Maliki confirms the need to strengthen relations between Iraq and Algeria

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki confirmed the need to work to strengthen the relationships between Iraq and Algeria at all levels. Al-Maliki said, during a meeting at his office in Baghdad today with the Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtan Al-Maamerah, according to a statement by his press office, that Iraq gives special importance to its relations with Algeria, referring to the substantial convergence in the policy of the two countries at the Arab and international issues.He stressed the need for coordination between the two countries to encourage moderation and expand the circle of countries that support this trend, especially in the Arab framework.For his part, the Algerian Foreign Minister has conveyed, during the meeting, the greetings of the Algerian President Abdul Aziz Bu Tafliqa and asserted the pivotal role of Iraq in the Arab issues, calling for greater cooperation and coordination between the two countries at all levels.The statement quoted him as saying: “There is a great convergence of views between the two countries over various issues in the Arab and international arenas, stressing the importance of the exchange of visits and strengthening cooperation in various fields between the two countries.The Algerian Foreign Minister has arrived in Baghdad on an official visit today and was received at the airport in Baghdad, by Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari.The Algerian Minister met also today with Vice President Khodair al.Khuza’i