ALGIERS, Oct 27, 2011 (AFP) - Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and his visiting counterpart from Mali, Amadou Toumani Toure, on Thursday said they would cooperate with the new Libyan authorities and called for peace there.
Bouteflika and Toure expressed their "readiness to cooperate with the new Libyan authorities" - whom they described as "brothers" - "in the mutual interest of their peoples and as a contribution to the strengthening of peace, security and stability in the whole region," a joint statement said when Toure left.
The two heads of state "joined in their wishes for a rapid settlement of the crisis in this country, in line with the aspirations of the Libyan people, and respect for unity, integrity and sovereignty," the text said, according to the APS news agency.
Last week, Algeria was urged by Britain and other foreign powers to cooperate with the Libyan authorities whose forces toppled and killed ousted leader Moamer Kadhafi over members of Kadhafi's family who have fled to Algeria and sought refuge there during the fighting.
Kadhafi's daughter Aisha fled to Algeria late in August with her brother Hannibal, their mother Safiya -- Kadhafi's second wife -- and his eldest son Mohammed. Aisha has since given birth to a baby girl.
Algeria has thus far given them refuge.
Toure's four-day visit to Algeria was notably marked by the signing of plans for cooperation in several domains, ranging from energy and mines to water management and public works.
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