Raul Castro expected in Algeria

The Head of State of Cuba Raul Castro is expected Saturday in Algeria for a state visit of three days, according to the Algerian presidency.

•     The visit of Mr. Castro, who is invited by the Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, « reflects the quality of the historical relations of friendship and solidarity between Algeria and Cuba, » said the presidency in a statement quoted by Algerian press agency APS.
  
     During the visit, both parties should discuss of « strengthening bilateral cooperation in recent years, an considerable change, » added the same source.
  
      The two heads of state will also hold an « exchange of views on regional and international issues of common interest », according to the release.
  
      The two countries have maintained diplomatic relations since 1962, date of Algeria's independence.
  
      Fidel Castro had visited seven times this country the last time was in May 2001 for a two-day visit.
  
      Recovering from an operation he had received in September 2007 in Havana « his friend and ally » Mr. Bouteflika, who came to attend a summit of Non Aligned Movement, a movement founded durind the Cold War as an alternative to the blocks of Communist East and capitalist West.
      
  Ennaharonline/ AFP