Algeria, Mali discuss security cooperation

Visiting Malian Minister of Security and Civil Protection, Salif Traore said on Monday that his visit to Algeria aims to boost bilateral partnership particularly in the security field.

"My visit to Algeria is an opportunity to boost cooperation between the two countries' security forces," the Malian minister told reporters following his meeting with Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra.

Traore added that the shared cooperation has supported Malian security forces since the early 1960s.

Bamako and Algiers are closely coordinating efforts to counter active terrorist groups along their shared border.

Algeria has deployed thousands of troops to thwart the intrusion of militants and weapons from Mali following the chaos which hit the nation after 2013.

Since then, Algeria has been assisting Mali in restoring peace and security by hosting several peace talks in Algiers.

Malian warring parties finally signed the "Peace and Reconciliation Agreement" in Mali in 2015.

"Significant progress has been made since the agreement signing two years ago," Traore noted, adding "however, there have also been certain obstacles, and Minister Lamamra's visit to Bamako last Friday was an attempt to move things forward."

Traore met with Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal on Sunday, and conveyed a message from President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

Both officials discussed several issues of common concern, including bilateral security cooperation and developing the border areas, in addition to implementing the peace agreement in Mali. Endit