Brussels, 20/04/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 16 April, Algeria and the European Union held a session of their association committee (at senior official level) in Algiers. The committee's task was to assess “the state of cooperation over the last ten years” and “to review the EU support programmes for sectoral development.”
“The first of the kind to be held in Algiers, this session coincided with the tenth anniversary of the association agreement entering into force”, said Algerian press agency APS.
The meeting paves the way for a “comprehensive in-depth assessment” of this cooperation, ahead of a ministerial meeting on 19 May as part of the Association Council. Working groups (on social affairs, economic cooperation, trade compensations and energy) have been set up for this purpose.
During the association committee meeting, Algeria “reiterated its resolve to boost a strategic relationship and a diversified partnership with the EU - a relationship that takes account of the comparative advantages”. APS states that this is particularly about “accompanying the diversification of [Algeria's] economy through boosting the export of hydrocarbons” and access to the European market. Algeria is reportedly also paying attention to “the human dimension”, which assumes “better movement of people and ideas, and protecting the rights of people from the national community established in the EU member states”. In addition, Algeria reiterates its important role in the fight against terrorism. (Fathi B'Chir)