Ambassador Baali meets with Assistant Secretary David HeymanOn March 10, 2010 Ambassador Abdallah Baali met with Mr. David Heyman, Assistant Secretary for Policy at the US Department of Homeland Security. Ambassador Baali discussed with Mr. Heyman ways and means to develop bilateral cooperation in the field of aviation security and counter-terrorism as well as issues of common interest.
Ambassador Baali meets with Under Secretary for National Protection and Programs Robert BeersOn March 4, 2010 Ambassador Abdallah Baali met at the Department of Homeland Security with Mr. Robert Beers, Under Secretary for National Protection and Programs. Ambassador Baali discussed with Mr. Beers bilateral relations as well as the cooperation between the two countries in the field of counter-terrorism.
Ambassador Baali meets with Special Assistant to the President Gary Samore
On February 18th Ambassador Abdallah Baali met at the White House with Mr Gary Samore, Special Assistant to the President and National Security Council Coordinator for Arms Control and Non Proliferation. Ambassador Baali discussed with Mr Samore bilateral cooperation in the field of nuclear disarmament and non- proliferation. Mr Baali, who was president of 2000 Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference, offered, on this occasion, his views on the upcoming NPT Review Conference to be held in New York in may 2010.
Ambassador Baali meets with Under Secretary TauscherAmbassador Abdallah Baali met on February 16th at the State Department with Ms Ellen Tauscher, Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security. Ambassador Baali discussed with Under Secretary Tauscher bilateral cooperation in the field of nuclear disarmament and non- proliferation. Mr Baali, who was president of 2000 Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference, offered, on this occasion, his views on the upcoming NPT Review Conference to be held in New York in may 2010.
Ambassador Baali meets with Under Secretary SanchezOn January 26th, Ambassador Abdallah Baali met at the Department of Commerce with Mr. Francisco Sanchez, Designate for Under Secretary of the International Trade Administration. During the meeting, Ambassador Baali and Under Secretary Sanchez reviewed the trade relations between the two countries and discussed ways to further strengthen them in 2010.
They reviewed as well the preparations for the important US trade mission that will visit Algeria mid-February.
Interview of Ambassador Baali in El-Khabar (01/16/2010)
Ambassador Baali meets with Deputy Assistant Secretary WittesOn January 13th, Ambassador Baali met at the State Department with Mrs Tamara Cofman Wittes, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs. This meeting was an occasion for Mr Baali and Mrs Wittes to discuss exchanges and cooperation between the two countries especially within the framework of the Middle East Partnership Program (MEPI ).
Ambassador Baali gives a lecture at the National Defense UniversityOn January 11th Ambassador Baali gave at the National Defense University a lecture on the political and economic situation of Algeria, its foreign policy, its security challenges and its relations with the United States.
Ambassador Baali meets with Deputy Assistant Secretary SandersonOn January 8, 2010, Ambassador Abdallah Baali met at the Department of State with Deputy U.S. Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs, Mrs. Janet Sanderson. During this meeting, Mr. Baali and Mrs. Sanderson reviewed the current state of bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen them in 2010.
Ambassador Baali meets with Attorney General Eric Holder
 On January 7, 2010, Ambassador Abdallah Baali met, at the Department of Justice, with the Attorney General of the United States, the Honorable Eric Holder. This meeting was an occasion for Messrs. Baali and Holder to review the current state of the bilateral cooperation in the judiciary field and to examine ways to further strengthen it. They also discussed other issues of common interest.
Réaction de l’Ambassadeur suite aux nouvelles mesures américaines de sécurité aérienne Suite aux nouvelles mesures de sécurité aériennes annoncées dans la presse américaine concernant les ressortissants de certains pays, dont le notre, l’Ambassadeur Baali réagit. Ses déclarations sont rapportées par les quotidiens nationaux El Watan et El-Massa ( cliquer ici )
Ambassador Baali reacts to the new air security mesuresThe New York Times of January 5, 2010 reported the reaction of Ambassador Baali regarding the new security mesures, as follows :
The Algerian Ambassador to the United States, Abdallah Baali, said he would file a protest once he was given formal notice of the change. “The United States has the right to protect the security of its citizens,” Mr. Baali said. “But this is discrimination against the citizens of Algeria, who do not pose any particular risk to the people of the United States.”
Ambassador Baali with the Secretary of State Ms Hillary Clinton at the Holidays reception (12/15/2009)
Ambassador Baali meets with Assistant Secretary SchwartzOn December 11, 2009, Ambassador Abdallah Baali met at the State Department with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration, Mr. Eric Schwartz. Messrs. Baali and Schwartz discussed during this meeting bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common interest.
Ambassador Baali meets with Senator Russ FeingoldOn December 2nd, 2009, Ambassador Abdallah Baali met with Senator Feingold, Chairman of the Subcommittee on African Affairs (Senate Committee on Foreign Relations). During this meeting, Messrs. Baali and Feingold discussed bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common interest.
Presentation by Ambassador Baali on “Algeria’s Foreign Policy” at George Mason University
In the framework of speeches and conferences he has been giving at universities in the United States, Ambassador Abdallah Baali gave a presentation on November 30, 2009, at George Mason University, on the topic of “Algeria’s Foreign Policy”.
Ambassador Abdallah Baali took part in the Arab-American Annual Gala in Houston, Texas On November 21, 2009, Ambassador Abdallah Baali took part in the Arab-American Annual Gala in Houston, Texas, which was attended by 400 people. On that occasion, Mr. Baali addressed the Arab-American community (see text of the speech, below) and presented a short Algerian documentary (to see the documentary, click on this link ). Ambassador's speech : “ When an Ambassador has the privilege to be in the presence of such a distinguished crowd, it is impossible for him to resist the temptation to make a speech, so guys I guess you are out of luck.
Distinguished Guests,
I am very honored and pleased to attend this grandiose event hosted by the Arab-American community of Houston whom I would like to thank for inviting me and offering me the opportunity to address you tonight.
Let me first tell you how sincerely proud and admirative I am of you, my fellow Arab Americans, for maintaining alive your ancestral roots and our common heritage and for being, at the same time, an integral part of the American nation and for contributing so decisively and successfully to its greatness. Now, if I may, do not bring to your new homeland, the old and new demons of division that have torn the Arab world apart. Focus instead on what unites you, on the difficult challenges that you are still facing in this country and how you can help your brothers and sisters back home build a better future for their children. I am convinced that you can be a model of unity, solidarity, creativity and audacity for the Arab world.
Needless to say, in this regard, that the Algerian-Americans who are a vibrant and fast-growing community fully identify with you and share your interests, concerns and aspirations and that while they remain strongly attached to the land where their fathers were born, they are loyal to the country where they have chosen to live and they are contributing in so many ways to its progress and prosperity. As far as Algeria is concerned, I am aware that it is not unknown to you. To many in the Arab world and beyond, Algeria often embodies the heroic resistance to the foreign oppressors and in the most recent years, to terrorism, or is simply seen as a rich oil and gas producer. All this is true but there are other facets of Algeria that deserve to be discovered.
The short documentary on Algeria that you have just seen has given you a glimpse on Algeria’s boundless tourism opportunities.
Located at a point where Europe and Africa meet, and as an integral part of the Mediterranean world, Algeria has constantly interacted with the major civilizations of the Mediterranean Basin, in particular the Greek, the Phoenician, the Roman, the Byzantine, the Arabo-Islamic, the Ottoman and the Sub-Saharan African civilizations which have left their imprint not only on the country but also on the psyche of the people.
Today, Algeria is a country that is proud of its Berber roots and its Arab-Islamic heritage open to the rest of the world as it has always been and determined to learn from its past and look forward, intent on building a better future.
After years of hardship and sacrifices, Algeria is now a country at peace, has fully restored its political stability, and is blessed with immense economic and human potentialities. Today it is engaged in a gigantic effort to build a strong and modern economy and has returned to the world stage as a respected and credible actor, fully playing its role at the regional and international levels. The brilliant qualification of Algeria to the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa, where it will represent the Arabs, all the Arabs, is indicative of the renaissance of Algeria and its full return to the world stage.
Over the last five years, Algeria whose foreign currency reserves total now 100 billion dollars, has spent about 200 billion dollars in various infrastructures and development projects and is now committed to spend an additional 150 billion dollars in similar projects during the next five years. Therefore, doing business in Algeria could be very lucrative. This is why Algeria is the largest trading partner of the US in North Africa, the second in Africa and the Arab world and the second Arab recipient of US investments in the hydrocarbon sector. On the other hand, the US has become the largest trading partner of Algeria.
It is our ambition to create a closer, stronger and mutually profitable partnership with the United States and the Arab-American community can and should, in this regard, play an active role in such an endeavor”.
Message from Ambassador Baali to the participants in the Conference on Business Opportunities in Public WorksAlgiers, November 18, 2009 Mr.Chairman,
Honorable participants,
As you begin these conference proceedings, I would like to extend to you all my encouragements and to express the wish to see this meeting opening the way for useful exchanges and promising prospects of cooperation between Algerian and American corporations in the public works sector.
