Algerians to benefit from Britain’s visa facilities, says UK ambassador

Algiers-Great Britain endorsed a series of facilities for the benefit of Algerians wishing to visit the country, especially the procedures of obtaining a visa, UK ambassador to Algeria Martyn Roper said on Friday.

Both Algerian and British sides announce coordination in preparation of the movement of Algerian athletes to Britain, in order to participate in the Olympics.

Mr Roper did not speak about details of the facilities, during his visit to Setif, east of Algeria, he only said that Algiers and London are looking for further strong cooperation in economy, adding that the UK Energy Minister is expected to visit Algeria, in the context of a series of visits planed by a number of British officials, and delegation of 30 businessmen for checking out investment opportunities in Algeria.    

The British Energy Minister is expected to visit Algeria on November to discuss ways of cooperation in the field of energy, and to arrange a tour for 30 businessmen, who are expected to visit Algeria by the beginning of 2012 to preview opportunities for cooperation and investment between the two countries.

In this context, the British ambassador said he is not satisfied because the UK ranks 13 in the list of business and economic exchanges with Algeria, asserting that his country is making more efforts to reach advanced raking.

“The volume of trade exchanges between the two countries beyond £1.4 billion annually, at the time, the first four months of 2011 noticed a leap at a rate of 117% compared to 2012 of the same period, as the figure reaches £400 million. This is a positive sign reflecting the development of bilateral cooperation”, Martin Roper asserted.