Butaflika to discuss association agreement with the European Union

The Algerian President Abdul Aziz Butaflika headed for Belgium in an official visit to take part in the meeting which will include the Presidents of Nigeria and South Africa with officials in the European Union in order to discuss the African " renewal " initiative, previously proposed by the three African heads of states.

The meetings will deal with international developments following the American- British strikes against Afghanistan.

A statement released by the Algerian presidency said that this visit comes in the context of the increased interest of the European Union in the African continent under the current Belgian Presidency to the EU and its relentless efforts to re- build solid relations on new grounds.

President Butaflika will also take part in the works of the Afro- European summit due to be held today ( Thursday) in Brussels and lasts for two days.

Diplomatic sources said that President Butaflika will dedicate this visit to discuss latest developments concerning the Association Agreement between Algeria and the EU as well as to acquaint the EU presidency on the measures taken by the Algerian government regarding the legal and legislative framework for signing this agreement.