The significant presence of major American corporations known for their know-how and their experience in the area of construction and water resources at the Algiers Exhibit and their participation in this conference that the Embassy of Algeria is proud to organize with the USABC under the leadership of Dr. Smaïl Chikhoune are testimony to the increasing interest that the American private sector has been showing for Algeria in non-hydrocarbon areas and, more particularly, the strategic sector of public works, now experiencing unprecedented development.
Aware in these times of crisis and recession of the considerable opportunities, which Algeria offers in various economic sectors and which are equally fostered by a business climate particularly favorable to investments and by the continued implementation by the State of its ambitious development plan, which aims to equip the country with quality infrastructures and to put in place an efficient and modern industrial base, American entrepreneurs can establish with their Algerian counterparts partnerships that are mutually beneficial and likely to further boost cooperation between the two countries.
I hope once again that this conference will be a useful framework for you to get to know one another, establish contacts and, obviously, take advantage of the investment and business opportunities that may be available to you.
I could not conclude this brief message without extending my thanks to the Honorable Ministers and to their collaborators for their availability and their support of this conference, and without wishing full success to all the participants.
Ambassador Baali meets with Assistant Secretary Feltman
On November 13, 2009, Ambassador Abdallah Baali met at the State Department with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Mr.Jeffrey Feltman. During this meeting, Messrs. Baali and Feltman reviewed the current state of bilateral relations and examined ways to further strengthen them. The meeting was also an occasion to discuss regional and international issues of common interest.
Dinner in honor of Congressional Chiefs of Staff
On November 9, 2009, Ambassador Abdallah Baali hosted for dinner the Chiefs of Staff Association of the US House of Representatives.
Additionally to the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Association, numerous chiefs of staff of members of Congress of both parties attended this dinner, giving Ambassador Baali the opportunity to recall the progress achieved by Algeria in various areas as well as the relations between Algeria and the United States of America, namely between the parliaments of both countries.
Presentations to graduate and undergraduate students at Harvard University
Ambassador Abdallah Baali was guest speaker on October 29, 2009, at the Harvard Kennedy School where he made one presentation on “The Use of Power in International Relations” and another one devoted to “President Obama’s Foreign Policy and Algerian Foreign Policy”. The lectures, attended by graduate and undergraduate students at the Kennedy School of Government, were followed by a session of questions and answers.
Keynote speaker on Christian-Muslim dialogue at Merrimack College, North Andover, MA
Panel on “Arms Control and Nuclear Disarmament” at GWU
On October 22, 2009, the Ambassador of Algeria, H.E. Abdallah Baali, was a member of a panel discussing “Arms Control and Nuclear Disarmament” at the Elliot School of International Affairs at George Washington University.
Ambassador Baali meets with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Michael H. Posner
On October 21, 2009, H. E. Abdallah Baali, Ambassador of Algeria to the United States of America, met at the U.S. State Department with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Michael H. Posner. Their discussions dealt namely with the United Nations and the issue of human rights as well as with the progress achieved by Algeria in the same area.
Message de Son Excellence Abdallah Baali, Ambassadeur d’Algérie à Washington aux participants à la Conférence sur les Start UpAlger 19 Octobre 2009 C’est pour moi un agréable honneur que de m’adresser à vos assises pour vous faire part de mon soutien et de mes encouragements à l’occasion de la tenue de cette conférence qui constitue le premier jalon d’un processus qui permettra à nos jeunes entrepreneurs de se familiariser avec les nouvelles techniques en matière de management et d’élaboration de business plans qui ont cours aux Etats-Unis et de créer ainsi une synergie entre nos talents et compétences résidant à Silicon Valley et ceux établis en Algérie. Ce processus qui se prolongera sur plusieurs mois débouchera, nous en sommes convaincus, sur la consécration de quelques jeunes entrepreneurs qui pourront se lancer dans la création de Start Up dans ce secteur si prometteur qu’est celui des technologies de l’information et de la communication (TIC).
Cette conférence n’aurait pu se tenir sans l’appui et l’assistance de M. le Ministre de la Poste et des Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication, et de M. le Ministre de la Solidarité Nationale et de la Communauté Nationale à l’Etranger et de leurs collaborateurs qui ont droit à toute notre reconnaissance. Elle n’aurait pas pu non plus se tenir sans le dévouement et la détermination de M. Yacine Rahmoune qui a conçu, développé et porté à bout de bras ce projet jusqu’à sa conclusion. Qu’il en soit remercié et que le soient également tous les chefs d’entreprise algériens ou américains qui ont fait le déplacement d’Alger pour partager leur savoir et leur expérience avec nos jeunes entrepreneurs.
Je conclurai en souhaitant plein succès à vos travaux.
Meeting with Mr. Daniel B. Shapiro, Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa at the National Security Council On October 14, 2009, Ambassador Abdallah Baali met with Mr. Daniel B. Shapiro, Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa at the National Security Council. The meeting was an occasion to review the current state of the Algerian-American relations, to discuss ways to further strengthen them and to exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Address by H.E. Abdallah Baali at the USABC Dinner given in honor of H.E. Chakib Khelil, Algerian Minister of Energy and Mining, on October 14, 2009 Mr. Minister, Dr. Smail Chikhoune Distinguished guests, I would like first of all, to thank all of you for accepting our invitation and joining us at this event that we are co-hosting with the US-ABC and I am particularly grateful to Minister Chakib Khelil for accepting to be our keynote speaker tonight. But before giving the floor to Minister Khelil who is going to talk about the LNG Conference that is going to take place next year in Oran, let me take a few minutes from your precious time to say a few words about what we have been doing recently to develop the bilateral ties between Algeria and the United States. As I said the first time I addressed you, we have set for ourselves an ambitious agenda and we are confident that if we demonstrate goodwill and dedication, we will translate this agenda into reality. On the political front, the Algerian-American dialogue and consultation has increased, expanded and improved with meetings taking place between high officials from both countries on a very wide range of issues. In the economic field, we have been actively implementing a series of ambitious and forward-looking programs and actions to create the conditions for a better understanding of the economic realities and opportunities that exist in Algeria. In these times of crisis and recession, my country’s healthy economic performance and promising outlook added to the great variety of opportunities, offer excellent and attractive possibilities for American entrepreneurs willing to partner with Algerian counterparts, public or private, and make good and profitable business. In this regard, American companies in the field of water resources are expected in Algeria in mid-November and a Department of Commerce-led trade mission should visit the country at the end of February 2010. These will be followed three months later by another trade and investment mission led by the Algeria Embassy in Washington and the US-ABC. Currently, our two governments are working on finalizing a number of agreements that would create better conditions and a more propitious environment enabling Algerian and US citizens in general, and the business communities of both countries in particular, to work, travel and contribute to the development of our bilateral ties. Today, I am pleased to announce that by the end of this month, we will be signing here, in Washington, an agreement which will make it possible for our two countries to grant visas for up to 2 years to tourists, officials, students and businessmen. By the end of the year, we will also sign here in Washington and Algiers, a customs agreement as well as an agreement on mutual legal assistance. The Algerian and US Governments are in full agreement of the contents of these accords and we are now making arrangements for the signature of these two important pieces of legislation. As far as the Open Skies agreement is concerned, our discussions are continuing and we do hope to find in the coming months the answers to the issues that have impeded the conclusion of our work. Now, it is not only the governments that are working to develop ties between Algeria and the US. Some Algerians and US citizens have embarked on a very ambitious and laudable project when they created on the 4 and 5 July 2009 a Foundation called the Algerian-American Foundation for Culture, Education, Science and Technology. This non-profit American NGO which I fully support intends to fund and carry out programs and concrete projects in its fields of competence in the US and in Algeria. Furthermore, many Algerian and US academic researchers and experts have volunteered to contribute to the development of science and technology in Algeria, through different programs including video conferences. They must be praised for their initiatives and they deserve our full support and gratitude. These are, ladies and gentlemen, some of the actions that have come to fruition. There is certainly more that Algerians and Americans can do together and we are determined to continue to work, intent on succeeding. I cannot close my remarks without thanking Dr. Smail Chikhoune and Ms. Elizabeth Stewart for their hard work and for making tonight’s event possible and without paying a well deserved tribute to my friend Mr. Don Deline who has been an outstanding Chairman of the US-ABC and whose dedication, hard work and great sense of humor have greatly contributed to the development of the bilateral ties between Algeria and the USA. I will certainly take the opportunity, in the near future, to congratulate his successor, Mr. Paul Mikolashek and wish him every success. Thank you.
Ambassador Baali meets with U.S. State Department Legal Adviser On October 13, 2009, H.E. Abdallah Baali met at the U.S. State Department with Mr. Harold Hongju Koh, the U.S. State Department Legal Adviser, whom he congratulated on his recent appointment to the position. Their meeting covered different issues relating to international law.
Lecture on “The Right to Self-Determination and its Application to Western Sahara” at GWU
Ambassador Abdallah Baali addressed the issue of “The Right to Self-Determination and its Application to Western Sahara” in a lecture delivered at George Washington University on October 12, 2009, before students for a Master in International Relations.
Meeting with the U.S. Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Mr. Daniel Benjamin On October 8, 2009, Ambassador Abdallah Baali met with Mr. Daniel Benjamin, Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the Department of State. The meeting was an occasion to discuss issues related to the cooperation between Algeria and the United States in the field of counterterrorism as well as the situation in the Sahel region.
