Algeria, France discuss security, anti-terror cooperation

Algeria and France on Monday held a security meeting in Algiers to boost their bilateral anti-terror cooperation, APS news agency reported.

Co-chaired by the Algerian Minister for Maghreb Affairs, the African Union and the Arab League, Abdelkader Messahel, and France's National Intelligence Coordinator, Ambassador Didier Le Bret, this first-of-its-kind meeting focuses on bilateral security cooperation amid the unstable regional situation, with the participation of security experts from both countries.

Messahel told reporters that, "during the meeting we discussed the situation in Libya, Tunisia, the Sahel region, and the Western Sahara issue," adding that, "these issues impact our regional stability."

He noted further that "the fight against terrorism and strengthening cooperation in the field, especially through exchange of experience, was also on the meeting's agenda."

Consultations with our partners, including France, will continue as part of our efforts to restore stability to our troubled region, elaborated Mesahel.

As for Le Bret, he said the meeting presented an opportunity to exchange views on issues of common interest, including the fight against terrorism and preventing extremism.

He specified that "the meeting included the participation of all concerned departments, namely defense, foreign affairs and intelligence services, in order to merge our efforts and address issues which provoke regional instability, especially in Libya and Northern Mali."

The North African and Sahel regions have been plagued by unprecedented security and political instability in recent years.

France, concerned about securing its regional economic and political interests, views Algeria as a key partner in the fight against terrorism. Endit