US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, described, Wednesday in Algiers, the Algerian-US relations as “solid”, stressing his country’s desire to deepen economic, educational and cultural ties and enhance security cooperation.
In this regard, Antony Blinken stressed that the United States and Algeria have long-standing relations, dating back to 1795, considering that these bilateral relations are in continuous prosperity, adding that cooperation in the field of security and the fight against terrorism remains the “cornerstone” of the relations between the two countries. He also stressed that “Algeria’s efforts are very important to improve stability and security in the region.”
In this context, the US official added that Algeria still plays an “important role” with regard to stability in Mali, praising its efforts in the peaceful settlement of the conflict in the region, especially in Libya, where it is endeavoring under the aegis of the United Nations in favor of a political solution and the organization of presidential elections as soon as possible.
With regard to the Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara, the US Secretary of State reiterated his support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s envoy for the region, Staffan de Mistura, to activate the political process sponsored by the United Nations, with a view to achieving a lasting solution to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for the Sahrawi people and the entire region.
Antony Blinken also expressed his “satisfaction” and “pride” for choosing his country as a “guest of honor” for the next edition of the Algiers International Fair scheduled for next June.
During a meeting held at the US Embassy in Algiers with the representatives of the companies invited to participate in this event, Mr. Blinken called on these officials to strengthen economic ties with Algeria by seeking investment opportunities and encouraging the transfer of technological skills and the training of the local workforce.
The US Secretary of State stressed that many American companies seek to invest in Algeria and that the existing companies provide jobs in several fields, adding that his country’s participation as a guest of honor in this year’s International Fair, considered the largest trade fair of this kind in Africa, “reflects Algeria’s interest in American products and technology.”
As for the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, Blinken confirmed that Algeria and the United States had consultations on the risks related to the Covid-19 virus, recalling that his country had provided Algeria with more than 600,000 vaccine doses during the past year through the “Covax” initiative.
