OPR- Tuesday, 11th Septmeber, 2007

This morning, President Eddie Fenech Adami laid a wreath at the Martyrs Sanctuary and visited the Soldiers Museum.  On arrival at the Office of the President of Algeria, he was welcomed by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and received the National Salute and followed by an Inspection of the Guard of Honour.

At the Official Talks the Presidents discussed aspects of the bilateral relations and as international matters.  President Fenech Adami expressed his satisfaction of the close relations that exist between the two countries.  The Presidents spoke on the furthering commercial and financial cooperation.  The presence of businessmen from a wide spectrum of entrepreneurship in Malta prove that there is the will that both countries collaborate in increasing commerce in both countries and beyond.

The President attended the signing of a memoranda of understanding by the Hon Michael Frendo and the Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Murad Medelci on Consultations between the two Ministries and on Visa Abolition for diplomatic service passport holders.

President Abdelasis Boutefika hosted President Fenech Adami to a State Lunch at the People’s Palace. (See speech issued by DOI)

Earlier this morning, President Fenech Adami had talks with Mr Abdelaziz Belkhadem, Prime Minister of the National Assembly.

A follow up meeting was held between the Hon Michael Frendo and the Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mourad Medleci and the Hon Hamed Tenner Minister for Industry and Investment Promotion.  Detailed discussions were held on how best to render concrete the positive relations that exists between the two countries.  The Ministers concentrated on the establishment of the appropriate practical structures to enable the follow up so as to business community of both countries to capitalize on the various investments possibilities available.

The President returns to Malta today, late in the evening.