German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle who began a three-nation tour of North Africa Saturday, held official talks with his Algerian counterpart Mourad Medelci. Westerwelle said his talks with Medelci focused on "economic opportunities" and other issues of mutual interest. The German minister said he was glad that Algeria was allowing international observers to monitor a general election to be held in April. "This is a strong sign for transparency," he told a press conference. Westerwelle is on a three-day tour of Algeria, Libya and Tunisia. His visit is aimed at boosting Germany's trade with North Africa. He will also meet Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia, Industry Minister Mohammed Benmeradi and local business leaders, according to a report of the German Press Agency "DPA".
