Opening of Slovak and Algerian Embassies Will Support Business Sector as Well

Bratislava, April 16 (TASR) - The reciprocal opening of new Slovak and Algerian embassies will also provide new opportunities for the business sector, pointed out Foreign Ministry State Secretary Marek Estok following a meeting on Tuesday with Algerian Foreign Ministry Secretary General Lounes Magraman in Slovakia. Both confirmed the common interest of Slovakia and Algeria in reviving political and economic relations. "We have friendly, open relations with Algeria and historical ties dating back to the 1960s, which we want to revive at all levels. We're interested in a more active political dialogue, stronger economic relations and people-to-people cooperation; for example, in the field of tourism, student exchanges and scientific research projects," said Estok after the meeting. In the context of the plan to strengthen political dialogue, the two sides discussed specific steps that will lead to the reopening of a Slovak Embassy in Algiers more than 20 years since it was closed, and the setting up of an Algerian Embassy in Bratislava. "Potential areas for developing Slovak-Algerian economic and investment activities are the defence industry, agriculture, scientific research, water management, renewable energy sources and energy. Algeria has declared its readiness to expand supplies of natural gas to Europe, including to Slovakia. Slovakia is interested in this Algerian commodity as part of diversifying and increasing the security of natural gas supplies," said Estok. am/df