British Parliamentarians Visit Algeria
A group of British Parliamentarians visited Algeria between 26 and 29 April 2013
A group of British Parliamentarians visited Algeria between 26 and 29 April 2013. The group, comprising 5 Members of both the House of Lords (Upper House of Parliament) and the House of Commons (Lower House of Parliament) was formed earlier this year to look specifically at Parliamentary and bilateral relations between the UK and Algeria.
It was the first Parliamentary Group visit for many years. The Group’s members are drawn from a range of political parties in Parliament.
The visit was hosted and organised by the Algerian Senate (Council of the Nation). It comprised meetings with the Prime Minister His Excellency Mr Sellal, President of the Council of the Nation Mr Bensalah, the President of the People’s National Assembly Mr Ould Khelifa, Energy Minister Yousfi, and Health Minister Ziari. The British Group also met the British Friendship group in the Algerian Parliament, the President of which is Mr Amar MAKHLOUFI.
There was a cultural element to the visit in Cherchell and Tipaza, and an opportunity for the visiting delegation to speak to some students and teachers at the University of Algiers and answer their questions about the English language, and general questions on the United Kingdom. The British Ambassador hosted a reception at his residence with a focus on economic and commercial links between the two countries.
Speaking before the visit, British Ambassador to Algeria, His Excellency Martyn Roper said:
Bilateral relations between Algeria and the UK are excellent and have seen a major step up over the last 18 months, culminating in the visit by UK Prime Minister David Cameron in January. Consolidating the links between our Parliaments is an important aspect of a strong bilateral relationship. That’s why I’m delighted the UK Parliament has formed this friendship group with Algeria, and I hope this is just one of many future visits. We know such a group has existed in the Algerian Parliament for some time, so we are delighted to be able to reciprocate that spirit of goodwill and friendship.