President Abdedaziz Boutflika
President Abdedaziz Boutflika of the Peoples Democratic Republic of Algeria has been appointed by his African peers as coordinator of the African Union (AU) in the prevention and fight against terrorism and violent extremism on the continent.
This is because of his successful mediation in the resolution of the Northern Mali crisis which has resulted in the peace and reconciliation agreement in the Sahel-troubled country.
President Bouteflika’s appointment as the AU coordinator was also in the recognition of the relentless efforts his country was making to stabilise the political situation in Libya through the facilitation of talks between the various Libyan political parties aimed at restoring peace and stability to their neighbours
Speaking at a cocktail reception to mark their 64th National Day (Independence Day) in Accra last Friday, the Algerian Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Youssef Delileche, said his country was presently the host headquarters of the Africa Center for the Study and Research on Terrorism and one of the African Police Organisations (AFRIPOL) which was already operational.
He disclosed that Algeria was focused on working with regional and international community for the total elimination of various sources of funding, its recruitment sources and reducing the mobility of its elements.
In addition, Ambassador Delileche said Algeria was leading the fight against xenophobia and Islamophobia as a propaganda tool being promoted by the terrorists.
Consequently, he disclosed that Algeria at the last session of the UN General Assembly held in New York, launched “The International Day of Living Together in Peace,” an initiative which would now be an opportunity for the continued mobilisation for peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and fraternity.
Touching on Ghana-Algeria relationship, Ambassador Delileche said the two countries shared similar principles and objectives in their common struggle against colonialism and for the liberation of Africa.
He said Ghana and Algeria had several draft agreement already finalised which had to do with Visa exemption for the holders of diplomatic and service passports, trade, draft agreement between the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the two countries.
Ambassador Delileche reaffirmed the willingness of the Algerian government to promote and further deepen the bilateral corporation and strengthen the political dialogue on the regional issues of common interest.
Professor George Gyan-Baffour, Minister of Planning who led the government delegation to the ceremony on behalf of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo -Addo and the people of Ghana, recalled the long-standing political, economic and cultural ties dating the struggle for political independence across Africa.
He said Ghana remained hopeful of the shared future prosperity that “We are resolved to work toward, ” adding that Ghana lauded the role of Algeria as one of the initial 44 Member States that signed the African Continental Free Trade Agreement on March 21, this year in Kigali, Rwanda.
“We encourage your government to consider an expeditious process for the ratification of the agreement to enable the CFTA to become operational when the 22nd is deposited,” Prof. Gyan-Baffour stated.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deepening the warm and cordial relations which existed between ‘our two governments and peoples for mutual benefit,’ adding “the scope of relations can be expanded and indeed, we will work with Algeria to do so.”
The function was attended by a cross-section of the diplomatic community, Algerians resident in Ghana, members of the business community and other well wishers.
By Norman Cooper
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