UAE and Algeria ‘open new chapter of relations', says Sheikh Abdullah

Algeria's president Abdelmadjid Tebboune was invited to visit the UAE

United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed meets Algeria's Foreign Minister Sabri Boukadoum in Algiers. Reuters

A new period of stronger relations between the UAE and Algeria has begun, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed said on Monday.

“We now have a new chapter of relations with Algeria. We aim to increase trade relations that will reflect positive changes for both of our nations and the region,” Sheikh Abdullah said during a press conference with his Algerian counterpart Sabri Boukadoum in Algiers.

“We are grateful for the ties we have with the Algerian government,” Sheikh Abdullah said, adding that he hopes to enhance ties between the two nations in all fields.

He also extended an invitation to Algerian president Abdelmadjid Tebboune to visit the UAE.

Mr Tebboune was elected as president last month.

The UAE is home to about 30,000 Algerian expats, Sheikh Abdullah said.

Sheikh Abdullah’s visit presents "an opportunity to exchange views of regional common concerns," a statement by the Algerian foreign ministry said.

Algeria has been rocked by mass protests that broke out in February and succeeded in unseating veteran president Abdelaziz Bouteflika in April.

An election to replace him was postponed twice as protesters said it would be illegitimate while the ruling elite stayed in place.