On 24 November this year, R. Zhoshybayev, the Commissioner of EXPO 2017, went on a working visit to the Algerian People’s Democratic Republic (APDR). During his visit, he met with Ramtane Lamamra, Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Algeria, and Moustapha Chakib Halif, the National Section Commissioner responsible for participation of Algeria in EXPO 2017 and Chargê d’affaires of the Algerian Prime Minister, – reported the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.

During the meeting in the Foreign Ministry, R. Zhoshybayev and R. Lamamra discussed bilateral cooperation. They also exchanged opinions on topical international issues. The diplomats noted that Astana and Algeria had similar attitudes regarding the main international and regional problems. The parties confirmed their readiness to establish closer cooperation and provide mutual support when nominated as candidates in international organizations.

Mr. Lamamra noted that EXPO in Astana would promote inflow of new technologies and enhance the image of Kazakhstan on the international arena. The Algerian minister also expressed his hopes that the Summit of the Islamic Cooperation Organization (OCI) on science and technologies held during EXPO-2017 would strengthen cooperation among the OCI countries in the area of sustainable development and energy efficiency.

During the meeting with the Algerian Commissioner, R. Zhoshybayev spoke about the work carried out for organizing the Exhibition, noted the wide Algerian participation in various international exhibitions and the “gold medals” received by the country for the best presentation of the subject in the past EXPO-2010 in Shanghai and EXPO-2015 in Milan.

In turn, M. Halif announced that Algeria plans to hold its National Day at EXPO-2017 on 4 July 2017. The Algerian Commissioner expressed confidence that the suggested theme “Future Energy” will help to solve many global environmental threats and energy lack problems, and EXPO-2017 will become a platform for demonstration of the achievements made by countries from around the world, including Africa, as well as the latest solutions in the field of energy.

According to M. Halif, Algeria adopted a national program for the development of renewable energy. The country plans to increase the share of renewables in the overall energy mix to 27% by 2030. The government has announced plans on commissioning 13.5 GW solar PV capacity by 2030.

By the end of the meeting, R. Zhoshybayev and M. Halif signed the Agreement of Algerian participation in the International Specialized Exhibition EXPO-2017.  Source: KAZINFORM