Belgium, Algeria to strengthen bi-ties

Belgium has expressed willingness to strengthen its bilateral relations with Algeria in particular at the political level, Belgian Foreign Minister, Didier Reynders said Tuesday in Algiers. "I would like to boost bilateral relations even more. I am delighted that we can resume, perhaps harder, the path of bilateral relations," said Didier Reynders, after his meeting with President of the Republic Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Recalling that relations between the two countries are excellent, Reynders said that these ties date back to Algeria independence that, he said, "we immediately recognized and desired working together in harmony." Noting also that Algeria and Belgium have always drawn a cultural and economic program, Reynders hoped that this cooperation will extend to other sectors including transportation, health and energy. Internationally, issues relating to Syria, the Sahel, Mali and the situation in Central Africa, were discussed at this meeting, said the Belgian diplomat. "We exchanged views (on these issues) and review (ways) to work together, knowing that the integration and regional relations between states are the best way to ensure stability, "he concluded.