Algeria to the energy rescue of Europe to offset Russian supplies!

Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal affirmed that Portugal and the European Union are in need of steady energy supplies from Algeria, explaining that they have a problem in the coverage of energy and the regular supply of natural gas.

Mr Sellal stressed that both were “scared” of Russia’s versatile energy policy, while revealing the launching of two new mega energy projects spearheaded by Algeria and its partners related to the “Galsi” gas pipeline and the Desertic solar energy project.

Observers note to this effect that this gives the clear impression that Algeria is poised to come to the rescue of energy-yearning Europe against a backdrop of fears of renewed tension stoked by Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine crisis.

Algeria can contribute to the energy diversification to which the European Union (EU) aspires, said for his part visiting Portuguese Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho.

“Algeria is already EU’s major supplier of hydrocarbon and we believe that it can contribute to the energy diversification of the European Union,” said Coelho in a joint press conference with Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal at the end of the 4th Algerian-Portuguese high level meeting held in Algiers.

In this connection, the Portuguese Prime minister said that EU and Europe in general, are experiencing a “structural fragility” in terms of energy security and are dependent, to a large extent, on the Russian gas.

He also underlined his country’s interest to develop cooperation with Algeria in renewable energies, particularly the solar one.

“At the same time, we would like to work together in renewable energies as the two countries possess important potentials in this field, particularly solar energy,” he said.

Portugal also wishes, according to its Prime minister, to participate in Algeria’s modernization program.

On the occasion of Mr Passos Coelho’s visit, Algeria and Portugal signed, Tuesday in Algiers, nine cooperation agreements in variousfields of endeavour.