Blanar and Attaf Open Algerian Representative Office in Bratislava

Bratislava, 9 December (TASR) - Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) and his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf officially opened the representative office of Algeria in Bratislava on Tuesday, with both ministers confirming their interest in further deepening cooperation between the two countries, TASR has learnt at their press conference following joint talks at the Foreign Ministry. "We've opened Algeria's first embassy in Slovakia in the capital city. This is a significant milestone in our future cooperation and a milestone for intensifying our mutual relations with Algeria," said Slovakia's chief diplomat. The opening of the embassy is a reciprocal step taken by Algeria in response to the decision to reopen the Slovak embassy in Algiers. "We are also in the final stages in Algiers, where we already have our ambassador and are finalising the premises where it will be located," added Blanar. At a joint meeting, the ministers signed a memorandum that is intended to serve as a roadmap for future cooperation. As part of this cooperation, they want to revitalise 10 of the 17 agreements that the countries have concluded with each other. "They should reflect a new generation of cooperation," said Blanar, adding that both countries also want to deepen cooperation in the economic, business, and energy sectors, as well as in the defence industry. A joint commission for economic cooperation should be set up, and Blanar also announced business missions in both countries. The ministers also discussed the possibilities of strategic partnership in the field of energy, especially natural gas. In this context, Attaf is also to hold talks with Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD). "The main goal of our visit to your country is to confirm our strong political will to deepen bilateral relations between Algeria and the Slovak Republic. To raise them to the highest possible level," said Attaf, pointing out that relations between the countries are influenced by three values: friendship, trust, and solidarity. "I'm convinced that the memorandum we signed today contains a roadmap for the implementation of our intentions and goals in various areas," added the Algerian foreign minister. According to him, there are extensive opportunities for cooperation. "For example, energy, alternative energy systems, car manufacturing, the pharmaceutical industry, agriculture, digitisation, higher education, scientific research, and water management," stated Attaf. He considers it to be important to accelerate the setting up of a government commission and a joint council of entrepreneurs and employers from both countries. "I'd like to personally complete the construction of this infrastructure with you, so that a way would be open and we could take advantage of all opportunities for cooperation," he stated. am