Algeria, Italy vow to boost cooperation

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte (L, Rear) and Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia (R, Rear) attend a press conference in Algiers, Algeria, on Nov. 5, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

Algeria and Italy are "determined" to extend their partnership and reinforce security cooperation, Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia said on Monday.

He made the remarks during the press conference jointly held with his visiting Italian counterpart Giuseppe Conte.

Ouyahia stressed that "Algeria and Italy need to strengthen their economic partnership in various fields, including in energy sector," adding that the two countries have so far signed 50 bilateral agreements in various fields.

He further said that the two countries are determined to strengthen their relations in security cooperation to combat all kinds of crimes.

Illegal immigration issue was also discussed during their meeting, Ouyahia revealed.

He pointed out that Algeria is committed to bring home all its illegal immigrant nationals abroad, based on international laws, bilateral agreements, and the respect of human rights.

The two officials also discussed international and regional issues of common interest, most importantly the civil war in Libya, Ouyahia noted.

Conte's visit is part of the promotion of the high-level political dialogue between Algeria and Italy.