Algerian official urges cooperation

Bin Saleh seeks partnership Algiers - Hocine Bousalah Speaker of Algeria’s Parliament Abdul-Kader Bin Saleh has called for the Africa-South America Cooperation Forum to play a more active role. Speaking at the forum's third meeting, Bin Saleh called on the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) programme and the African Union to promote cooperation and partnership between the two continents. The Algerian official said that the public wants to see more cross-continent projects, stressing the need to strengthen cultural traditions. He encouraged positive relations between civil societies in the two continents, to pave the way for improving understanding between nationals. He also praised the trade exchange between the Africa and South America, adding that it had witnessed notable progress during the last three years despite international trade difficulties. Bin Saleh was representing Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika at the event.