As part of the cooperation between the Algerian and Japanese governments, the Seismic Engineering Center (CGS) had the privilege of being part of the expert team tasked with developing a guide titled "Evaluation of Existing Buildings Vulnerability Against Seismic Risk."In this capacity, the CGS held working meetings with its Japanese counterparts during their fifth mission dedicated to finalizing the draft guide. This mission spanned four days, from October 5 to October 8, 2026.The meetings took place at the headquarters of the CGS, the National Delegation for Major Risks (DNRM), and the National School of Administration (ENA).At the CGS headquarters, Dr. Hakim Bechtoula, the Center's Director, welcomed Dr. Sakashita and Dr. Akira on October 5, 2026, for a technical visit focused on the progress of the pilot project regarding "seismic retrofitting studies for the building housing the Center's headquarters." The participants also discussed relevant aspects of seismic renovation.The CGS experts who participated in these meetings, led by their Director, are as follows:Drs. Boukri, Remki, Kibboua, Kehila, Bencharif, Ait Belkacem, Yousfi, and Nekmouche. 

The participants gathered on October 10, 2026, at the ENA headquarters for the closing ceremony. On this occasion, Dr. Remki presented a paper titled "Seismic assessment and strengthening of existing reinforced concrete buildings: Algerian guidelines and application of Japanese methods," structured around three key areas:

• Algerian guidelines for the seismic assessment and strengthening of existing mid-rise reinforced concrete buildings;
• case studies applying Japanese seismic assessment and strengthening methods;
• results of the analysis of the CGS pilot building.

The following day, the Japanese experts were welcomed at the CGS earthquake engineering laboratory by the Director, Dr. Bechtoula, and his technical staff. Discussions focused on the challenges of reinforcing existing structures, after which Dr. Bechtoula presented the laboratory's facilities and key achievements.