Denmark reopens embassy in Algeria

ALGIERS, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Denmark on Monday officially reopened its embassy in Algeria, eight years after its closure, the official APS news agency reported.

The opening ceremony was held at the embassy headquarters in Algiers, in the presence of visiting Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen, and his Algerian counterpart Abdelkader Messahel.

"The reopening of the embassy reflects the interest granted by the Kingdom of Denmark to the historical ties bounding the two countries and also reflects our desire to strengthen and broaden the privileged bilateral political and economic relations," Messahel was quoted as saying.

For his part, the Danish foreign minister hailed the reopening of the embassy, stressing the importance of strengthening political and economic relations between the two countries.

Arriving in Algeria on Sunday for a three-day visit, Samuelsen said his visit aimed at "strengthening bilateral relations, including the consolidation of economic cooperation between the two countries."

Messahel hailed the "excellent" political ties between Algiers and Copenhagen, noting that there is a "constant" dialogue between the two parties on issues including the fight against terrorism, illegal immigration and violent extremism.

The Danish foreign minister also held talks with the Algerian Energy Minister Mustapha Guitouni, during which they discussed potential investment opportunities, as well as ways and means of strengthen cooperation, especially in the field of hydrocarbons and renewable energy.

Samuelsen welcomed the "good business prospects" between Algeria and Denmark in the field of wind and solar energies.

Samuelsen is scheduled to lay the first stone of a Danish-Algerian joint drug manufacturing plant in the province of Blida, 50 km southwest of Algiers.

On the same day, the Danish official will chair an Algerian-Danish business forum, where economic operators of both countries will discuss investment opportunities in Algeria. Enditem