Algeria cancels Merkel's visit due to President Bouteflika's acute illness

The Algerian presidency has announced that the official visit by German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been postponed due to what they described as the “temporary unavailability” of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

The statement released today disclosed that the President was suffering from “acute bronchitis,” the reason why he was unable to meet with the German Chancellor.

“The Algerian and German authorities have today agreed, by mutual agreement, the postponement of the official visit to Algeria by Her Excellency Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.

“This postponement is due to the fact that His Excellency Mr. Abdelaziz Bouteflika, President of the Republic, who is at his residence in Algiers, is temporarily unavailable because of acute bronchitis.”

The statement added that the visit will be scheduled again at a date agreed upon by both parties. Merkel was expected to hold talks bordering on security, immigration and economic cooperation with Bouteflika.

The situation in Libya was also expected to be discussed during the two-day visit. Germany remains concerned about the political and security instability that has rocked Libya since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi.

In addition, Berlin and Algiers want to strengthen their economic cooperation in various sectors. These include agriculture, public works, health, renewable energies and environmental protection.