L’Ambassadeur Baali reçoit le Général Ward au siège de l'Ambassadele 03 septembre 2009
Ambassador Baali’s meeting with the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs
The Ambassador of Algeria to the United States, H.E. Abdallah Baali, met on May 27, 2009, at the US State Department with Mr. Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. Messrs. Baali and Carson reviewed the state of the relations between Algerian and the United States of America and exchanged views on regional and African issues of common interest.
Meeting at the US Department of Commerce with
Ms. Michelle O’Neill On May 27, 2009, Ambassador Abdallah Baali met at the US Department of Commerce with Ms. Michelle O’Neill, Acting Under Secretary for International Trade Administration. Additionally to regional and international issues of common interest, Mr. Baali and Ms. O’Neill examined the current state of the bilateral relations between Algeria and the United States of America and discussed ways and means to strengthen them further. Among various steps considered to that end, the two officials agreed on the organization of a US trade mission to Algeria in Fall 2009.
Congressional activities of Ambassador Baali On May 22, 2009, Ambassador Abdallah Baali met at the US Congress with The Republican Senator from North Carolina Richard Burr, as well as with Republican Congressman from Minnesota John Kline. In their discussions, the Ambassador of Algeria and the members of Congress reviewed the state of the Algerian-American bilateral relations and examined prospects for developing them further. Mr. Baali and the US legislators also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest.
Meeting with Ms. Gavin, NSC’s Senior Director for Africa
On May 8, Ambassador Abdallah Baali met with Ms. Michelle Gavin, Senior Director for Africa at the National Security Council. During the meeting, the Ambassador of Algeria and Ms. Gavin reviewed the state of relations between Algeria and the United States and discussed ways to strengthen further the friendly ties between the two countries. They also exchanged views on regional and African issues of interest to Algeria and the United States.
AMBASSADOR BAALI MEETS WITH CONGRESSWOMAN DIANE WATSON (D-CA) On April 30, 2009, the Ambassador of Algeria, H.E. Abdallah Baali, met on Capitol Hill with Democratic Congresswoman Diane Watson (CA, 33rd District), with whom he reviewed the state of the bilateral relations between Algeria and the United States and examined the ways and means to expand and enhance them. During their meeting, Mr. Baali and the Congresswoman also discussed regional and international issues of common interest to Algeria and the United States of America.
AMBASSADOR ABDALLAH BAALI AT THE MIDDLE EAST INSTITUTE Speaking at a luncheon organized by the Middle East Institute at the Washington Shell Office, this past April 29, 2009, Ambassador Abdallah Baali gave a presentation on the “Economic and Political Developments in Algeria and Prospects for the Algerian-American Relationship”. Mr. Baali discussed the wide array of economic, political and social initiatives and reforms implemented by the Algerian State to ensure the well-being of its citizens, solidify social peace and strengthen the democratic institutions set in place over the past decade. The Ambassador of Algeria also spoke of the promises and potentialities of the long and friendly Algerian-American relation, stressing, among other points, that both governments are eager to foster the establishment of a strong and lasting Algerian-American partnership. After his presentation, in a Q&A session, Mr. Baali answered numerous questions from the audience.
AMBASSADOR BAALI HOLDS MEETINGS WITH CONGRESSEMEN BOOZMAN AND ROHRABACHER
Multiplying his contacts with members of the US Congress, Ambassador Abdallah Baali met separately with Representatives John Boozman (R-AR) on April 22, 2009 and Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) on April 23, 2009. During the meetings, the Ambassador of Algeria and both legislators expressed their satisfaction with the current state of relations between Algeria and the United States and examined ways to enhance and diversify them further. The meetings’ agendas also involved a review of regional and international issues of common interest to both countries.
MEETING WITH THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FELTMAN Ambassador Abdallah Baali met at the State Department on Wednesday, April 22, 2009, with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman, whom he congratulated on his recent appointment to that position. During their meeting, Messrs. Baali and Feltman reviewed the bilateral relations between Algeria and the United States and examined the ways and means to strengthen them further. They also seized that occasion to discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Interview with AlHurrah TV - March 18, 2009  
 
Activities by Ambassador Baali in Chicago
Chicago Welcomes the Honorable Baali Abdallah Ambassador of Algeria to the
United States of America. Full day of activities were planned including a special meeting with The Mayor of Chicago Richard Daley and the Chicago Olympic Committee Director and her staff. Algeria will need to step up to plate and develop a partnership with the windy city said the Mayor. The Ambassador explored the cooperation with academia in Chicago and Algeria and met with Dr. Flaherty Dean of the largest medical campus in the United States. The Dean was extremely positive on opening the door to possible cooperation with Algerian medical schools through fellowship and internships exchanges. Two of key head departments and world known surgeons of the department of Neurosurgery and Orthopedics were among the university of Illinois medical professor who welcomed the Ambassador.
The “Compétence Algérienne à Chicago” organized by Professor Farid Amirouche was in force welcoming the Algerian Ambassador in the afternoon of March 13th. The Ambassador brought cheers and hope for change on how to do business in Washington. “Compétence Algérienne à Chicago” learnt firsthand on some ambitious projects being undertaken by the Ambassador. He outlined all the current changes at the consulate level, website and staff that are helping improve the services and answer the needs of the Algerian community in the US. He was extremely well received and everyone applauded his efforts and they all stand ready to help contribute to the future developments of Algeria. Chicago has never had a visit from an Algerian Ambassador in the past and this was a welcome change.
Algerian-American Relationsand Economic and Political Developments in Algeria
Presentation by
H.E. ABDALLAH BAALI
Ambassador of Algeria to the United States of America
To the
U.S. ARAB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Houston, Texas
March 26, 2009
Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning:
I wish to begin by expressing my thanks and my appreciation to the Branch Office of the National US-Arab Chamber of Commerce for inviting me to speak before such a distinguished audience. I am grateful for the opportunity to discuss the reality of Algeria and the prospects and promises it holds for stronger and more diverse relations between our two countries.
Towards the end of last month, a fairly large group of US executives spent a week in Algeria touring the country and exploring business opportunities. The number of areas open to potential US investors was quite impressive: Infrastructure, water resources, construction, medical facilities, transportation, agriculture, energy, and technology. The list is far from exhaustive; it is almost unlimited.
Such is the face of Algeria today, a country transformed into a huge construction site and where so much is happening. Among a few of the major projects being undertaken or planned to be implemented, 18,000 km of roads, including the 1,200 km-long East-West Highway, 14 water desalination plants, 8 huge dams, 1.5 million new housing units, 19 major hospital centers, new cities, including Hassi Messaoud in the South and a brand new metropolis west of Algiers, the Algiers subway system, and tramway systems in the cities of Algiers, Oran, and Constantine.
Today, I am delighted to be here to speak about Algeria, a country with a bright economic outlook, the promise of strong and genuine democracy, real opportunities for turning the Algerian-American relationship into a strong and durable partnership, and finally, a country that has become a very attractive destination for investors from all over the world.
Barely entering its 47th year as an independent state, Algeria has changed, is changing, and seems set to continue to change in the years ahead. In ten years, Algeria has built more infrastructures, more housing or schools than it did since independence. In ten years, Algeria has forged for itself an international image as a nation that is influential, respectable and even envied.
Known as El Djazair in Arabic and officially as the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, it is the largest country of the Mediterranean region and the second largest in Africa and shares borders with seven countries – Tunisia, Libya, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Western Sahara and Morocco. With a fast growing population of over 34 million, political stability and a growing economy spurred by the recent energy boom and considerable natural resources, Algeria has emerged as one of the most attractive markets in the world for US trade and investment. Many a visitor returning to Algeria, after a decade or so, went back impressed by the progress made, commenting that it is far more impressive than the achievements that many other countries, recipients of foreign aid, have made over much longer periods.
Ladies and gentlemen:
We are all familiar with the “Location, location, location” mantra by which value of real estate is measured. In the instance of Algeria, I would also refer to the same motto and make the claim that location is one of the major assets of my country. By now, it is a well-known fact that Algeria is not only an attractive and growing market; it is also prime real estate in a strategic area of the world. It is a natural geographic, political, economic and cultural link between the African continent, the Maghreb-Middle East region and two free-trade zones within the European Union and the Arab world.
Privileged as it may be, Algeria’s location is not its only asset, however. Given the size of its hydrocarbon sector, Algeria holds important oil reserves and the 7th largest natural gas reserves in the world. Last year, for example, it produced an average of 1.37 million barrels of crude oil per day of which 1.25 million barrels was exported. With such significant export revenues – and major gas reserves – the country has been able to stand on its own feet. In fact, in recent years, we chose to turn away from multilateral financing and, with a few exceptions, no new World Bank loans have been extended to us since 2003. Hydrocarbons have become the main driver of Algeria’s impressive and ongoing economic and human development.
This sounds great, doesn’t it? Well, it is and it is not. It is because, yes, it is great to have all that oil revenue. But, it is not, because we do not want to continue to rely on hydrocarbons alone. Algeria has a lot more to offer in terms of natural resources, renewable energies, human capacities, industrial and road infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, to name but a few sectors of tremendous growth potential. The list goes on and on and on.
