/ / News
06.03.2012

Belarus, Algeria to expand cooperation in agriculture

MINSK, 6 March (BelTA) - Belarus and Algeria will expand cooperation in agriculture, BelTA learnt from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Belarus.

On 5 March Minister of Agriculture and Food of Belarus Mikhail Rusy met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria to Russia and Belarus (non-resident) Smail Chergui. Mikhail Rusy stressed that Belarus views Algeria as a promising partner in North Africa, and noted the willingness of the ministry to cooperate with the Algerian side in the agro-industrial sector.

According to the minister, Belarusian farm produce could find their customers in the Algerian market. This is particularly true of dairy products in which the Algerian side is interested. In addition, Belarus has an opportunity to supply Algeria with beef, poultry, wheat and rye flour. For its part, Belarus would like to import fruits, dried fruits and other products from Algeria.

The minister said that major Algerian investors are welcome in various sectors of agriculture and reiterated the readiness of the Belarusian side to provide all possible assistance for successful implementation of projects.

During the meeting, Mikhail Rusy and Smail Chergui noted that the legal framework is one of the essential pillars for enhancing bilateral relations in all areas. The minister informed the Algerian side of the completion of internal procedures on the agreement on cooperation in agriculture between the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Belarus and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The cooperation agreement between the veterinary services of the two countries is currently under development.

The sides also discussed the possibility of a regular exchange of business delegations of Belarus and Algeria, which will contribute towards the development of direct contacts between businessmen and companies. Mikhail Rusy stressed the interest in the visit of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Algeria to Belarus, which will serve as a significant impetus to cooperation in agriculture, food and agrarian development.