Brussels, 04/06/2015 (Agence Europe) - The 9th EU-Algeria Association Council was held in Brussels on Thursday 4 June under the chairmanship of High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and Algeria's Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra. Mogherini stated that it was an occasion to hold “an open and in-depth dialogue” - particularly on the Libyan crisis and the security situation in Mali.
These aspects were addressed the previous day over dinner. All diplomatic and security subjects were tackled - such as Libya, the Maghreb, the Sahel and, more generally, terrorism. It is reported that a “political dialogue” has already been set up alongside the association agreement.
As regards all the political aspects and economic cooperation, Lamamra hailed the state of the relationship which is based, he said, on a “balance of interests” and “political resolve and a convergence” of views.
“We have many things to say to each other, and so many things to do together”, Lamamra said. “While we celebrate ten years of the association agreement being in force”, the EU re-asserts “the need fully to use its potential” and “believes that implementing it in a spirit of collaboration and partnership remains essential for consolidating the bilateral relationship”, it is reported on the European side.
This session marks a new stage in the progressive evolution of the Algerian authorities - which are quick to highlight Algeria's energy attributes to their European discussion partners. The EU is moreover making a significant partnership with it in order to ensure the EU's supplies of gas and oil. On 5 May, a memorandum proposing a “strategic partnership” was signed, and European Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Miguel Arias Canete has recently stated that strengthening links with Algeria is among his priorities.
Algeria, for its part, wants to diversify and rebalance its trade in order to stop its dependence on hydrocarbons. It also wants to promote the activity of its companies that come up against large amounts of red tape. In diplomatic tones, the EU said it believed “the business climate in Algeria leaves some room for improvement”. It also asks for the tariff and non-tariff system to be rectified, as it considers this to be crippling.
The EU is already bringing its technical and financial support to improving the situation, and it promises to increase this through sectoral cooperation (maritime transport and environment) and support for political and economic reforms (the elements of which are being discussed in readiness for an “action plan”). The financial cooperation will focus on these points. Two memorandums of understanding were signed organising Algeria's participation in various EU programmes. (Fathi B'Chir)