The issue of the bilateral readmission agreement was also on the agenda of their talks. This must be better enforced, said Angela Merkel.

At a joint press conference with Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal, Chancellor Angela Merkel first commented on the purported attack in Istanbul. She expressed her serious concern that German nationals, who were part of a group visiting Istanbul, could be among those injured or killed.

Her thoughts, she said, were with the families of the victims and the injured. International terrorism, she added, has once again showed "its savage and inhuman face".

International cooperation

Germany and Algeria are cooperating closely on anti-terrorism measures, said Angela Merkel. "Today’s events once again illustrate how important and how topical our fight against terrorism is." This is one aspect of bilateral relations.

Algeria, which borders on Libya and Mali, two countries that give cause for concern, has played a very active role in establishing a government of national unity in Libya. Close cooperation has been agreed in this area. The expansion of the so-called IS in Libya is cause for major concern, reported Angela Merkel.

With a view to Mali, the Chancellor reported that German troops will be strengthening the MINUSMA mission soon. Algeria has made a valuable contribution to the internal reconciliation process in Mali, she said.

Readmission agreement

Angela Merkel and Abdelmalek Sellal also discussed the issue of migration. In recent months more Algerians have been entering Germany illegally. Since few Algerians are recognised as refugees the matter of readmission is relevant in many cases. "We have had a readmission agreement with Algeria for some time. It is a question of ensuring that it works appropriately," explained Angela Merkel.

Economic cooperation

Germany and Algeria also aim to cooperate more closely in the economic sphere. In early 2016 the German-Algerian Joint Economic Commission will meet, reported the Chancellor. The commission last met in March 2014 in Algiers. The meeting will also look at the ongoing work of the German-Algerian Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

Germany welcomes the fact that an internal process of constitutional reform has been launched in Algeria, said Angela Merkel. This process is now entering a crucial phase, she said. "I am delighted that closer cooperation between our two parliaments has also been agreed."

Economic relations
Oil is Germany’s chief import from Algeria. The balance of trade between the two countries is virtually in equilibrium. In 2014, German imports from Algeria were worth EUR 2.5 billion. German exports to Algeria totalled EUR 2.6 billion in 2014. Germany’s principal exports to Algeria are machinery, motor vehicles and vehicle parts and chemical products.