YEREVAN. – Algeria's newly appointed Ambassador to Armenia Smail Chergui on Thursday handed over the copies of his credentials to Foreign Minister Edward Nalbadnian.

Minister Nalbandian wished the Ambassador success in his high mission and expressed hope that the Ambassador will contribute to the strengthening and development of relations between the two countries.

In turn, Ambassador Chergui noted Algeria appreciates the traditional friendly relations with Armenia and is interested in their expansion.

The sides discussed issues related to the development of bilateral relations, cooperation within international agencies, formation of legal field, expanding trade and economic cooperation.

The parties touched upon international and regional challenges, in particularl the situation in the Middle East.