European Union delegation visits Algeria to improve relations

Algerian diplomatic sources said a delegation from the European Union will visit Algeria on November 3 to hold talks in framework of the political discussions between the two sides, currently being held on level of the foreign ministers.

The sources added yesterday that the delegation will discuss with Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf issues concerning peace in the Middle East, peace and security in the Mediterranean Sea basin, combating terrorism and the crisis in Balkan area, as well as discussing developing the Euro-Mediterranean track.

They will also discuss subjects regarding policy, security, financial and economic cooperation, as well as cultural and social cooperation.

The sources said the delegation will be headed by Finnish Foreign Minister Tarja Halonen, whose country heads the European Union until end of the current year, and that the delegation includes Chris Baten, the European negotiator authorized of the foreign relations, and Javier Solana, the European Union's delegate for foreign policy and the joint security.

In statements, the sources said, "The visit of the European Union's delegation to Algeria comes as a result of the political communications held by Ahmed Attaf with the officials in the European Union."