Brussels, 19/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Füle will be in Algeria on Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 March to discuss EU support for the reforms being undertaken by the country and strengthening of bilateral cooperation. In his meetings with the prime minister, the foreign minister, other members of government and representatives of civil society will set out the support, including the “more for more” principle, the EU is ready to provide for the reform efforts. He will also sign the EU-Algeria Cooperation Agreement on Science and Technology to improve cooperation in science, technology and innovation in areas of mutual interest.
Before he left, Füle said that, since his last visit in May 2011, relations between Algeria and the EU have made significant progress and that the political dialogue Brussels, and Algiers has become “more intensive”. He noted that, in December 2011, Algeria had decided to take part in the European Neighbourhood Policy. Stating that the EU was following the ongoing reform process in Algeria very closely, the commissioner said that “reform efforts are crucial for Algeria to respond effectively to the legitimate aspirations of its population, in particular the youth”. He welcomed the steps taken to improve the representation of women in political life and to allow more political parties to take part in the upcoming elections. He also expressed the hope that the authorities would address the concerns raised by civil society on the recent laws on freedoms of association and expression. (CG/transl.rt)