British Foreign Secretary visits Algeria
British Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond, visited Algiers to reaffirm the strength of UK/Algeria relations and the vision for the future
Foreign Secretary with Algerian PM
The visit took place on 18 to 19 February, where Philip Hamond met President Bouteflika, Prime Minister Sellal and Foreign Minister Lamamra.
The Foreign Secretary said:
It is a privilege to visit Algeria for the first time. President Bouteflika and I discussed a vision for a strong and enduring partnership between the UK and Algeria.
Having delivered the keynote speech at the Algeria Investment Forum in London in December, I was delighted to meet some of the British businesses investing in Algeria and to sign a Double Taxation Agreement, which will open the way to more British companies. Prime Minister Sellal and I discussed how to develop our commercial relationship even further.
Foreign Minister Lamamra and I reaffirmed our commitment to a close security relationship in the face of terrorist threats and the spread of violent extremist Islamism in the region. I expressed my support for the key role Algeria is playing in region, including mediating in the Mali negotiations and working towards an inclusive political solution in Libya.