Joint Communiqué on the U.S.-Algeria Strategic Dialogue

Joint Communiqué on the U.S.-Algeria Strategic Dialogue

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

April 8, 2015

The following is a joint communiqué by the governments of Algeria and the United States following today’s Strategic Dialogue.

Begin text:

The United States and Algeria convened the third session of the Strategic Dialogue on April 8, 2015, with Secretary of State John Kerry and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ramtane Lamamra chairing their respective delegations.

The two sides engaged in a wide-ranging discussion of the future of the U.S.-Algeria relationship.

The two governments agreed to work together to promote regional security, combat terrorism, increase information sharing, advance nonproliferation, and coordinate programs to build the capacity of regional partners. The United States is grateful for Algeria’s role in promoting peaceful solutions to regional conflicts, including Algeria’s mediation of an agreement between the Government of Mali and northern armed groups and its support of UN Special Representative of the Secretary General Bernadino Leon’s efforts in Libya. The United States and Algeria agreed that a national unity government in Libya is essential to defeat terrorist threats in the region. Algeria reaffirmed its commitment to hold a summit on de-radicalization as a follow-on to the 19 February Ministerial Meeting of the White House Summit to Counter Violent Extremism. The United States and Algeria pledged to continue their work together, including through the Global Counterterrorism Forum, on the action agenda outlined during the Ministerial in advance of the leaders’ summit against violent extremism on the margins of the UN General Assembly in September.

The two governments agreed to deepen their economic and commercial relationship. The United States supports Algeria’s efforts to diversify its economy and invite more foreign investment, as well as the development of Algeria’s energy sector, including renewable energy technologies and non-traditional hydrocarbons. The United States also continues to support Algeria’s efforts to join the World Trade Organization. Both sides emphasized their strong support for continued business-to-business engagement and exchange of expertise.

The governments also agreed to review ways to increase educational exchanges and encourage Algerian students to study in the United States, to include expanded English language learning opportunities for Algerian young people, and a commitment to pursue recognition of U.S. higher education degrees. Both sides renewed their commitment to open an International American School in Algiers in September 2016.

The delegations expressed support for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2152, including the commitment to assist the parties to achieve a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in the context of arrangements consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, noting the role and responsibilities of the parties in this respect.

Foreign Minister Lamamra and Secretary of State Kerry emphasized their commitment to the important relationship between the United States and Algeria and pledged to expand, deepen, and broaden political, economic, security, and commercial cooperation. Algeria expressed its gratitude to the United States for hosting the third U.S.-Algerian Strategic Dialogue. Each side looks forward to continuing consultations on the topics discussed in each working group, and agreed to another session in Algiers next year.

ENDS

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