General Saïd CHANEGRIHA, Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army received in audience, this Wednesday February 8, 2023, at the headquarters of the People’s National Army, General Michael LANGLEY, Command of the United States Military Command in Africa (AFRICOM), who is visiting Algeria at the head of an important military delegation.
The welcoming ceremony started with the salute of the national flag, followed by the military salute presented to the host by a military formation, representing the different Forces of the People’s National Army.
During this meeting, attended by the Secretary General of the Ministry of National Defence, the Commanders of the Forces and the National Gendarmerie, the Head of the Employment-Preparation Department of the People’s National Army Staff, the Directors General of the Security Services and the Central Directors of the Ministry of National Defence and the People’s National Army Staff, as well as the members of the American delegation, the two parties discussed the security challenges facing the African continent, exchanged views on issues of common interest and examined ways to strengthen military cooperation relations between the two countries.
On this occasion, the Army General delivered an address, in which he first welcomed the host delegation, stressing that this “visit is an opportunity for both parties to reaffirm their commitment to expand together the areas of bilateral military cooperation”.
“This visit is an opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to broaden the areas of our military cooperation and to address, with pragmatism and objectivity, the issues of common interest in the region,” said the Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army, adding in this regard that “the security context prevailing on the international scene is marked by the emergence of armed conflicts and the worsening of crises and tensions”.
“This situation has resulted in the disruption of the existing world order, which requires, more than ever, the mobilization of all actors to engage in a new vision of international law that is more equitable and guarantees stability, development and prosperity for all peoples without distinction,” he added.
The Army General highlighted, on this opportunity, “the quality” of the bilateral military cooperation and “the level reached”, reflected through the various activities carried out in the framework of the exchange of expertise.
“Regarding bilateral military cooperation, I would like to highlight the quality and the level reached by our bilateral cooperation, reflected in the various activities carried out in the framework of the exchange of expertise on terrorism, as well as the training of People’s National Army personnel and technical assistance,” he said.
“I would like, on this occasion, to reiterate the full readiness of the High Command of the National People’s Army to further develop the areas of bilateral military cooperation, especially since the military dialogue, launched in 2005, holds very ambitious objectives in this field,” said Mr. Said Chanegriha.
He also reiterated that Algeria is “extremely committed to the principle of non-alignment” and maintains, in the framework of its interests, “military and economic relations with many friendly countries”, while stressing its “willingness” to establish cooperation that meets the aspirations of both parties.
“I would like to underline, on this occasion that Algeria is extremely committed to the non-alignment principle and is proud of its history, made of glories and great achievements.
Our country, which pays attention to the respect of its independence and its sovereign decisions, maintains, within the framework of its interests, military and economic relations with many friendly countries, such as the United States of America”, pointed out the Army General.
“In conclusion, I would like to reiterate our commitment to establishing cooperation that meets the aspirations of our two institutions, insofar as our two countries are committed to improving the security of the African continent and are in a position to provide aid and assistance to certain countries that need it in order to carry out the regalian duties of their States, particularly when it comes to peace and security,” he said.
On his part, the AFRICOM Commander expressed his feelings of “joy” for this visit to Algeria, and to discuss with the People’s National Army High Command the different security issues on the international and regional scene, underlining the “mutual understanding” on some regional issues and the “potential of both parties to develop their cooperation,” the statement said.
At the end of the meeting, both parties exchanged symbolic gifts, before General Michael Langley signed the Golden Book of the ANP Staff, concluded the communiqué of the Ministry of National Defence.
