Algeria achieves Millennium Development Goals ahead of 2015 deadline

Algeria has achieved one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), i.e. the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger ahead of schedule, said Friday in Malabo, Minister of Agriculture Nouri Abdelouahab.
"Algeria has achieved MDG-1: the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger ahead of the 2015 deadline," Nouri told APS on the sidelines of the 23rd African Union Summit.
"Algeria has implemented all the measures included in the African comprehensive agricultural development programme well ahead its adoption, through the different development plans launched in the country," said Nouri.
Unlike some African countries, agriculture is considered as a "national priority" for Algeria, he explained, adding that President of the Republic Abdelaziz Bouteflika attaches a great importance to this sector by devoting a substantial budget exceeding US$ 4 billion per year for its development."
In this regard, the minister underlined the need for African countries to address these scourges, adding however that "we can't force a poor country, particularly those of the Sahel region, which can't even meet their needs and which have not special revenues or financing sources to devote 10% of their budget to agriculture."
"Hence the need to increase solidarity efforts, through international organizations, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to held the countries that are facing financial difficulties," said Nouri.
This Summit, held under the theme "Agriculture and food security" in Africa, also focused on trade, opening of new markets and the promotion of investment to speed up Africa's economic integration.