AFRICOM gives impetus to bilateral relations

May 31, 2011

AFRICOM gives impetus to bilateral relations (US Embassy Photo)

As part of the growing security cooperation between the United States and Algeria, Commander of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) General Carter F. Ham arrived in Algiers on May 31 for a two-day official visit. During his visit, General Ham held talks with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Minister Delegate for Maghreb and African Affairs Abdelkader Messahel, Minister Delegate for National Defense Abdelmalek Guenaizia, and Presidential Advisor Kamel Rezzag-Bara on strengthening bilateral military cooperation as well as regional and continental issues of common interest.  General Ham and his hosts extensively discussed the situation in Libya and ways to control the flow of arms across borders.  All agreed that international efforts were vital to ensuring regional stability, and reaffirmed their commitment to broadening partnership.  General Ham was especially grateful to be invited by President Bouteflika personally to return for a longer visit in the near future.