This is what we would like not only our European and Asian partners, but, also and in particular, US businesses, to consider and get involved in. We would like for US firms to diversify their interests and increase their footprint in a country that offers potential investors great incentives, advantageous legislation, existing infrastructure, trained manpower, and a wide array of non-hydrocarbon sectors to consider for profitable investment. For instance, growth in the non-hydrocarbon sector, which represents 55 percent of total GDP, reached about 6 percent in 2008.
In addition to the variety of investment incentives it offers, Algeria seeks to foster a better business climate, namely through streamlined administrative procedures, accessibility to real estate, and banking facilities for reflows of business earnings. Furthermore, the Algerian Investment Code, as amended in August 2001, grants a number of fiscal incentives, such as reduced customs duty rate for equipment imported for investment execution, tax-exemption for annual profits, for total income, and exemption from Value-Added Tax on goods and services.
Ladies and gentlemen:
It is almost redundant to speak of the increasingly friendly character of the Algerian-American relationship. It is important nonetheless to underline that the two countries enjoy a mutual confidence that reflects the strong desire of their respective Governments to nurture stronger bilateral ties through the exploration of the opportunities offered to them.
Our two countries share great convergence of views on a wide range of issues of mutual interest. The Algerian-American relationship enjoys a strong economic and political foundation that we wish to consolidate through more significant security and military cooperation, increased dialogue and greater concertation with the goal of establishing a mutually desired strong and durable strategic partnership.
Today, Algeria is the first trading partner of the United States in North Africa and the second in Africa and the Arab world and provides investments conditions that are now better than ever and would allow American businesses to expand rapidly. For the fourth consecutive year, the United States have been Algeria’s top trade customer with a record level of almost $20 billion and were in 4th position among its suppliers. Second recipient after Saudi Arabia of US investments made in the hydrocarbon sector in the Arab world, Algeria is an important and reliable provider of petroleum and liquefied natural gas to the United States. With plans already under way to expand our current share from 5% to 20% of the US market by the Year 2015, Algeria plays an increasingly significant role in ensuring the security of America’s energy supply.
While trade exchanges between our two countries reached about $22 billion last year and are promises to grow even more, they continue to be almost exclusively – and I would add, unfortunately - focused on hydrocarbons, however. This is a state of things that we have been determined to change dramatically by putting forth the enormous potentialities offered by Algeria in terms of resources and market value, on the one hand, and the opportunities for profit and business expansion available to investors, on the other.
Ladies and gentlemen:
Algeria has greatly benefited from its energy sector over the years. It is also eager to use the great many assets that it is endowed with, in its efforts to liberalize and diversify its economy in 1995. With an overall real growth of 4.6% in 2007 (that is, up from 2% the previous year), a per capita GDP at $5,097 in 2008 (compared to $1,623 in 1999), a foreign debt reduced to $623 million in June 2008 from a staggering $30 billion in 1999, the Algerian economy has yielded very encouraging results. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and other international financial institutions have all praised the country’s economic performance. To wit, last year, the IMF issued a report in which it stated that Algeria’s economic performance constituted evidence that the reforms undertaken in recent years are bearing fruit. Apart from the solid growth, between 2000 and 2007, inflation was kept in check at an impressive 2.46% (down from 30% in 1995) despite a relatively minor dose of the higher food prices that have affected countries around the world. In addition, international reserves surpassed the $138.35 billion mark (representing two and a half years of imports) and even after the heavier-than-expected outlays for the year, the Algerian state registered a budget surplus equivalent to 12% of expenditure. Furthermore, additional funds were accumulated in the oil stabilization fund (FRR), which reached 37 percent of GDP.
Even in the face of the challenging international environment, Algeria’s economic outlook remains encouraging. This view was supported by the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund in a report issued on February 27, 2009, where the financial institution stated that “Algeria appears insulated from direct financial contagion given the predominantly public financial sector, minimal external indebtedness, and prudent management of international reserves.”
According to the IMF report as well, Algeria is also making significant progress in its efforts to set the stage for a private sector that can more reliably sustain itself once the current round of public works begins to slow down. To that end, a special emphasis is being placed on elements aimed at boosting private investment by developing protection for investors and more efficient means of financial intermediation. Both the World Bank and the IMF have commented favorably on the direction of reforms and the groundwork laid for a stronger private sector.
The Government focus on diversification of the economy is not only smart policy, because we want to lessen our dependence on the hydrocarbon sector; it is also, and above all, fair and balanced policy because job creation and growth increase in other sectors of the economy is the best way of combating unemployment. Incidentally, unemployment rates have decreased significantly, dropping from 30% in 1999 to about 11% in 2007. Today, sectors accounting for employment in Algeria are government (32%), agriculture (14%), industry (14%), and construction (10%).
Recently, the Algerian Government launched an ambitious investment program to upgrade our national infrastructure. The Complementary Growth Support Program is a five-year investment plan consisting of $90 billion earmarked for infrastructure projects. The plan places a significant emphasis on diversifying the performing economic sectors and giving the most attention to areas outside of hydrocarbons.
In addition to two growth support plans, over the next five years, Algeria will soon launch another five-year plan (2009-2014), allocating close to 150 billion dollars of public expenditures to development, all the while continuing to call for greater involvement by domestic and foreign investors. The Government’s efforts will focus on reaching several objectives, creation of 3 million new jobs and building more than 1 million new housing units. The plan will include funding for hundreds of projects, including renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, transportation, water resources, IT, agribusiness, financial services and tourism.
In short, ladies and gentlemen, Algeria offers US investors a market with unmatched potentialities for growth and benefits. Greater involvement by the US business community in the Algerian market will further enhance the already important bilateral cooperation between our two countries and pave the way for a durable and mutually beneficial strategic partnership between Algeria and the United States of America.
Thank you very much.
Prospects for the Algerian-American Relations
Presentation by
H.E. ABDALLAH BAALI
Ambassador of Algeria to the United States of America
To the
COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS
Houston, Texas
March 26, 2009
Ladies and gentlemen, good evening:
I am delighted to be here in Houston for what I hope will be a lively discussion of the Algerian-American relations. Before that, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Council on Foreign Relations for their kind invitation and for giving me the opportunity to address such a distinguished audience. I am looking forward to exchanging views with you and sharing some insights on the promises of the Algerian-American relationship opportunities and its prospects for establishing a stronger, richer, more diverse, and durable strategic partnership between Algeria and the United States.
Contrary to trading on the stock market, the Algerian-American relationship has presented far fewer fluctuations and has been steadily pointing upward since the two countries established diplomatic ties. Not that there were no bumps on the road. Like any relationship, this one has had some, as it did in the 70s. But this relationship has weathered any misunderstandings and is now promised to a great future because of its foundations of friendship and genuinely shared interests and values. Earlier this month, in his reply to a congratulatory message from President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, President Barack Obama assured his Algerian counterpart of his willingness to work with him “in a spirit of peace and friendship to build a safer world.” The words chosen by the US President fit perfectly with the essence of Algerian-American ties that have indeed been characterized by friendship since George Washington was President of the United States. Indeed, on September 5, 1795, two years before John Adams’ election, our two nations signed in Algiers the first of three famous Algerian-American accords, the Treaty of Amity and Friendship.
Today, our relations are inspired and strengthened by the same spirit of friendship that animated the leaders of those times. Our ties are also more vivid and much stronger because Algeria and the United States share a lot more than friendship. Indeed, as reflected by their respective histories, our nations similarly share a deep love of justice and a strong sense of freedom and both their peoples have stood up to defend their sovereignty and liberty whenever they were threatened. Both countries have also supported each other in the name of the very principles that guided their revolutions. John F. Kennedy, then a young senator, spoke out passionately in support of Algeria’s independence when my country was still under French colonialism while, in 1979, Algeria invested the skills and capacities of its diplomacy to secure the freedom of 52 Americans held hostage in Iran.
Algeria is a genuine and committed friend of the United States of America
We say “A friend in need is a friend indeed”. Since September 11, 2001, Algeria has been demonstrating through action that it is indeed a friend of America. First among other friends and allies, it stood by the United States and publicly condemned the terrorist attacks led against this country. Since then, Algeria’s support to combat terrorism has been steadfast, genuine and exemplary, in the words of US counterterrorism experts. For their part, the highest authorities of this country did not fail to express the gratitude of the United States to Algeria “for its abiding and outstanding cooperation and unique perspective in the global fight against terrorism”. In another demonstration of the close cooperation between our two countries, three months after an earlier visit, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika visited the White house in November 2001 to underline once again Algeria’s friendship, support, and total commitment after the September 11 attacks.
Algeria is a stable country with immense economic and human potentialities
It is now an established fact that Algeria, which strongly believes that security is inseparable from development, stands as a unique case of how to lead a successful fight against the transnational scourge of terrorism while, at the same time, undertaking strong and ambitious political, economic and social reforms and solidify the rule of law. During the Nineties, Algeria suffered a full frontal assault from terrorist groups determined to wreck havoc and inflict unimaginable human suffering and economic damage. It faced that assault on its own, relied on its own resources and creativity, stood tall and fought back, demonstrating day in and day out the determination of its people and leaders to fight for freedom and democracy.
