Algeria PM Calls for Building Trade Ties

Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmadjid Tebboune said his country is keen to build closer relations with Iran after the 2015 nuclear deal and follow up on the agreements previously reached between the two sides. He made the statement in Algiers Sunday in a meeting with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who was on a two-day three-nation tour of North Africa that also took him to Mauritania and Tunisia.

"We hope that bilateral economic ties will develop just like our cordial political relations. We are ready to expand cooperation with the Islamic Republic in all domains, especially trade," Tebboune was quoted as saying by ISNA.

"We believe the agreements reached earlier should be implemented as soon as possible."

Iran emerged from years of economic sanctions last year under a nuclear agreement with major powers that scaled back its nuclear development in return.

Zarif highlighted the commonalities between the two nations and said, "We know no limit for expansion of cooperation with Algeria and are ready to help boost relations in the banking, auto, housing and other sectors."

The senior diplomat also discussed the latest regional developments, particularly the crisis in Syria and between the Persian Gulf littoral states, in a meeting with his Algerian counterpart, Abdelkader Messahel.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, in a coordinated move earlier this month, cut diplomatic ties and suspended transport cooperation with Qatar, citing its alleged support of regional terrorism and its close relations with Iran. Saudi Arabia and some other Arab states accuse Iran of interfering in their internal affairs, a charge that Tehran denies.  

Zarif also visited Mauritania and Tunisia on Monday. 

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi had said earlier that the visits came at the official invitation of the three African states.