Bouteflika confers with Italian president

Italy on Monday lauded steps taken by Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to establish democratic bases and carry out economic reforms. It expressed the readiness of the European Union to back Algeria.

News reports in Rome said that in an inaugural speech at a dinner banquet held by Italian President Carlo Ciampi in honor of President Bouteflika, who is currently visiting Italy, the Italian president said that Algeria is a friend to Italy, noting that there are great potentials to strengthen relations with the Arab states and Africa.

The Italian President said that the European Union member states are looking for stronger ties between the Mediterranean states and Europe, while still preserving their identity and culture.

The Italian president added that he seeks further economic cooperation between Algeria and Morocco, noting that, "Italy is a big importer of oil and gas from Algeria, adding that despite these great imports there is still a difference in the trade balance.

Bouteflika also met on Tuesday with Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema and will today head for Milan where he will deliver a lecture on Algerian-Italian relations and return to his country on Thursday.