IYA-2009 Transcending Borders For a "Maghreb of the Peoples”

"Sirius has done more to abolish borders than entire Ministries !"

Our association linking to two large Tunisian associations is a bright example of regional cooperation through common action. We were indeed able during 2009 to establish strong links with the two large Tunisian Astronomy Associations, namely the Tunisian Astronomical Society (SAT) and the national Association Jeunes-Science, and we involved them in all of our large activities. In return, we participated with strong delegations to their most significant 2009 gatherings.
In view of the very average relationship between our two countries at the official level, there are very little cultural exchanges between them and a lack of incentive to initiate such exchanges. In fact, there is no regular public transportation between our two countries and all the travelling has to take place through illegal although tolerated taxis unless one travels by air, an expensive mean of transportation, especially when the only route is between the two capitals Algiers and Tunis. Now from Constantine, Algiers is farther than Tunis in land distance!
Our exemplary relationship with the Tunisian astronomy associations resulted in many cross border exchanges throughout the year 2009. This crisscrossing of the common borders between our two countries will grow stronger in the future, and that is one way of breaking artificial frontiers and creating brotherly links, as well as a step towards building a “Maghreb of the Peoples”, as opposed to a “Maghreb of the governments” exposed to the hazards of their fluctuating relationships.