UIC Director General François Davenne visited SNTF and ANESRIF in Algiers on 9 and 10 May. The two-day meeting included a discussion on bilateral cooperation between UIC and SNTF and ANESRIF. Focusing on the priority issues of telecoms, rolling stock maintenance and silting, SNTF Director General Karim Ayache noted the importance of implementing effective cooperation, an exchange platform and a strategy for development. His comments were supported by Mr Davenne, who highlighted the UIC centenary as a symbolic and important moment for the association and stressed the urgent need to identify common topics for regional projects and return of experience. ANESRIF Director General Azzedine Fridi emphasised the importance for ANESRIF of its role as an active member of UIC.

Christian Chavanel, Director of the UIC Railway System Department, and Alain Scherrer, UIC Senior Advisor for Rolling Stock, participated in a two-day workshop on rolling stock maintenance.

UIC visited the ROUIBA locomotive heavy maintenance workshop to see qualified and motivated teams working on ambitious projects for the transformation and repair of rolling stock and important parts such as thermal and electric engines and electronic equipment, which will enable SNTF to become a reference in the field of rolling stock maintenance in Africa.