N. KOTZIAS: Algeria is one of the most important countries on the Mediterranean. It is the largest country in area, with a growing population and dynamic economy. It is a major exporter, with good exports of natural gas and oil to Greece. It is a country with which we have traditionally friendly relations. We came to intensify these relations and to prepare a visit of the Prime Minister, as well as the Algerian Foreign Minister's upcoming visit to Greece. We talked about the region's problems, and don't forget that the two countries, in different ways, are neighbours with Libya and have a direct interest in the developments in Syria. We discussed the regional problems and ascertained a considerable coincidence of views on a number of these. We agreed to develop our relationship both with regard to the Foreign Ministries, through our specialized Directorates and the Diplomatic Academy, and with regard to the sectors of other Ministries as well as enterprises. Moreover, we will prepare to hold a business forum, as well as a Joint Interministerial Committee for the discussion of further development of our economic relations. I think it was a successful trip and promotes our relations with this important Mediterranean country. Greece imports 20% of the natural gas it consumes from Algeria, and as a result we have a very positive experience from our cooperation in the energy sector. Greece can develop into an energy hub. The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), which comes from Azerbaijan, will pass through Greece, while we also have two natural gas liquefaction terminals – one close to Athens, and the other in northern Greece. We are also planning, together with the other countries of the eastern Mediterranean, to exploit the natural gas that was discovered in the region last year. The Minister and I also talked about our cooperation on other types of energy, such as photovoltaics and other forms of solar energy. As you know – and you know this better than I – Algeria is a country where the sun shines all through the year, and we should use the potential offered by constant sunlight, so we also talked about cooperation between Algeria and companies specializing in this sector.
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