Algerian Foreign Minister Mourad Medelci has discussed the wider developments of the ongoing Malian crisis with US Senator Robert Corker in Algiers, amid concerns over the impact on the Sahel region. Senator Corker, who is currently visiting Algeria as part of an African tour, confirmed talks focused on Mali. \" I had the opportunity today to talk with Medelci about what is going on in the Sahel,” Corker told reporters. “We also discussed other international issues.” Sources revealed the Algerian Minister briefed Corker on security measures being taken by the Algerian government to secure borders and ports being used by armed groups to ferry arms into the warzone. Corker said relations between the two countries were “deep and go back a long way.”