New agreement extends scheme to train Algerian officers in UK

ALGIERS: More Algerian military officers could be trained in Britain under a new defense agreement, the British Embassy said on Tuesday. The outline accord, signed by British Defense Minister Bob Ainsworth on a visit to Algiers, also paves the way for more joint military exercises between the two countries. The embassy refused to comment on Algerian media reports that Britain had a long-term goal of selling military hardware to the North African country. 

• “This outline agreement aims to regularize cooperation between the two countries in defense matters, particularly the training of Algerian officers in Great Britain,” said an embassy spokeswoman. 
• Some Algerian officers are already trained in Britain, but this agreement allows the scheme to be extended. “It also allows cooperation in other respects, such as joint annual meetings between the two.”