Algeria and Tunisia have launched an effort to bolster defense cooperation, reported the Middle East Newsline (MENL) on Thursday.
The talks were held over the weekend by delegations of the two North African countries. The delegations were headed by the foreign ministers of Algeria and Tunisia, who met in Tunis on Saturday.
Arab diplomatic sources said a series of meetings between the two countries were planned over the next few weeks, said MENL.
Tunisian Defense Minister Dali Jazi was scheduled to arrive in Algiers to advance the prospects of military cooperation.
Few details were disclosed, said the news service, but sources said the most likely prospect for defense cooperation was the exchange of military visits, joint exercises and training.
The chances of joint weapons projects or procurement appeared remote, the sources said.
Algeria's military is based on Soviet weapons while Tunisia has relied on European and US suppliers.
Last year, Algeria launched defense cooperation with Tunisia during the visit to Tunis last year by Algerian Chief of Staff Gen. Mohammed Amary, said MENL - Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
