ALGERIA
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the present state of political, cultural, trade and military relations with Algeria; and if he will make a statement. [137839]
Alistair Burt, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State: The UK has strong relations with Algeria. Algeria has already embarked on a programme of political reform. As part of the first phase of this programme, the Algerian Government have passed laws covering media, civil society and participation of women in public life, and the conduct of elections. The UK. supports democratic reform in Algeria, in partnership with the Government and civil society, through our Arab Partnership programme.
As part of the UK-Algeria Annual Dialogue, UK Ministers discuss a wide range of issues with their Algerian counterparts. During my visit of June 2012, discussions focussed on the ongoing reform process in the country, opportunities for Maghreb states to develop their economies through regional cooperation, and an increase in English language training. Regional security, including the situation in the Sahel, also forms a key part of this dialogue. This allows us to share our views and understanding of regional security issues and to work towards mutually beneficial goals. Algeria and the UK share a common position on non-payment of ransoms in the case of terrorist kidnaps.
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), covered all these issues when he met Algerian Foreign Minister, Mourad Medelci on 21 November. I also discussed the Sahel with the visiting Algerian Minister for Immigration on 29 November.
Increasing trade and investment with Algeria is also an important part of our relationship. To reinforce this area of our relationship, the Prime Minister appointed Lord Risby, Envoy for Trade with Algeria who visited Algiers in December. In response, Algeria has appointed their current Minister for Energy as his counterpart. The Ministry of Defence regularly reviews its relationship with Algeria. This includes provision of English language for the military and building links through joint training and capacity building as appropriate. The British Council is also active in Algeria, teaching English and promoting links with British culture.
Our bilateral cooperation with Algeria has been developing steadily across the full range of foreign policy priorities.