Algerian ambassador says ties with Iran developing continuously

TEHRAN, Nov. 4 (MNA) – The Algerian ambassador to Tehran says cooperation between Algeria and Iran is developing in a “continuous” and “balanced” way. In an interview with the Tehran Times on Wednesday, Ambassador Sofiane Mimouni also said, “The economic cooperation which was virtually at an embryonic level is now developing gradually.” Following is the text of interview: Q: Both Iran and Algeria are buoyant of a strong relationship. Would you please elaborate on this? A: The relations between Algeria and Iran have developed in recent years in a climate of trust, mutual respect and balance of interests, reflecting the political will of the two countries to take profit of their economic potential. At the instigation of President Bouteflika and President Ahmadinejad, the relations of friendship between the two countries have been marked in the course of these last years by a shared willingness to establish a new dynamic in bilateral relations. This dynamism was reflected through the regular high-level consultations between the two presidents and senior officials of the two countries on bilateral as well as multilateral issues. It was also reflected through the visit that Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi paid to Algeria in February 2011 and the holding in Tehran, in November 2010, of the first session of the High Joint Commission. These visits and meetings have illustrated the desire of the two countries to start a new phase in relations marked by a mutual resolve to reinforce and develop bilateral relations by exploiting all opportunities in order to strengthen political, economic, scientific and cultural relationship. In the political field, a tradition of dialogue and consultation has been established at the highest level between the two countries, as evidenced by the regular consultations between President Bouteflika and President Ahmadinejad, during international meetings. There is also a suitable mechanism for regular political consultations between the ministries of foreign affairs of both countries. Q: What are the qualities of the economic ties? A: With regard to the economic field, several sessions of the Joint Commission were held since 2002, reflecting the common will of the two countries to evaluate the potential of bilateral cooperation. Thus, the two countries succeeded in establishing a legal framework for the cooperation with the conclusion of more than 40 agreements, memorandums of understanding and cooperation programs that offer today better prospects of economic cooperation and trade exchanges. Furthermore, Iranian companies which show great interest in the Algerian market are now present in Algeria and doing business with their Algerian counterparts. The opening in Algeria of a commercial representation of Iran Khodro, the realization by Iranian companies of house units and the signing of a contract between Sonatrach and Iranian Nastaran Electric (electrical equipment installation), prove that the relations between Algeria and Iran are expanding and reaching a high level. The economic cooperation which was virtually at an embryonic level is now developing gradually. The holding in Tehran, in November 2010, of the first session of the High Joint Commission, presided over by the prime minister of Algeria and the first vice president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, provided a positive assessment of the two countries' bilateral relations and succeeded in identifying new areas to strengthen the cooperation and diversify the economic exchanges. The common objective of both countries is now to establish a more substantial economic cooperation. Algeria and Iran are today preparing the 2nd session of the High Joint Commission which is planned to take place in Algiers in 2012 and will be devoted to promoting partnership between both countries. Algerian-Iranian cooperation is being strengthened in a continuous, global and balanced manner in order to involve all aspects of bilateral relations. Today, the cooperation between Algeria and Iran has great potential and… real and concrete prospects. I am therefore confident in the ability of the two countries to go beyond the simple trade exchanges, to give more pace and diversity to the relations of cooperation and to show initiative aimed at building sustainable relations of which both parties would take advantage. Q: Some analysts had predicted that the wave of the Arab spring would also reach Algeria, however this did not happen. Does this indicate that Algiers has been responsive to its people’s legitimate demands in line with the goals of the Algerian revolution? A: The Arab Spring in North Africa and the Middle East did not ignite an ‘Algerian Spring’ for several reasons. First of all, Algeria follows its own path and has its own specificities. In Algeria, the opening of the political system started twenty years ago with the end of the single party system and an end of restrictions on freedom of expression, association and organization. Secondly, the election of President Bouteflika in 1999 built up great hopes. Indeed, following his election, the president proclaimed an amnesty, organized a referendum on the policy of Civil Concord and introduced fundamental political and economic reforms. The political reforms in Algeria were therefore not dictated by the regional situation but were adopted in total sovereignty. The landslide victory of the referendum on Civil Concord marked the rejection of violence by the Algerian people and their aspiration to security, stability, peace and harmony. Under the leadership of President Bouteflika, Algeria initiated a vast program of reforms aimed at reinforcing the democratic process, establishing the rule of law and creating the conditions for the best possible use of the country’s economic potential. In this regard, President Bouteflika rescinded Algeria’s state-of-emergency legislation, which had been in place since 1992, and opened up access to audio-visual media, an area that had been a state monopoly up to that point. He introduced major political reforms including an overhaul of the country’s law governing political parties, the electoral process and nongovernmental organization. These reforms constituted a milestone on the road to democratic rule. Following these reforms, parliamentary elections were held in May 2012 under international observation by the European Union, the African Union, the OIC and the Arab League. Henceforth, 26 political parties are represented in the new 462-seat parliament, of whom one third (145) are women. Local elections will be held on 29th of November with the participation of all the political parties. (By M.A. Saki)