ALGIERS, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Algerian new Prime Minister, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, on Thursday revealed priorities of his cabinet, as he indicated that he will work to boost economy in a bid to curb the North African nation's dependence on hydrocarbons.
"The top priority is to reconvert our economy, which was initiated by my predecessor, Abdelmalek Sellal," Tebboune told reporters upon the end of the official handover ceremony with former prime minister Sellal.
Tebboune stressed that "economic reconversion is necessary and urgent to ensure that our country would no longer depend on fluctuations in hydrocarbon prices."
"Our goal is to reach healthier and more balanced economy, where the private sector would have key role," he noted.
"The new cabinet will continue the mission of total eradication of housing crisis, support education and health care," he added.
Tebboune further indicated that due to the financial difficulties facing Algeria, the government is forced to reorient certain financial resources to other priorities set by the President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
Tebboune, also thanked the President of the Republic for his "confidence in the new cabinet," saying "my predecessor has done an excellent and successful job under very difficult conditions."
Tebboune was appointed Prime Minister by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Wednesday, in replacement of Abdelmalek Sellal.
On Thursday Bouteflika conducted a cabinet reshuffle as 13 ministers have left their positions, ten others were maintained, while six new members have joined the team.
