Essebsi: Algeria has taken measures to protect common borders from terror

Tunisia’s President Beji Caid Essebsi Thursday described security cooperation with Algeria as « successful,” saying it took measures to protect the two countries’ border from terror threats.

“It was an exceptional occasion to discuss and exchange opinions. Counterterrorism cooperation between the two countries is successful,” Essebsi said following a meeting with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

“Brothers here in Algeria have taken necessary measures to protect borders. Now, things are going on as it should be. In Tunisia, we defeated terrorism and we are making positive steps,” he added.

He also said regional and international situation experiences big and quick changes. “We should be aware of those changes. Hopefully, Tunisia and Algeria would stand together to face them.”

A higher Algerian-Tunisian committee will be held in Tunis in February 2017. Earlier in the proceedings of the 20th Higher Joint Cooperation Committee held in Algiers in 2015, the two countries had agreed on the necessity of reinforcing economic and security cooperation. This was meant to serve their strategic interests.

The two countries signed 10 agreements and understanding memorandums on industrial property, air transport, health, vocational training, environment, education, tourism and law cooperation.

Trade volume between the two countries reached $2.1 billion in 2014. Algeria’s oil exports to Tunisia were estimated at $1.5 billion. Tunisia’s imports reached $516.6 million.