First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic received, on 24 March 2018, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Algeria, Abdelkader Messahel, who was on an official visit to Serbia.

The two Ministers discussed the bilateral relations between Serbia and Algeria, the possibilities for promoting cooperation and current international and regional issues, such as international terrorism and migration.

Minister Dacic underlined the friendship between the two peoples and cooperation existing for more than 50 years. He recalled the support extended to Algeria by the former Yugoslavia and the participation of its people in the Algerian struggle for independence, including Stevan Labudovic, a Serbian photographer and cameraman, a hero of the Algerian revolution, who passed away at the end of last year. Minister Dacic also drew attention to the role of a statesman and patriot, the late Reda Malek – the first Algerian Ambassador to the SFRY, in the development of bilateral relations between the two countries.

The Serbian Foreign Minister expressed his satisfaction at Algeria's achievements in maintaining political and economic stability, as well as in the fight against terrorism and extremism, in the conditions of global and regional challenges. Such a positive outcome is the result of the policy designed by Algerian President Bouteflika.

Minister Dacic expressed Serbia's particular gratitude for the Algerian principled and consistent position regarding non-recognition of the unilateral declaration of independence of so-called "Kosovo" and the respect of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Serbia.

During the talks, possibilities were explored for enhancing relations in all areas of common interest, with particular emphasis on the economic cooperation expected to intensify through direct contacts between economic agents. Both sides noted the importance of successful defence cooperation. The convening of the Joint Committee meeting was announced for the period ahead, as well as other high-level visits.
In separate meetings, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdelkader Messahel had talks with Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade, Tourism and telecommunications Rasim Ljajic.

The visit included the ceremony of signing the Memorandum of Understanding in the Areas of Environment, Sustainable Development and Renewable Energy, signed by Minister of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia Goran Trivan, and the Algerian Minister, and of the Programme of Cooperation in the Field of Youth and Sports, signed by Minister Dacic and Minister Messahel.