High Level Italy-Algeria Contact Group; Pistelli, reaffirms joint support for a unified Libya and political solution

 “We reaffirmed our joint support for a unified Libya and for the achievement of a political solution. We intend to confront the terrorist threat together by implementing a concrete programme over the coming months”. This was the statement by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Lapo Pistelli in the margins of today’s meeting of the high level Italy-Algeria contact group on the fight against terrorism. Co-chaired for the first time in Algiers by Pistelli and Algerian Foreign Minister with the remit for Mahgreb and African Affairs Abdelkader Messahel, the meeting offered an opportunity to reiterate a shared determination to combat terrorism and further strengthen cooperation on matters of security, made all the more urgent in the wake of dramatic developments in Libya and across the region. The initiatives outlined on this occasion will receive additional reinforcement over the coming weeks within the framework of various sector tables. Italy and Algeria agreed to hold frequent meetings on topics of mutual interest and, in particular, on issues related to the struggle against terrorism, not least in light of a bilateral summit to be held within the year.