Hocine Mezoued, the ambassador of Algeria to Nigeria, says the flag-off of the Algiers-Abuja flight by Air Algerie is part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with Nigeria.

Mr Mezoued said this on Sunday in Abuja during the inauguration of the Algiers-Abuja route by the Algerian national flag carrier.

The envoy said Algeria was doing its best to improve intra-African connectivity through its national flag carrier, which has a fleet of 55 aircraft.

“Our compatriots were often forced to travel thousands of kilometres outside the continent to find a connecting flight to Abuja. This new direct flight will open a myriad of economic opportunities for both destinations.

“The business communities and companies will no longer have any reason not to come to Nigeria or Algeria to do business and also to invest. This opens also the way to strengthen exchanges in the fields of tourism and culture. It will certainly give impetus to human and inter-university exchanges between our two countries,” he said.

The envoy said further goals would be achieved to consolidate bilateral relations between both countries in the coming months.

He described the inauguration of the flight as part of the efforts made by both countries to strengthen bilateral relations, especially in the human mobility and economic fields.

Aviation minister Festus Keyamo said the development marked a significant milestone in the growing diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Algeria.

Mr Keyamo said air travel played a vital role in economic development, adding that the introduction of the new Algiers-Abuja route represents a crucial step towards deeper bilateral relations.

The minister said it would highlight both countries’ commitment to working collaboratively to unlock the socio-economic potentials within their borders.

He, therefore, urged Air Algerie to treat Nigerian passengers with dignity and respect as its flight commences operations.

He said that the commencement of the flight operation would bring both countries closer while strengthening bilateral relations.

(NAN)