Algeria, Portugal Discuss Illegal Migration, Libyan Crisis

The Portuguese president receives his Algerian counterpart upon his arrival at the presidential palace in Lisbon. (AFP)
The Portuguese president receives his Algerian counterpart upon his arrival at the presidential palace in Lisbon. (AFP)
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Algeria, Portugal Discuss Illegal Migration, Libyan Crisis

The Portuguese president receives his Algerian counterpart upon his arrival at the presidential palace in Lisbon. (AFP)
The Portuguese president receives his Algerian counterpart upon his arrival at the presidential palace in Lisbon. (AFP)

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune held talks in Lisbon on Tuesday with his Portuguese counterpart Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

The discussions focused on developing bilateral and economic cooperation, and confronting illegal migration and terrorism in the Mediterranean region.

The Portuguese presidency said Tebboune’s visit, which kicked off on Monday, was part of efforts to “deepen the excellent bilateral ties” between their countries.

After meeting at the presidential palace, Tebboune told the press that he thoroughly discussed with his Portuguese counterpart “the situation in Libya, Mali, the Sahel, Western Sahara, and Palestinian territories, as well as what is happening between Ukraine and Russia, two friendly countries.”

He further hoped that the bilateral ties would achieve a leap in all fields, even sports.

Tebboune described the talks as “fruitful, open and honest”, adding that they highlighted the depth of the political relations and will strengthen regular political consultations, reflecting the multifaceted partnership between the two countries.

For his part, the Portuguese president said the visit will promote economic cooperation, including in renewable energy, tourism, and education, adding that it will pave the way for a new chapter of cooperation in diplomatic fields and national security.

He reiterated his country’s firm stance against terrorism and illegal migration, underlining the need for cooperation with Europe against these phenomena.

Tebboune is accompanied on his three-day visit by several businessmen who will take part in Algerian-Portuguese business forum that will be held during the trip.

The forum will tackle investment opportunities in energy, petrochemical industries, emerging institutions, tourism, and industry.

The delegation also includes the ministers of energy and mining, industry, pharmaceutical industry, trade and export promotion, public works and basic infrastructures, finance, and knowledge economy and startups.

The Algeria Press Service (APS) reported that the leaders of both countries are keen on strengthening their relations in the political and diplomatic fields, as well as boosting economic cooperation.

The Agency highlighted the major role Algeria and Portugal play in the Mediterranean, their cooperation in combating terrorism and illegal migration and consolidating stability in the region. It also noted their shared views on all regional and international issues of interest.



Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.