That same determination is visible now as Algeria pursues its implementation of a major enterprise of national recovery with the aim of accelerating the democratic process and deepening economic reforms. It has been successfully implementing a comprehensive strategy with the aim of establishing a stable and appeased society where fundamental liberties are guaranteed and protected. Focused on strengthening the institutional, operational and economic capacities of the country, this strategy also concentrates on consolidating social peace, through policies such as national reconciliation.
Today, Algeria enjoys real political plurality, an active and ambitious civil society, and a vibrant press. The presidential election scheduled for next April 9 is an eloquent demonstration of the country’s stability and progress in implementing democratic practices. The candidate lineup is also evidence of Algeria’s innovative and, many have said, courageous policies: A woman is competing against five men candidate for the country’s presidency. A first in the Arab world. The candidate, Mrs. Louisa Hanoune has led the Workers’ Party since it was established, thereby demonstrating that, in Algeria, women enjoy equal opportunity in the workplace, have equal access to education, and can be as ambitious as men. The sky is the limit.
Another aspect of the new face of Algeria is the multitude of infrastructure projects being implemented throughout the second-largest country in Africa, the millions of schoolboys and girls, and the mushrooming housing programs are the symbols of the new Algeria. They show a country hard at work, determined to build a better, prosperous and safer future for its people. It is also a country whose efforts to institutionalize the practice of democracy, the rule of law and good governance have earned it the praise from numerous independent international bodies.
This is a genuine and accurate depiction of the reality of Algeria, a country endowed with immense human and resource potentialities, committed to stability and security in its region, on its continent, and elsewhere around the world, all the while keeping a vigilant watch against transnational terrorism.
Algeria is an important partner of the United States
Relations between Algeria and the United States have entered a new, dynamic and very promising phase and are stronger than ever. Our countries enjoy strong economic relations as well. They share great convergence of views on a wide range of issues of mutual interest. The Algerian-American relationship enjoys a strong economic and political foundation that we wish to consolidate through more significant security and military cooperation, increased dialogue and greater concertation with the goal of establishing a mutually desired strong and durable strategic partnership.
Today, Algeria is the first trading partner of the United States in North Africa and the second in Africa and the Arab world and provides investments conditions that are now better than ever and would allow American businesses to expand rapidly. For the fourth consecutive year, the United States have been Algeria’s top trade customer with a record level of almost $20 billion and were in 4th position among its suppliers. Second recipient after Saudi Arabia of US investments made in the hydrocarbon sector in the Arab world, Algeria is an important and reliable provider of petroleum and liquefied natural gas to the United States. With plans already under way to expand our current share from 5% to 20% of the US market by the Year 2015, Algeria plays an increasingly significant role in ensuring the security of America’s energy supply.
While trade exchanges between our two countries reached about $22 billion last year and are promises to grow even more, they continue to be almost exclusively – and I would add, unfortunately - focused on hydrocarbons, however. This is a state of things that we have been determined to change dramatically by putting forth the enormous potentialities offered by Algeria in terms of resources and market value, on the one hand, and the opportunities for profit and business expansion available to investors, on the other.
Algeria plays a central role in North Africa, the Arab world, Africa and the Mediterranean
At the regional level, Algeria supports strong and effective cooperation and promotes the essential role and contribution of bodies such as the African Union. It is aware that development challenges in the context of fast-paced globalization can only be met in the framework of concerted action and strategic partnership. This vision translates into its commitment toward the implementation of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), of which it is one of the main initiators. NEPAD provided the framework for launching a large number of regional and sub-regional infrastructure development projects, such as NIGAL which involves the construction of a gas pipeline linking Nigeria to the Mediterranean coast or laying fiber optics cables to improve telecommunication services.
Algeria is also a relentless promoter of cooperation in its immediate area. For Algeria, the Maghrebi integration is a strategic option based on its policy of good-neighborliness, founded on the principles of sovereignty of peoples, independence of states, and respect of international legality. In the Arab world and in the Mediterranean Basin, it actively participates in the Euro-Mediterranean Dialogue, pursues dynamic relations with NATO, and maintains strong political and economic ties with Europe.
Algeria and the United States are eager to capitalize on their shared interests
This may sound like a teacher’s remark to a student with great potential but unsatisfactory performance: Algeria and the United States have tremendous potentialities at their disposal and they definitely can do better than what they have achieved so far.
While my country deeply values the pledge made by many high US officials to continue to be strong partners and to support Algeria as it continues on the path of transformational reform, and while my country is deeply committed, just as it believes the US Government is, to fostering stronger and closer relations between us, it is convinced there is a whole lot more that Algeria and the United States can do together.
The Algerian-American relationship can certainly and greatly benefit from increased political concertation, greater American footprint in all sectors of the Algerian economy and its wide array of development projects, greater sensitivity towards the reality on the ground in Algeria and in its neighborhood.
Our relations hold tremendous potentialities and the promise for a larger and greatly consolidated relationship. Both our Governments are fully committed to taking their bilateral ties to a higher level and to give them the special character and quality that they deserve for the benefit of the Algerian and the American peoples.
Thank you very much.
Activities by Ambassador Baali in TexasAmbassador Baali spent the period of March 25-28 in Houston, TX, where he met with compatriots living in the area. At a luncheon given in his honor by the Arab American Chamber of Commerce and attended by dozens of local business people, Mr. Baali made a presentation on “The Algerian-American Relations: The New Economic Development Plan of Algeria and Opportunities for US Business.” The Ambassador of Algeria was also guest speaker at the Council on Foreign Relations in Houston, where he addressed prospects about Algerian-American ties as well.
The Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Texas meetings and conferences where added opportunities for Ambassador Baali to have fruitful encounters with fellow citizens, to whom he reiterated his commitment to provide our community with the best service possible and to foster among its members a desire and willingness to contribute to the development of our country in a way commensurate with the immense potentialities offered by the Algerian American community.   
  
Activities by Ambassador Baali in New EnglandPursuing his efforts to increase contact with the Algerian community living in the United States, Ambassador Abdallah Baali spent a few days in New England (March 22-25), traveling first to Boston, MA, where he had a good meeting with members of the local Algerian-American association and other fellow citizens living around the Boston area. Mr. Baali went next to Concord, NH, where he met with the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the State of New Hampshire. The Ambassador of Algeria also gave presentations at two famous local academic institutions: Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, with a speech entitled “Can the UN Security Council solve international conflicts: The case of Western Sahara”, and the University of New Hampshire, where he discussed economic reforms and investment opportunities in Algeria at a meeting attended by about thirty members of the local business community.    
Ambassador Baali Activities in Washington, D.C.
On March 20, 2009, the Ambassador of Algeria met with Mr. Daniel B. Shapiro, Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa at the National Security Council. During this meeting, Messrs. Baali and Shapiro reviewed the current state of the Algerian-American bilateral relations, discussed the prospects and opportunities for their enhancement, and examined other regional and international issues of mutual interest, including the Middle East.
Congressional activities of Ambassador Abdallah BaaliIn the framework of his activities on Capitol Hill, Ambassador Abdallah Baali met on March 4, 2009, with Senator James DeMint (R-SC), a member of several committees, including the Committee on Foreign Relations.
The meeting was an opportunity for Ambassador Baali to brief his host on the evolution of the political and economic situation in Algeria. They also examined the state of the Algerian-American relations and discussed opportunities and prospects for their reinforcement. Mr. Baali and Senator DeMint also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Meetings with Compatriots in California
In the framework of the efforts he has devoted to strengthening his relationship with the Algerian community living in the United States, Ambassador Abdallah Baali made a two-day visit to San Francisco and San Diego, California. During this February 27-29, 2009 trip, organized in collaboration with the Algerian-American Association of Northern California, the Ambassador of Algeria held very fruitful meetings with our compatriots living in the region. On that occasion, he reiterated to them his entire willingness to come up to their expectations, support their efforts, and create all conditions required to help our community fully play its role in our country’s development and contribute to its clout in the United States.
During this visit, Ambassador Baali also met with the leaders of several US corporations with whom he discussed, among other things, investment opportunities in Algeria. 
Meeting with Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Ambassador Abdallah Baali met at the State Department with the Honorable William J. Burns, Under Secretary for Political Affairs, on February 18, 2009. The meeting was devoted to exploring avenues for cooperation between Algeria and the United States, as well as an exchange of views on regional and international issues of mutual interest for both countries. By the same token, Ambassador Baali stated the willingness of the Algerian Government to attract more US investments to Algeria.
INTERVIEW DE S.E.M. L’AMBASSADEUR ABDALLAH BAALI AU JOURNAL CHOUROUK ELYOUMI  Le 17 février 2009 Abdallah Baâli : "Les autorités américaines ont vivement déploré le viol de deux Algériennes et nous ont promis une copie des résultats de l'enquête".
Il existe de très bonnes relations entre l'Algérie et les Etats-Unis et notre pays est le deuxième partenaire économique de Washington dans le monde arabe et en Afrique avec des échanges estimés à plus de 22 milliards de dollars, selon l'Ambassadeur d'Algérie à Washington Abdallah Baali.
