Algiers and Nouakchott agree on terror fight

Algerian and Mauritanian Presidents, Abdelaziz Bouteflika and Ould Abdel Aziz, Tuesday, both expressed their satisfaction over existing cooperation between the two countries in the area of security. The two met to discuss the strengthening of joint mechanisms established by both countries to fight terrorism and organized crime crossing the borders. In a joint press statement, the leaders of both countries who met in Algiers, renewed their firm commitment to intensify the efforts and enhance security and stability in the Sahel region. They express their deep desire to fight terrorism and organized crime which would benefit from enhanced cooperation from Maghreb countries. Both presidents stressed that the regional strategy adopted by Algeria and Mauritania and their partners in the Sahel region to fight terrorism and organized crime, along with the response of the international community, began to bear fruit after the success achieved by the International Symposium on security and partnership in Sahel, held July 7 and 8 in Algeria. The Algiers meeting was followed by consultations and meetings in Washington and Brussels between Maghreb country members. Mauritanian President Ould Abdel Aziz, expressed his gratitude to President Bouteflika for the effective solidarity between Mauritania and Algeria, through Algeria’s contribution in different fields and its constant willingness to reach out and support relations with its neighboring country. Leaders of both countries pointed out the progress in bilateral cooperation, while urging public and private institutions, as well as economists in both countries, to give a new push to the economic and commercial relations between the two countries, and provide for the right atmosphere to build further projects and investments, particularly in fields of energy, minerals, infrastructure, agriculture, and fishing. In addition to raising the value of commercial trade, which is still below the capabilities and resources available in both countries.