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First session of the bilateral commission for the promotion and development of the Algerian-Tunisian border regions kicked off Monday in Algiers to discuss a strategy to develop shared border regions of the two North African nations.
Co-chaired by Algerian Interior Minister Brahim Merad and his Tunisian counterpart Kamel Feki, the session unfolded with a commitment to fortifying shared border areas in the face of evolving security challenges, Algeria’s state-run Radio Algeria reported.
Addressing the session’s opening, Merad underscored “the critical importance of securing and fortifying shared border regions, with a particular focus on combating illegal migration,” adding that “Algeria advocates a developmental approach based on intensified consultation and coordination between the two nations.”
The Algerian minister noted that “the ongoing efforts are aimed at implementing diverse programs to foster development and enhance living conditions, with a strategic attempt to alleviate disparities and address imbalances in the border regions.”
In his opening notes at the session, Tunisia’s interior minister hailed the “fruitful and constructive” security coordination between the two countries, stressing the stability and security of Tunisia and Algeria are “interconnected” and that joint efforts are being made to bolster border security by countering terrorist threats and combating smuggling networks.
The bilateral commission, instituted in October 2023, has emerged as a strategic step to foster collaboration and create a framework for partnership opportunities between the two nations.