Brussels, 21/06/2010 (Agence Europe) - Speeding up the process of integrating the electricity markets of the Maghreb, the first step towards full integration of these markets into the European market, was at the heart of discussions of the first meeting of an inter-ministerial council in Algiers on Sunday 20 June. European Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger represented the EU, alongside the energy ministers of Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, Youcef Yousfi, Amina Benkhadra and Afif Chelbi repectively. After the meeting, Oettinger expressed the EU's support for the integration of the Maghreb electricity markets. “It is very important that the three countries of the Maghreb have strongly confirmed their common will in Algiers today to create an electricity market in the Maghreb with a view to integration into the European market. This is a very positive signal for our energy cooperation with these countries which has every chance of becoming the basis for a strategic partnership,” he said in a press release. The meeting adopted a final statement and an action plan for 2010-2015. Ministers confirmed the desire of the three countries to continue reform of their energy sector and agreed to guarantee non-discriminatory, transparent and appropriately priced access to networks. Libya and Mauritania have been invited to join the project. The next meeting of the inter-ministerial council has been set for June 2011. (E.H./transl.rt)