Spain seeks stronger military ties with Algeria

The Spanish Defense Ministry expressed its wish to tighten military ties with Algeria and the rest of Maghreb countries, as it is an area of priority for the security of Spain, the Spanish News Agency reported here on Monday.

Spain asserted that the current bilateral cooperation with the Maghreb countries is extensive, good and dynamic and must remain “an edge” in the future. It is obvious in the new plan in the policy of the Defense Ministry to tighten the project of Spain to cooperate with its Foreign Ministry.

According to the plan, reported by the Spanish News Agency, the Ministry of Defense seeks to establish excellent ties with Algeria and the Maghreb countries, especially Morocco and Mauritania, expressing believes that the process of change and transition to democracy in the Mediterranean countries like Egypt and Tunisia needs more attention to contribute to the reform of military infrastructures.

In June 2008, Algeria and Spain signed comprehensive convention to tighten cooperation in the field of security, including combating terrorism and various forms of organized crime and address issues of movement of persons and properties. In February 2009 Algeria ratified officially an extended security convention with Spain, including anti terrorism and organized crime, arms trafficking and illegal immigration.