Le correspondant d' "Echorouk Al Yaoumi" à Washington a justement eu un entretien avec Abdallah Baali qui revient sur les relations entre l'Algérie et les Etats-Unis et les perspectives de leur consolidation dans tous les domaines d'activité avec l'avènement de l'ère Obama et son administration démocrate qui prône entre autres une plus grande ouverture américaine sur le monde.
Q : La nouvelle administration à Washington est décidée à redéfinir la politique extérieure américaine notamment envers le monde musulman.
Qu'attendez – vous de nouveau dans les relations algéro -américaines sous l'administration Obama ?
En fait, les relations entre les deux pays sont très bonnes et ont connu une amélioration significative ces dernières années.
Nous espérons que ces relations évolueront davantage avec l'approfondissement du dialogue politique entre Alger et Washington à tous les niveaux sous l'administration Obama.
L'Algérie souhaite que le partenariat avec les Etats-Unis se renforce davantage notamment sur les questions internationales, ainsi que celles ayant une relation directe avec le monde arabe, le continent africain et le bassin méditerranéen.
L'Algérie voudrait faire entendre sa voix sur toutes les questions liées à la promotion de la paix et de la stabilité sur le plan régional, continental et mondial grâce à une coopération accrue et soutenue avec les Etats-Unis.
Q : Est – ce qu'on peut s'attendre à des visites de responsables de haut niveau des deux pays dans les prochains mois pour justement donner une nouvelle impulsion au relations algéro-américaines ?
Nous nous attelons déjà à densifier dans les prochains mois les visites de haut niveau entre nos deux pays.
Et c'est dans cette perspective prometteuse que le Ministre Algérien de l'énergie et des mines Chakib Khelil a effectué récemment une visite à Washington où il a eu une série de discussions avec de hauts responsables Américains notamment le secrétaire d'Etat à l'énergie. Ces discussions ont été très fructueuses.
Toujours à Washington, Chakib Khelil a présidé un symposium sur les énergies renouvelables en présence de nombreuses personnalités et représentants de plusieurs pays.
Q : Il existe une étroite coopération entre l'Algérie et les Etats Unies dans la lutte contre le fléau du terrorisme mais les deux pays divergent sur l'opportunité de la constitution sur le sol africain de " l'Africom" chargée de la lutte anti-terroriste dans la région sub-saharienne.
Est-ce que ces divergences sur l'Africom peuvent influer négativement sur les relations entre les deux pays ?
Il existe effectivement une coopération accrue entre les Etats-Unis et les pays du Sahel dans le combat contre le terrorisme et l'Algérie salue cette initiative.
L'Algérie considère que la lutte anti-terroriste doit être menée collectivement par tous les pays et non par un seul.
La position de l'Algérie sur "l'Africom" est tout à fait claire et je ne pense pas, outre mesure, que cette position de principe puisse altérer les bonnes relations entre les deux pays.
Q : Comment voyez-vous la densification de la coopération économique algéro-américaine dans les domaines hors hydrocarbures ?
L'Algérie est le deuxième partenaire économique des Etats-Unis dans le monde arabe et dans le continent africain avec des échanges entre les deux pays atteignant plus de 22 milliards de dollars.
Cela est considérable mais nous comptons booster les échanges et le partenariat économique entre Alger et Washington avec l'apport de nouveaux investissements porteurs hors hydrocarbures notamment dans des secteurs comme l'agriculture, l'industrie, la construction, la science et la technologie.
Q : Qu'en est-il de l'ouverture tant attendue de la ligne aérienne directe entre Alger et New York.
Est-ce qu'il y a du concret à ce sujet ?
L'ouverture d'une ligne directe entre Alger et New York est une question prioritaire pour nous.
Je vous fais savoir que les négociations algéro-américaines sur ce qu'on appelle "Open Sky" sont sur le point d'aboutir. Ce qui permettra bientôt à la compagnie "Air Algérie" d'effectuer les contrôles techniques indispensables avec les autorités américaines compétentes avant l'ouverture officielle de la ligne Alger – New York.
Cela permettra de promouvoir davantage les échanges bilatéraux tous – azimuts dans l'intérêt mutuel des deux pays.
Je voudrais rappeler que les Algériens résidant aux Etats-Unis, notamment à New York, attendent avec beaucoup d'impatience l'ouverture de cette ligne directe avec Alger.
Le nombre d'Algériens établis aux Etats-Unis est de 13244 selon les chiffres de notre Consulat à Washington.
Q : Enfin, où en est la sordide affaire de l'agent de la C.I.A. à Alger accusé de viol contre deux femmes algériennes ?
Est-ce que cette affaire a jeté une ombre sur les relations entre les deux pays ?
Cette affaire est très grave et on ne peut pas l'ignorer. Nous sommes constamment en contact avec les responsables américains qui ont promis d'enquêter à fond sur cette affaire et de traduire en justice l'agent américain impliqué dans cette affaire qui est prise très au sérieux par les autorités à Washington.
Ces derniers nous ont promis de nous remettre une copie des résultats de l'enquête le plus tôt possible.
سفير الجزائر بواشنطن عبد الله بعلي في حوار لـ"الشروق"
الأمريكان تأسفوا لاغتصاب جزائريتين ووعدونا بنسخة عن نتائج التحقيق
2009.02.18
أجرى الحوار في واشنطن: محمود بلحيمر
سفير الجزائر بواشنطن عبدالله باعليهناك علاقات جيدة بين الجزائر والولايات المتحدة، فالجزائر تعد الشريك الاقتصادي الثاني لواشنطن في العالم العربي وإفريقيا بـ 22 مليار دولار، حسب السفير عبد الله بعلي، زيادة على وجود تعاون وثيق في مجال مكافحة الإرهاب. لكن كيف ستكون هذه العلاقات في ظل إدارة أوباما؟
* * 2000 جزائري يحصلون سنويا على البطاقة الخضراء للعيش في أمريكا * * حسب ما يفهم من هذا الحوار، الذي أجريناه مع السفير الجزائري بواشنطن، فإن الجزائر تأمل لعب أدوار سياسية في المتوسط وإفريقيا وفي ملف الصراع في الشرق الأوسط، وأن لا يبقى تعاونها مع واشنطن محصورا فقط في مجال مكافحة الإرهاب. السيد بعلي تطرق كذلك في هذا الحوار، لحال الجالية الجزائرية في أمريكا، ولفضيحة اغتصاب جزائريتين من طرف ضابط الـ "سي أي إي"، والمفاوضات بشأن فتح خط جوي مباشر بين الجزائر ونيويورك. * * س: الإدارة الجديدة في واشنطن تتحدث عن مقاربة مغايرة في السياسة الخارجية لأمريكا، سيما تجاه العالم الإسلامي. ماذا تتوقعونه بشأن العلاقات الجزائرية الأمريكية في ظل الإدارة الجديدة؟ * - ما يمكن أن نقوله بشأن العلاقات بين الجزائر والولايات المتحدة الأمريكية هي أنها جيدة وعرفت تطورات محسوسة ومثمرة خلال السنوات الأخيرة. وفي ظل الإدارة الجديدة نأمل أن تتطور أكثر، كما نأمل أن يتوسع الحوار السياسي القائم بين بلدينا ويتعمق أكثر. الجزائر تأمل في أن تقيم علاقة وثيقة مع هذه الإدارة تبلغ مستوى عال من الشراكة فيما يخص القضايا الدولية، في العالم العربي وإفريقيا والبحر المتوسط. * كما هو معلوم، كان هناك تعاون وثيق بين الجزائر والولايات المتحدة الأمريكية بشكل خاص في مجال مكافحة الإرهاب خلال السنوات الأخيرة، فالتجربة الجزائرية كانت مفيدة بالنسبة للأمريكيين. لكن نريد أن يتسع تعاوننا، بنفس الكيفية، ليشمل مجالات أخرى حتى لا نبقى فقط رهن التعاون في مجال مكافحة الإرهاب. الجزائر لها وزنها على الساحة العربية والإفريقية والدولية، وهي شريك ذو مصداقية تريد أن يُسمع صوتها وأن تساهم بشكل إيجابي وفعال في حل النزاعات وإقامة السلم في عدة مناطق بالتعاون مع الولايات المتحدة، كالنزاع العربي الإسرائيلي، بحيث للجزائر نظرتها للصراع ولها مساهمتها في مسار البحث عن حل نهائي له. * * س: هل يمكن مثلا أن ننتظر زيارات من مستوى عال في الأشهر القادمة؟ * - سنعمل خلال الأشهر القادمة على تكثيف الزيارات ذات المستوى العالي بين بلدينا. وضمن هذا الإطار جاءت زيارة السيد شكيب خليل، وزير الطاقة والمناجم، حيث كانت له نشاطات عدة من بينها لقاؤه بكاتب الدولة الأمريكي للطاقة، كما أشرف على منتدى حول الطاقات المتجددة بواشنطن. كما نسعى لتطوير العلاقات بين الكونغرس والبرلمان الجزائري بغرفتيه؛ وفي هذا الشأن تتواجد بالجزائر مجموعة برلمانية أمريكية تتشكل من مساعدي ومديري دواوين ونواب وأعضاء الكونغرس. * * س: هناك تعاون جيد مع الولايات المتحدة في مجال مكافحة الإرهاب لكن هناك خلافا بين البلدين حول القيادة الإفريقية المشتركة لمكافحة الإرهاب في الساحل الإفريقي أو ما يعرف باسم "أفريكوم".. ألم يؤثر هذا على العلاقات بين البلدين؟ * - هناك تعاون قائم بين الولايات المتحدة ودول الساحل في مجال مكافحة الإرهاب، والجزائر مرتاحة لهذا التعاون، لأنها تعتقد أن مكافحة الإرهاب تتطلب تعاونا بين كل الدول، ولن تستطيع أي دولة لوحدها مجابهة هذا الخطر الشامل. وفيما يخص قضية "أفريكوم" فقد عبرت الجزائر عن موقفها بكل وضوح. ولا أعتقد أن هذا الموقف قد يسيء، بشكل أو بآخر، إلى العلاقات بين البلدين، سيما فيما يتعلق بالتعاون الجاري في مجال مكافحة الإرهاب. * * س: في الجانب الاقتصادي، بلغ حجم المبادلات بين الجزائر والولايات المتحدة 22 مليار دولار، لكن تبقى المحروقات تهيمن بصورة مطلقة.. كيف تتصورون تطوير التعاون الاقتصادي بين البلدين خارج المحروقات؟ * - تعد الجزائر الشريك الاقتصادي الثاني للولايات المتحدة في العالم العربي وإفريقيا، حيث يبلغ التبادل بيننا 22 مليار دولار، وهذا يعد شيئا معتبرا. حقيقة، تظل المحروقات تهيمن على هذا التبادل، وما نستهدفه اليوم هو حث الشركات الأمريكية على اكتشاف واستغلال فرص أخرى لتنويع التبادل الاقتصادي مع الجزائر وتوسيعه. ولتحقيق هذا المسعى بادرنا بتنظيم زيارة لبعثة اقتصادية تضم أكثر من 30 رجل أعمال أمريكيين ينشطون في قطاعات مختلفة كالبنية التحتية والتكنولوجيا والتكوين والصناعات الغذائية وغيرها، سيزورون الجزائر الأسبوع القادم، وستكون لهم فرصة لقاء المسؤولين الجزائريين، سواء الرسميين أو متعاملين من القطاعين العام والخاص، بغية بحث إمكانيات وفرص الاستثمار وإبرام صفقات. كما نأمل، بالتعاون مع مجلس الأعمال الجزائري الأمريكي، تنظيم زيارات مماثلة لمسؤولي الشركات الأمريكية، وأيضا زيارات لمتعاملين اقتصاديين جزائريين لأمريكا. أعتقد أن هناك فرصا كبيرة لتوسيع التعاون بين بلدينا، لكن ينبغي وضع الإطار اللائق لذلك. * * س: ماذا عن فتح الخط الجوي المباشر بين الجزائر ونيويورك؟ * - فتح خط جوي بين الجزائر ونيويروك أولوية بالنسبة لنا. وأؤكد لكم بأن المفاوضات بين الجزائر والولايات المتحدة بخصوص ما يعرف بالسماء المفتوح (أوبن سكاي) قد شارفت على نهايتها، وهو ما سيسمح لشركة الخطوط الجوية الجزائرية بالقيام بالمساعي التقنية الضرورية مع السلطات الأمريكية المختصة لفتح هذا الخط، الذي، زيادة على أنه سيسمح بزيادة التبادل بين بلدينا، فهو يكتسي أهمية قصوى على كامل الأصعدة الاقتصادية والثقافية والسياسية.. * * س: عدد أفراد الجالية الجزائرية في الولايات المتحدة تزايد بشكل كبير في السنوات الأخيرة.. كيف هي علاقاتها بالسفارة، سيما وأن الكثير من الجزائريين يشتكون من مشاكل الخدمات القنصلية؟ * - عدد الجزائريين الذين يعيشون في أمريكا والمسجلين لدى القنصلية بلغ 13244. من جهة أخرى، هناك حوالي 1500 إلى 2000 جزائري يحصلون سنويا على البطاقة الخضراء للعمل والإقامة الدائمة في أمريكا، وهذا يعني أن عدد أفراد الجالية سيزيد بشكل كبير في السنوات القادمة، مما يعني مزيدا من الضغط على المصالح القنصلية بواشنطن، لهذا السبب، وبعد استلامي لمهامي مباشرة، سعيت لإعطاء المصالح القنصلية الإمكانيات والوسائل اللازمة كي نلبي طلبات الجالية ونقترب منها أكثر ونستمع لانشغالاتها. * * س: لماذا فرع قنصلي وليس قنصلية عامة بإمكانيات تناسب حجم الجالية؟ * - نعكف حاليا على زيادة وسائل العمل والإمكانيات البشرية والمادية للمصالح القنصلية الموجودة، زيادة على عصرنه طرق العمل باستخدام الإعلام الآلي، والانترنت. وبطبيعة الحال، فإن إنشاء قنصلية عامة لتلبية حاجيات جاليتنا في الولايات المتحدة بات أمرا حتميا. * من جانب آخر، نسعى كي نمكن الجالية الجزائرية كي تساهم بصورة فعلية في تنمية البلاد. وفي هذا الشأن سوف أنظم لقاءات مع الجالية والكفاءات الجزائرية في عدة مدن كبوسطن وشيكاغو وهيوستن.. كي ننظر في مشاريع ملموسة ودقيقة وتكون قابلة للتطبيق في قطاعات معينة كالميدان التكنولوجي والطبي وغيرها.. كي نساعدهم على تجسيدها. * * س: إلى أين وصلت قضية مسؤول الـ "سي أي إي" المتهم باغتصاب جزائريتين؟ ألم تؤثر على العلاقات بين البلدين؟ * - هذه القضية خطيرة جدا لا يمكن تجاهلها، ونحن في اتصال دائم مع الجانب الأمريكي الذي قدم لنا كل الضمانات لمعرفة كل الحقيقة ومتابعة المعني قضائيا. ومن المؤكد أن الجانب الأمريكي سيبلغنا بنتائج التحقيق الجاري حاليا، وبتفاصيل الإجراءات التي ستتخذ فيما بعد. كما أن المسؤولين الأمريكيين أعربوا لنا عن استيائهم الشديد لهذا الحادث المؤسف، كما أعربوا عن أملهم في ألا يؤثر سلبا على العلاقات بين بلدينا. * * س: هل من جديد في قضية الجزائريين المعتقلين في غوانتنامو؟ - نحن نتابع باهتمام ملف هؤلاء، وبطبيعة الحال يهمنا شأن كل جزائري في الولايات المتحدة. وعليه كل ما أستطيع قوله هو أننا نترقب تطورات الملف بعد قرار الرئيس أوباما غلق المعتقل.
Meetings with representatives of the Algerian community
In the framework of his outreach efforts to strengthen relations with our compatriots living in the United States of America, Ambassador Abdallah Baali traveled to New York City on January 31 to meet with local representatives of the Algerian community. On February 8, he held a similar meeting in Washington, D.C. During both meetings, organized in collaboration with the Algerian-American National Association and the Algerian-American Association of Greater Washington, the participants had a very constructive exchange about matters of concern to our fellow citizens and explored the ways and means through which our compatriots could help our country. Ambassador Baali seized the opportunity to assure the representatives of the Algerian community living in the United States of his total willingness to meet the expectations of their members and to join efforts with them to work for the benefit of our country.
Meetings with Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) In the framework of his congressional activities, Ambassador Abdallah Baali met on February 2, 2009, with Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and member of several others, including the Committees on Appropriations and the Judiciary. During their meeting, Ambassador Baali and Senator Feinstein examined the state of Algerian-American relations and prospects for their development, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Meetings with Senator Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) and Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA)On January 28 and 29, the Ambassador of Algeria paid courtesy visits on, respectively, Senator Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) and Vice President of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, and Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), third-ranking Republican member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The agenda of both meetings provided the opportunity for Ambassador Baali to review the economic and political situation in our country and to examine with both Senators Cardin and Isakson the state of Algerian-American relations and prospects for their development as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Presidential Inauguration Day. January 20, 2009
 Ambassador of Greece Alexandros P. Mallas, left talks to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton as newly appointed Ambassador of Algeria Abdallah Baali, center, looks on at the Eastern Ball, which also featured a performance by musician James Taylor. Courtesy of the Washington Diplomat
Meeting with Senator Richard G. LugarOn January 9, 2009, Ambassador Abdallah Baali met with Senator Richard G. Lugar, Ranking Minority Member of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Ambassador Baali and Senator Lugar discussed the relations between Algeria and the United States, and means to strengthen the bilateral cooperation, as well as the situation in the Maghreb and in Africa. Ambassador Baali briefed Senator Lugar on the political and economic situation in Algeria.
