Algeria To Foster Economic Ties With Iran

Tehran, Oct 23, IRNA - Algeria is quite willing to foster economic ties with Iran and will use every potential to further boost mutual cooperation, said the Algerian ambassador to Tehran. In an exclusive interview with Thursday's edition of 'Iran Daily', Sofiane Mimouni added: “There are great potentials for Algeria-Iran cooperation which has real and concrete prospects. In this regard, bilateral relations are being strengthened in a continuous, global and balanced manner in all aspects. “They should identify new areas of cooperation, diversify economic exchanges and promote partnership in some sectors. However, the responsibility for strengthening ties does not lie solely with the governments but also with the businessmen and the chambers of trade. The chambers of trade of the two countries need to be more active and disseminate information on the economic opportunities available in Algerian and Iranian markets.” Commenting on the exchange of visits by senior delegations of the two countries, the envoy said Algeria-Iran ties are marked by a new dynamic, reflecting the excellent ties that bind both countries. He added the visits of delegations from the two sides are regular and are expected to intensify in the future, particularly after the holding of the second session of the Joint Commission. Mimouni further noted the Algerian minister of habitat is expected to visit Iran in November while the Iranian minister of culture and Islamic guidance will visit Algeria early 2015. On the measures required to be taken by Islamic countries to overcome the challenges and put an end to the violence posed (by ISIL, and Al-Qaeda), he said, “I do not think that the challenges you are referring to are related only to the Muslim world. The terrorist organizations that claim to fight for Islam and use its name for terror, violence and hatred have nothing to do with Islam.” After many years of effective fight against terrorism, Algeria has acquired a rich experience and has today a clear vision of what should be done to face this scourge, he noted. “As a global threat, terrorism requires a global response. The eradication of this phenomenon requires a comprehensive approach, including political, economic, diplomatic, military and legal means.” Because this fight requires regional and international cooperation, Algeria is sharing today with many countries its strategy and experience in the fight against terrorism, he said. November 1 Revolution On Tuesday, Mimouni held a ceremony at his residence, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the country’s November 1 Revolution. Among the special guests were the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi, Roads and Urban Development Minister Abbas Akhoundi, senior member of Iran’s Majlis Gholam-Reza Mesbahi-Moqaddam, Majlis Director-General for International Affairs Hossein Sheikholeslam, President of Islamic Revolution Mostazafan Foundation Ali Saeedi-Kia and Deputy Foreign Minister Morteza Sarmadi as well as a number of ambassadors. In a speech at the ceremony, Mimouni said, “November 1, 1954, marks the onset of Algeria’s struggle for national liberation.” He added that under the leadership of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Algeria has consolidated its stability and revived its economy. “Algeria is emerging again as an active player in the regional and international scene.” Speaking at the same ceremony, Salehi said given Iran’s considerable experience in the peaceful use of nuclear technology, Tehran is ready to expand nuclear cooperation with interested friendly countries within the framework of International Atomic Energy Agency regulations. Referring to the growing relations between both countries, he said, “Ties between Tehran-Algiers are favorable. The two countries’ presidents have also held effective talks to further bolster relations.”/end