Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), praised on Thursday in Algiers the success of the seminar organized by the Bank of Algeria and the IMF on regional integration between North Africa, Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa. He emphasized that the event allowed for an exchange of views on priority actions aimed at strengthening connectivity between these regions.
During the closing session, Azour stated that the seminar, held under the theme “North Africa: Connecting Continents and Enhancing Opportunities,” provided a rich framework for discussing regional priorities. He added, “It is time for North Africa, as this region can become a link between continents,” while commending the role of the Algerian authorities in organizing the event.
For his part, the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Algeria, Mustapha Abderrahim, noted that the region occupies a strategic position in the regional and international economic and geopolitical map due to its history and human capital. He highlighted that it represents a natural space for communication between Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, serving as a lever for cooperation between continents.
The speaker also reiterated Algeria’s readiness to contribute to building an environment based on trust, predictability, and respect for commitments. The results of the three working groups highlighted the potential role of North Africa in the movement of people and the transport of goods and energy, while emphasizing the importance of reforms, investments, and regional cooperation to realize this potential.
Prime Minister Seifi Gharib oversaw the opening of the seminar at the Abdelatif Rahal International Conference Center in Algiers, in the presence of senior state officials, Acting Governor of the Bank of Algeria Moatasem Boudiaf, and the Managing Director of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva.
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