ALGIERS (Agencies) --President Ahmadinejad arrived in Algiers on Monday upon an official invitation from his Algerian counterpart for a 2-day visit. This is the first visit of President Ahmadinejad to Algeria and the second visit of an Iranian president to the country.

Ahmadinejad discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues with the Algerian top officials.
He was accompanied by Iranian foreign minister, culture minister and senior presidential advisor Mojtaba Samareh Hashemi.
Iranian president began talks with his Algerian counterpart Abdelaziz Bouteflika immediately after his arrival, IRNA reported.
In a separate meeting with Algerian Prime Minister Abdelaziz Belkhadem in which Iran's high-ranking delegation was also present, the two sides discussed the latest developments in bilateral ties and the ways to expand them.
Ahmadinejad also held talks with Algerian National People Assembly Speaker Abdelaziz Ziari.
“We have come to Algeria to strengthen relations between Tehran and Algiers and remove the hurdles,” the Iranian president told Ziari.
“In Algeria we feel at home,” ISNA quoted Ahmadinejad as saying.
The two countries' foreign ministers also held a separate meeting on Monday.
Iran's Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki and Algerian Foreign Minister Mourad Medelci discussed issues of mutual interests.
Analysts have called the visit a 'turning point' in Iran-Algeria bilateral ties, especially for the implementation of the agreements already signed.
Since 2000, Iran and Algeria have signed 33 agreements on cultural, political and economic cooperation.
Algeria has been Iran’s main supporter in its nuclear standoff with the West.
As two oil and gas-rich countries Iran and Algeria have many avenues for cooperation in energy field