Qatari, Algerian senior officials discuss economic partnership, Jerusalem issue

ALGIERS, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani on Tuesday held talks with Algerian Prime Minister, Ahmed Ouyahia, to discuss economic partnership and Jerusalem issue, said a statement of the premiere's office.

The two officials discussed ways to boost bilateral relations, and prevailing issues in the Arab region, including the recent decision of U.S. President Donald Trump to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

The Qatari foreign minister, who is also the deputy prime minister, arrived late on Monday to Algiers, as he met with Algerian Foreign Minister Abdelkader Messahel.

Following this meeting, the Qatari top diplomat told reporters that his visit to Algeria aims at reinforcing bilateral cooperation in all fields, especially in industry, agriculture and tourism.

He further revealed that the iron and steel mega plant that Qatar established in the locality of Balara in the eastern province of Jijel, will soon be inaugurated.

The Qatari foreign minister further indicated that his nation works on entering the African market through cooperation with Algeria and African countries, stressing the importance to benefit from Algeria's experience in many fields in this continent.

They also discussed the situation in the Middle East, including in Palestine, as the Qatari diplomat noted that both countries express their firm support for the right of the Palestinian people "to establish a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as capital."

He further noted that that the decision of President Trump is "an obstacle to the peace process" in the region. Enditem