Algeria, Britain sign defense accord

2009-10-27

Deal paves way for more Algerian military officers’ training in Britain, joint military exercises.

ALGIERS - More Algerian military officers could be trained in Britain under a new defense agreement, the British Embassy said on Tuesday.

The outline accord, signed by British Defense Minister Bob Ainsworth on a visit to Algiers, also paves the way for more joint military exercises between the two countries.

The embassy refused to comment on Algerian media reports that Britain had a long-term goal of selling military hardware to the North African country.

"This outline agreement aims to regularize cooperation between the two countries in defense matters, particularly the training of Algerian officers in Great Britain," said an embassy spokeswoman.

Some Algerian officers are already trained in Britain, the embassy said, but this agreement allows the scheme to be extended.

"It also allows cooperation in other respects, such as joint military exercises and annual meetings between the two countries," the spokeswoman added.

Discussions with Algerian Defense Minister Abdelmaleck Guenaizia's representative also covered the struggle against terrorism, according to the embassy.

Ainsworth is due to leave Algeria on Tuesday after meeting the country's Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia.

Source: Middle East Online.
Link: http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=35284.