site.btaBulgarian, Algerian Foreign Ministers Discuss Prospects of Cooperation

Sofia, March 23 (BTA) - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva and Algerian Foreign Minister Abdelkader Messahel discussed cooperation between the two countries in energy, education and agriculture at their meeting Friday.

This is the first visit to Bulgaria by an Algerian chief diplomat in 34 years.

Bulgaria and Algeria have had traditionally good relations for years, Zaharieva told a news conference. The slowdown in bilateral relations should be dealt with and the sides have agreed on a roadmap of three or four priorities to be developed in energy, the economy, agriculture, and the fight against terrorism and organized crime, Zaharieva explained.

The sides talked about Bulgaria's experience in renewable energy and agriculture, and what can be done to resume relations in education. Messahel shared Algeria's experience in fighting terrorism. They agreed on a clear action plan and on holding meetings with the energy and economy ministers to promote pragmatic bilateral relations, Zaharieva said.

Messahel spoke of the support his country received from Bulgaria during the Algerian War. He noted that the sides already have ideas for cooperation in energy, education and agriculture, and now have to specify their interests and the roadmap for developing bilateral relations. Matters on the international agenda are also important. The sides can consult each other on these and exchange opinions on the fight against terrorism and illegal migration.

The two foreign ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of archives, an Agreement on a Short-stay Visa Waiver for Diplomatic Passport Holders, and a Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries' diplomatic institutes.