Visiting Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Monday held talks with his Algerian counterpart Abdelaziz Bouteflika. The two leaders focused on bilateral partnership and prevailing regional and international issues during their meeting.

Al-Bashir also held talks with Algerian Prime Minister, Abdelmalek Sellal. Later on the two leaders attended the Algerian-Sudanese business forum held in Algiers.

In his opening speech, Al-Bashir hailed "coherent and strong" Algerian-Sudanese political relations, especially since President Bouteflika came to power in 1999.

He announced an agreement for opening a seaway and a direct air line between the two countries, in a bid to facilitate the movement of businessmen and investors.

The Sudanese president also encouraged more Algerians to invest in Sudan in the fields of agriculture and minerals, and assured that they would be provided with "special care" in particular with regard to administrative and fiscal facilities.

Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal said in his opening remarks that "Sudan is an important partner for Algeria, saying "Algeria is working to enhance cooperation with Sudan to achieve the aspirations and ambitions of the people of the two nations."

He pointed out that economic cooperation forum is part the "political will" of the leaders of the two countries to develop the bilateral relations in various fields, adding that the visit of the Sudanese president "reflects the depth of ties and a shared destiny."