H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed chairs UAE-Algeria Joint Committee meeting, confers with his Algerian counterpart.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, has lauded the developing ties between the UAE and Algeria in political, economic, trade and investment fields, saying the bonds, since 1974, had evolved into a distinguished, historic one characterised by mutual understanding and close points of view on regional and international political issues.

Sheikh Abdullah was speaking at the closing session of the 13th meeting of the UAE-Algeria Joint Committee held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the presence of Ramtane Lamamra, Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, as well as senior officials and representatives of companies in both countries.

In his address, Sheikh Abdullah said he was looking forward to seeing results and aspirations in place to elevate the level of bilateral ties and co-operation.

HH praised the recent exchange of high-level visits between ministers and senior officials of the two countries, referring to his last visit to Algeria during which he chaired the 12th meeting of the joint committee, and the recent trip by Algerian Deputy Minister for National Defence and Chief of Staff of People's National Army of Algeria, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Gaid Salah, to the UAE in November 2015.

''We are meeting here today amidst circumstances fraught with regional and international changes and developments that require a thorough study of future predictions and new challenges that require us to deal with all global situations and developments, so as to confront what the possibilities could produce, with regard to a timely strategy that strengthens security and spread tranquillity and stability,'' HH noted.

HH added that bilateral co-operation between Emirati and Algerian officials were progressing steadily thanks to the support provided by the two leaderships in line with their aspirations that best serve mutual interests and objectives.

Sheikh Abdullah affirmed that Algeria is one of the most important partners of the UAE, and stressed the importance of exploring new avenues of co-operation and looking into all issues of interest to the two countries including establishment of new projects that are beneficial to the two countries, which realise their mutual interests.

He said the meeting provided a fitting opportunity to present ideas and practical solutions to remove obstacles hindering progress of bilateral ties.

HH also called for greater co-ordination regarding joint action in international organisations and conferences about important topics of current interest.

Recognising Algeria as an important, strategic partner, the UAE foreign minister said non-oil trade exchange saw remarkable growth to US$493.2 million in 2014 from $423.9 million in 2013, an increase of 14 percent, which reflected the scale of progress in bilateral relations.

In this context, Sheikh Abdullah called for exploring new methods for increasing trade exchange, pointing to the role the private sector could play in this respect. He also affirmed the need for elevating economic relations by exploring the promising investment opportunities available in both countries where many agreements on trade and investment cooperation have been signed.