Algerian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Sid Ali Khaldi stated that Algeria considers food security a top national priority and an integral part of its national security and sovereignty. He made these remarks in Oslo, Norway, at a high-level conference titled "African Unity Today," during the 15th Scandinavian African Summit. Khaldi highlighted Algeria's commitment to African integration, citing major structural projects such as the trans-Saharan highway, the trans-Saharan gas pipeline, and the optical fiber project.
Khaldi's participation in the event was as a special guest of honor, launched by Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide. The Algerian minister emphasized the need to complete Africa's political sovereignty with economic sovereignty, as envisioned by the founding fathers of the Organization of African Unity and the African Union. He also expressed Algeria's desire for a genuine partnership with Nordic countries, focusing on investment, technology transfer, training, and product exchange.
Khaldi cited Norway's experience in sustainable resource management and preservation of rights for current and future generations as an inspiring example. He expressed hope for a partnership that would add value to resources, transfer technology, and provide training. The minister also noted that Algeria, once a haven for revolutionaries and freedom fighters, now seeks to be a destination for partnership and investment.
The 15th Scandinavian African Summit brought together over 250 government representatives and 200 economic stakeholders active in various fields, including agriculture and energy. Khaldi's participation was part of Algeria's engagement as a special guest of honor. During his visit, he also met with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, reviewing the excellent state of bilateral relations between Algeria and Norway.
The meeting between Khaldi and Eide allowed for an exchange on the promising opportunities for economic cooperation between the two countries, particularly in agriculture and fisheries. The ministers expressed their desire to strengthen ties and explore new areas of collaboration. Algeria's commitment to African integration and its major structural projects were also discussed.
Khaldi concluded his intervention by emphasizing that if the political slogan for the continent is "Africa for Africans," then the economic slogan should be "Africa, a partner for all." He reiterated Algeria's aspiration to be a destination for partnership and investment, highlighting the country's potential for growth and development.
The Scandinavian African Summit provided a platform for discussions on African unity, economic integration, and cooperation between African countries and Nordic nations. Algeria's participation, led by Minister Khaldi, underscored the country's commitment to strengthening ties with African and international partners.
Key points
- Algeria considers food security a top national priority and an integral part of its national security and sovereignty.
- The country seeks a genuine partnership with Nordic countries, focusing on investment, technology transfer, and training.
- Algeria aims to be a destination for partnership and investment, leveraging its potential for growth and development.
