Algiers – The President of the National People’s Assembly, Mr. Ibrahim Bougali, received today, Thursday, the Head of the European Union Delegation in Algeria, Ambassador Diego Mialdone Pasqua, at the Assembly headquarters in Algiers, according to a statement from the National People’s Assembly.
The meeting, attended by Vice President Mr. Monther Boudene, began with Mr. Bougali’s praise for “the level of relations between Algeria and the European Union, which dates back 46 years.” He noted that “since taking office, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has embarked on a new path in Algeria’s economic relations with the EU and other partners, responding to new economic realities aimed at enhancing a win-win principle in bilateral relations.”
Regarding parliamentary cooperation between the two sides, Mr. Bougali expressed “regret over the limited effectiveness of the Algerian-European Joint Committee, which has only convened once since its establishment.”
On the international front, Mr. Bougali emphasized “Algeria’s consistent stance on respecting the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs, as well as supporting just causes, particularly the Sahrawi cause, which he advocated resolving based on the principle of self-determination in line with UN resolutions and decisions.”
Concerning the Palestinian issue, Mr. Bougali expressed “disappointment with the double standards followed by the European Parliament,” calling on EU countries to “follow the example of Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia in recognizing the State of Palestine.” He also welcomed the EU’s support for the International Court of Justice ruling in July 2024, which deemed the Israeli presence illegal.
At the end of the meeting, Mr. Bougali proposed “organizing a seminar on partnership mechanisms between Algeria and the EU and exploring future cooperation prospects.”
Ambassador Mialdone Pasqua considered Mr. Bougali’s proposal “an appropriate opportunity to discuss the reality of the partnership agreement between Algeria and the EU and explore ways to develop it.” He emphasized that “Algeria is a key and essential partner for Europe, being the second-largest supplier of gas and a major contributor to regional stability.”
In conclusion, the Ambassador noted that “relations between the two parties extend beyond economic and commercial aspects, necessitating a comprehensive review of relations within the framework of the Union for the Mediterranean to enhance cooperation in various fields,” according to the same source.
Article written by Nor Eleslam for dzwatch.dz.
