Algeria, Tunisia Stress Shared Will to Address Border Region Challenges
ALGIERS — The Algerian Minister of Interior, Local Authorities and National Planning, Brahim Merad, and his Tunisian counterpart, Khaled Nouri, underscored on Wednesday in Algiers their countries’ mutual commitment to counter negative phenomena in border areas, including smuggling and illegal migration.
In a press statement following an expanded bilateral meeting that included both ministers and security officials from the two countries, Merad emphasized the importance of this meeting for the two brotherly countries, as it enables coordination of efforts and the establishment of mechanisms to address these challenges effectively.
The meeting was held in line with directives from the presidents of both countries, he noted, adding that “further meetings are planned to assess progress made in countering negative phenomena, particularly crime, terrorism and smuggling.”
Regarding the development of border areas between Algeria and Tunisia, Merad mentioned the commissions established for this purpose, noting that “commissions to combat smuggling could be set up.”
“This concerns the future of our two countries and our citizens, whom we must protect and enable to earn their living normally and safely,” said Merad.
He continued, “As the leaders of the two countries consistently emphasize, Algeria’s security is directly linked to Tunisia’s security and vice versa.”
For his part, the Tunisian Minister of Interior said that “several issues were addressed during this meeting, including smuggling, its impact on both countries’ economies and methods to combat it.”
The meeting also provided an opportunity to “review mechanisms for cooperation and timely information exchange,” the Tunisian minister pointed out, highlighting that illegal migration, drugs and the need for greater focus on border area development were also discussed.
