CES/06/28
Brussels, 22 March 2006
EESC president pays official visit to Algeria Joint Declaration of the Algerian National Economic and Social Council and the EESC
An official visit characterised by high-level meetings with the Algerian authorities culminated in a joint declaration signed by the presidents of the Algerian National Economic and Social Council (CNES) and the EESC
The joint declaration is destined to strengthen bilateral cooperation as well as cooperation under the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership between the CNES and the EESC. In addition, cooperation has also been strengthened between the Union of African Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (UCESA), currently under the presidency of the CNES, and the EESC. The EESC and UCESA have set a meeting in September to lay the foundations for systematic cooperation between the two institutions.
The EESC President, Ms Sigmund, held discussions with the President of the Republic, Mr Bouteflika and met with the Minister for Employment and National Solidarity, Mr Ould Abbas. Bilateral meetings were also held with representatives of the Algerian General Workers' Union (UGTA) and public and private sector employers' associations.
Discussions focused mainly on the implementation of the EU-Algeria Association Agreement and the role of civil society in Euro-Mediterranean cooperation. The social measures needed to accompany economic development were also mentioned.
During a conference attended by 150 representatives of civil society organisations, the EESC President made a statement on the conditions for civil dialogue alongside the support processes for Euro-Mediterranean cooperation.
This was the first visit by an EESC president to Algeria for many years. It forms part of the strong relations that the EESC maintains with civil society in Mediterranean partner countries, which are intended to promote civil society participation in accordance with the Barcelona process and the European Neighbourhood Policy.
For further information please contact: Karel Govaert or Christian Weger, EESC Press Office 99 rue Belliard, B-1040 Brussels Tel.: 02 546 9396/9586; mobile: 0475 753 202 Email: press@eesc.europa.eu
Website: http://eesc.europa.eu/press/index_en.asp
The European Economic and Social Committee represents the various economic and social components of organised civil society. It is an institutional consultative body established by the 1957 Treaty of Rome. Its consultative role enables its members, and hence the organisations they represent, to participate in the Community decision-making process. The Committee has 317 members. Its members are appointed by the Council. 
