(ANSA) - TUNIS - German chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday began a two-day visit to Algeria, a statement issued by the Algerian president's office reported. The talks between Merkel and President Abdelaziz Bouteflika are expected to involve an exchange of views especially as concerns relations between Algeria and the European Union, as well as on the situation in North Africa, the Sahel and the Middle East. Merkel's visit is also expected to contribute to cooperation, the partnership between the two countries and exchanges between Algeria and Germany, the statement said. She will be meeting with Bouteflika as well as the prime minister and other members of the government. Migration, counterterrorism efforts and economic cooperation will be at the center of the talks. Merkel's visit will be happen at the same time as the 6th session of the Algerian-German Cooperation Commission and a forum of businessmen from the two countries. The chancellor will be on an official visit to Tunis on March 3, Tunisian Union of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (UTICA) chief Wided Bouchamamoui announced on Saturday during a meeting with editors from the media. Prime Minister Youssef Chahed had visited Germany on February 13-15. (ANSA).