Spanish prime minister expected in Nouakchott and Algiers

Spanish Prime Minister Jose-Maria Aznar is expected this Monday in Algeria and Tuesday in Mauritania, according to news reports.

In Algiers, the Spanish premier will have separate talks with president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, and other officials.

Official sources in Algiers say the visit aimed at consolidating traditional friendship cooperation and consultations on key international issues of mutual concern. The two countries asserted that the visit will pave the way to increase economic, financial, trade and technical volume between the two countries by signing loan agreements under which Algeria will receive $ 100 million dollars as part of half billion dollars agreement.

Spain is Algeria's fourth trade partner after France, Italy and the USA. Aznar is accompanied by a high-ranking delegation including ministers and businessmen of various sectors.

In Mauritania, Aznar will be paying the first visit by the head of a Spanish government. The visit is expected to help concretize cooperation between the two countries, authorized sources in Mauritania said, MAP reported.