Baird Discusses Counterterrorism Cooperation and Trade Ties with Algerian Counterpart

OTTAWA, Canada, September 29, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement after meeting with Ramtane Lamamra, Algeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs:

"Canada and Algeria are determined partners in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. As co-chairs of the Global Counterterrorism Forum's Sahel Working Group, our two countries are mobilizing states and other stakeholders in North Africa and the Sahel to confront the scourge of extremism.

"Security partnerships like these are essential to confronting emerging threats, such as the increase in foreign terrorist fighters, including those joining the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, and Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. I look forward to continued engagement with our Algerian partners to build a safer world for Canadians and Algerians alike.

"We also discussed the potential for growth in our trade relationship. Canada is ready to increase trade and investment with emerging markets in the Middle East and North Africa. Canadian companies are well placed and keen to help Algeria achieve its new five-year economic development program, particularly in sectors where Canada has significant experience, such as mining, agriculture and agri-food, and oil and gas."

While in Ottawa, Minister Lamamra also met with the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, the Honourable Andrew Scheer, Speaker of the House of Commons, and members of the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association.