ALGIERS, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Thursday has conducted a cabinet reshuffle, in a government led by newly appointed Prime Minister Abdelmadjid Tebboune, a statement of the President Office said.
As many as 13 ministers have left their positions, ten others were maintained, while six new members have joined the cabinet.
Algerian energy and finance ministers were replaced in the reshuffle.
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.
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.
