate demands and growth of peoples", he underlined.

And to recall that Algeria had initiated "several steps" and adhered to others at both regional and international level with the aim of "protecting human rights, without taking into account religious and ethnic affiliations and currents political and cultural", thereby respecting the principles of the Constitution.

President Tebboune cited, in this context, Algeria's latest achievement, namely "the unification of the Palestinian ranks so as to preserve the supreme right of their people to freedom, the content of the Algiers Declaration of the last Arab Summit, as well as the commitments mentioned therein, the aim of which is to achieve the prosperity of the Arab peoples".

At the end of his speech, the President of the Republic expressed the wish that this symposium constitute a real opportunity to exchange expertise and present the best practices in terms of safeguarding the supremacy of the Constitution and the defense of the rights of the citizen, guaranteed by the Constitution before the constitutional courts".

He also expressed the wish that this meeting could be "a real opportunity to establish a relationship of exchange and supervised and lasting cooperation between the Constitutional Court and its counterparts among friendly and brotherly States".

President Tebboune also praised the members, executives and staff of the Constitutional Court for what they have achieved in a single year, considering that their efforts have made it possible to "give the Constitutional Court the position that we have provided for it since its creation in the field of constitutional justice, and the consecration of the rule of law and of the constitutional values specific to the principles of our contemporary State, since its creation by the Emir Abdelkader and whose roots extend in our Islamic civilization and are inspired by the values of "justice, equity, coexistence and acceptance of difference that our virtuous Prophet disseminated after his migration to Medina".

Algeria welcomes with "great satisfaction" the signing by the Sudanese parties of the "Political Framework Agreement".(APS, 06/12/2022)

ALGIERS - Algeria welcomed with "great satisfaction" the announcement of the signing by the Sudanese parties of the "Political Framework Agreement" which constitutes "a decisive step" likely to consolidate the process of political settlement of the crisis raging in this country, said Monday a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad.

"Algeria welcomed with great satisfaction the signing by the Sudanese parties of the 'Political Framework Agreement', which constitutes a decisive step likely to consolidate the process of political settlement of the crisis raging in brotherly Sudan", reads- we in the press release.

“Algeria would like this agreement to be completed through other steps likely to put a definitive end to the political escalation experienced by this brotherly country to enable it to face the various challenges and continue its development process in the best interests of the country. Sudanese people and their legitimate aspirations for progress and prosperity within the framework of security and stability," the document said.

In this context, Algeria urged "the brothers in Sudan to devote all efforts to bring the settlement process to a successful conclusion and achieve the long-awaited objective and to place Sudan and the interests of the Sudanese people above any other consideration".

Algeria also hailed the efforts of the African Union (AU), the United Nations and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) within the framework of the tripartite mechanism for managing the political process, which resulted in the achievement of this "important achievement" on the way to a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the current political crisis, the document concludes.

Algeria hosts the 9th High Level Conference on Peace and Security in Africa.( APS,06/12/2022)

ALGIERS - Algeria will host, from December 7 to 9, the work of the 9th High-Level Conference on Peace and Security in Africa, under the theme "Support for new African members of the United Nations Security Council in the treatment issues of peace and security in the African continent".

This Conference, which will be held in Oran, will see high-level participation, particularly at ministerial level, of Member States of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), as well as African members of the Security Council of the UN, in addition to experts and high-level representatives of African bodies and the United Nations.

This important meeting aims to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the African Peace and Security Council and the African members of the UN Security Council in the performance of their tasks, particularly with regard to the defense of positions and of Africa's common interests in decision-making in the United Nations Security Council on peace and security issues relating to the continent.

The organization of this edition in the city of Oran is intended to be an extension of previous editions initiated by Algeria as part of its firm and constant commitment to support the action of the organization in the field of peace and security and his tireless efforts to promote common African action.

These objectives constitute the main axes that Algeria tends to defend with force, in the name of African countries, through its candidacy for membership of the UN Security Council for the period 2024-2025, in coordination with its brothers and in the light of its full commitment to the objectives and principles of the Constitutive Charter of the African Union and the Charter of Nations.

35 countries at African Start-up Conference in Algiers.( APS,06/12/2022)

ALGIERS- A meeting of African Ministers activating in the start-up sector was held Monday afternoon in Algiers, with the participation of 35 countries, to discuss ways of cooperation to develop this sector in the continent.

This meeting, held within the framework of the African Conference of Start-ups, which began on Monday at the International Conference Center (CIC) "Abdelatif Rahal", made it possible to raise the problems and challenges related to the strengthening of cooperation inter-African in this area, said a press release from the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Start-ups and Micro-enterprises.

The participants discussed the publication of the "Algiers Declaration of African start-ups" and a roadmap for the implementation of its content, according to the same source, who indicated that this sheet will include new mechanisms that will establish the first high-level African cooperation in the field of start-ups.

The publication of the Declaration is expected after the completion of the work of the conference, according to the press release.

The African conference of start-ups, organized by the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Start-ups and Micro-enterprises, under the High Patronage of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, aims to "unify the government efforts to strengthen the role of start-ups in Africa and boost their contribution to economic development, by promoting their access to regional sources of funding".

In a message addressed to the participants of the Conference, read on his behalf by the Prime Minister, Mr. Aïmene Benabderrahmane, President Tebboune welcomed this initiative which highlights the importance of investment in the knowledge economy and start-ups, and underlines the role of innovation in reviving African economies which are currently registering "the highest rates of young people with unfortunately equally high unemployment rates", thus making the orientation towards innovative entrepreneurship "a priority to solve the problem of employment and the launch of a reflection around general policies supporting start-ups".

For his part, the Minister of the sector, Yacine El Mahdi Oualid, underlined in his speech Algeria's ambition to create an integrated and complementary ecosystem for the benefit of skills and talents in Africa, through the promulgation of legislation encouraging investing in knowledge, and breaking down barriers in front of innovative youth across the African continent, according to the statement.

Startups: Algeria aspires to reach one million project holders in 2023.( APS,06/12/2022)

ALGIERS- Prime Minister, Aimene Benabderrahmane underlined Monday that Algeria has made significant strides as part of the strategy of President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune for the development of startups, with the aim of reaching one million projects holders in 2023.

“This progress was made possible thanks to the initiative of President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune who established the climate for the creation of startups in Algeria and created, since his election, a ministry in charge of this file,” said the Prime minister who chaired the opening of an exhibition on the startups, on the sidelines of the 1st Africa Startup Conference that kicked off under the patronage of President of the Republic.

After listening to the different presentations and concerns of these Companies’ leaders, Benabderrahmane, who was accompanied by Minister of the Knowledge Economy, Startups and Micro-enterprises Yacine El Mahdi Oualid and Minister of Interior, Local Authorities and National Planning Brahim Merad, called the Algerian young people to further adhere to this strategy.

The Prime Minister gave instructions to deal with the files as soon as possible at the level of the Algerian Startup Fund.

Stressing the need to shift from the purely administrative management to the economic management, he insisted on the “necessity of adopting economic and financial approaches in terms of startup management.”

Insisting on the good training which will enable youths to acquire the necessary experience to start their own projects, the Prime Minister underlined the State’s willingness to provide support to the Algerian startups.

Demography: Algeria has made remarkable progress in the population census.( APS,06/12/2022)