Meeting with Congressman Ben ChandlerOn the same day, Ambassador Baali also met with U.S. House Representative Ben Chandler (D-KY), Member of the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs and the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. Ambassador Baali and Congressman Chandler reviewed issues of mutual interest between Algeria and the United States and explored areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Senator James H. Inhofe (R-OK) Welcomes New Algerian Ambassador to U.S.  Posted by Senator Inhofe’s office
Today, Senator Inhofe met with the new Ambassador to the United States from the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Abdallah Baali. As a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Inhofe sees meeting with foreign diplomats as a top priority to building global partnerships that will strengthen U.S. security relations.
“I was pleased to meet with Ambassador Abdallah Baali of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria today,” Senator Inhofe said. “His achievements as a diplomat and UN representative are commendable and reflective of his country’s important role as a U.S. ally and partner in the global war on terror.
“President Bouteflika and the leaders of Algeria have helped Algeria become a strong developing state, I know them personally, and look forward to a close relationship with Ambassador Baali as we work together in the interest of our two countries and for the interest of global democracy.
“Among the items we discussed was AFRICOM and how it can help support the countries in Africa that are fighting for peace. The Ambassador conveyed Algeria’s strong support of the African Union’s efforts and pledged to provide airlift support and join training programs to quell the fighting and terrorism that plagues parts of Africa.
“During my trips to Africa, I have had the opportunity to visit Algeria and one of the refugee camps in Tindouf where there were almost 160,000 Saharwi refugees. Algeria, due to its proximity to Western Sahara, is playing a vital role as an observer in negotiations seeking a solution to the 30-year-old conflict. Ambassador Baali was the head of the Algerian delegation to the Morocco-Saharawi negotiations on Western Sahara from 2006-2008, so he brings a great deal of knowledge of the pressing issues facing Algeria and the region to his current post as Ambassador to the United States.”
Meeting with Ambassador Reno L. Harnish IIIOn January 8, 2009, Ambassador Abdallah Baali met with the Honorable Reno L. Harnish III, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. The talks between the two parties focused on ways to implement the provisions of the Bilateral Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation signed in Algiers on January 2006. In this regard, Messrs. Baali and Harnish reviewed projects of partnership in many areas, such as Algeria’s participation in the Maghreb Digital Library; the use of CEMA in Oran for science outreach; cooperation research in renewable energy technologies, and the possible new university partnership.
Meeting with Ms. Goli Ameri, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural AffairsOn December 17, 2008, Ambassador Abdallah Baali met at the State Department with Ms. Goli Ameri, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs. The meeting, attended by Ms. Alina Romanowski, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Professional and Cultural Exchanges, Ms. Marianne Craven, Director of University Programs, and Ms. Daniella Craven, Director of the Private and Public Sector Partnership, was devoted to exploring avenues for the promotion of cooperation between Algeria and the United States in the educational and university sectors. In this regard, Ambassador Baali stated the willingness of the Algerian Government to boost bilateral cooperation in this area and said that he would spare no effort towards that end. Both parties agreed to pursue their concertation in order to strengthen ongoing programs and to explore new areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Meeting with The Deputy National Security Advisor for Global Democracy StrategyOn December 18, 2008, Ambassador Abdallah Baali has met with Mr. Elliott Abrams, Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Global Democracy Strategy, at the White House and discussed bilateral ties between the two countries as well as the fight against terrorism, the situation in the Maghreb and the Mashrek region.
Meeting with members of The Algeria CaucusOn December 10, 2008, Ambassador Abdallah Baali met on Capitol Hill with Congressmen Ed Royce (R-CA), co-chairman of the Algeria Congressional Caucus, and Joe Wilson (R-SC). The Algerian Ambassador and both members of Congress examined ways to reenergize the Caucus activities and to strengthen relations between Algeria and the United States, and exchanged views on some international issues as well.
Welcome Dinner Offered By US-Algeria Business CouncilAmbassador Abdallah Baali and his spouse were the guests of honor of a dinner given on December 8, 2008, by the Board of Directors of the US-Algeria Business Council to welcome him to Washington. The event was attended by a large number of guests from the public and private sectors, including officials from the U.S. Trade Representative, the Departments of State, Commerce, Transportation and the Treasury, as well as the Export-Import Bank of the United States and business executives from various corporations.
H.E. ABDALLAH BAALI AMBASSADOR OF ALGERIA TO THE UNITED STATES AT THE "USABC" DINNER
ADDRESS BY H.E. ABDALLAH BAALI AMBASSADOR OF ALGERIA TO THE UNITED STATES ON THE OCCASION OF THE DINNER GIVEN IN HIS HONOR BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE US-ALGERIA BUSINESS COUNCIL (USABC), ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2008
Mr. Chairman,
Mr. President and CEO,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good evening, Aid Moubarak, happy holidays:
When I left New York, I thought that I was done giving speeches but, just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in. To make matters worse, the Washington speeches apparently require more homework than the UN speeches. Anyway, since I’m back on stage, let me start by telling you how delighted I am to join you this evening. I also wish to thank the US-Algeria Business Council for organizing this dinner in my honor and for welcoming me and my spouse to Washington and I would like to thank, in particular, its Chairman Don Deline, its President, Dr. Chikhoune and its Director of Operations, Ms. Stewart.
Besides being a hearty reception, this dinner is also an opportunity for me to meet with you and assure you of my determination to actively support our common goals, which are to promote, foster and stimulate increased trade, cooperation and business between our two countries. It is my hope that this business relationship will develop into a real partnership that would be mutually beneficial.
In the same vein, I do believe that the expected rapid development of Algeria’s natural resources, its vibrant economy coupled with its hospitable business environment and its large foreign exchange reserves that have reached $142 billion, do provide an appropriate opportunity for greater intervention by US firms through profitable investments into the Algerian market.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As you know, Algeria is not only an attractive and growing market. It is as well the connector between Africa, the Middle East-North Africa region and two free-trade areas within the European Union and the Arab world.
First trading partner of the US in the Maghreb and the second in Africa and the Arab world, Algeria offers investment conditions that are now better than ever for American businesses to expand rapidly.
For the fourth consecutive year, the United States have maintained their first position among Algeria’s trade customers with a record level of almost $20 billion in 2007 and ranks 4th among Algeria’s suppliers.
A major supplier of oil to the United States, Algeria is the second recipient after Saudi Arabia of US investments made in the hydrocarbon sector in the Arab World. In the natural gas sector, Algeria provides about 5% of the US LNG needs and intends to increase this share to 20% by the year 2015.
However, as you know, economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries continues to be dominated by hydrocarbon products. We should therefore find the ways and means that would allow its diversification.
We certainly appreciate the involvement of the General Electric Company (GE) in the execution of power plant projects in Algeria, as well as the participation of General Cables and other corporations. However, it is clear that more efforts need to be made on both the Algerian and American sides, in order to take better advantage of the entire potential of trade and investment aimed at diversifying our bilateral cooperation.
Thus, it is all the more convenient that the factors leading to the achievement of this objective are well combined. To better illustrate this situation, I will point out that, after a tough decade of insecurity during the 1990s preceded by nearly thirty years of a centralized economic system, the Algerian Government is resolutely and irreversibly engaged in an ambitious process of renovation, institutional democratization and genuine open market reforms that would truly benefit the country as well as its partners. The country has now fully restored its political stability, strengthened its institutional capacity, launched the reconstruction process of its economy, achieved its macro-economic equilibrium and returned to the world stage as a respected and credible actor fully playing its role at the regional and international levels.
Today there are real opportunities for the US firms to grasp, in a variety of areas, if they know how to handle the highly sophisticated bureaucracy that we inherited from the former Ottoman and French empires. There are opportunities for instance, in the sector of transportation, under the $18 billion Program for the modernization of the railway network with for instance 4 lenders just launched for the realization of 628 kms of railway tracks, or in the sector of road infrastructures with a $multi-billion Program for the construction of the Highland Bypass, the Southern Feeder Roads, the Southern Loop, as well as the creation in Tamanrasset of a regional air navigation control center. For its part, the national company for electricity and gas Sonelgaz will invest around $29 billion over the 2007-2017 period in order to develop its capabilities in the production and distribution of electricity and gas. Gold and diamond mines are also opening up to new opportunities as well as communication and information technologies, water facilities, pharmaceuticals…
That is why I would like to seize this opportunity to focus once more on the need for a constructive cooperation between the Embassy and the USABC, in order to determine the ways and means of helping us achieve our goals by helping US companies take advantage of the benefits offered by the Algerian market. In the same context, I want to reiterate my support and that of my Government to the US-ABC as it pursues its mission of promoting partnership and investment opportunities between Algerian and American firms, under the Algerian Development Programs. The joint Embassy-USABC programs undertaken over the past two years, basically the trade and investment missions conducted in both countries, deserve to be encouraged.
I could not conclude my remarks without emphasizing the Embassy’s great desire to see the US-Algeria Business Council and its member corporations get involved in the promotion of Algeria’s image through their interactions with their respective representatives in Congress. This, to me, would be the best way of contributing towards our objectives. I hope that all this talk didn’t spoil your appetites.
Thank you.
Abdallah Baali, ambassadeur d'Algérie à Washington dans un entretien à Algérie News «L'Algérie a plus à offrir et à partager avec les Etats- Unis que la seule coopération antiterroriste»Abdallah Baali connaît parfaitement les Etats-Unis. C'est sans doute la raison qui a poussé Abdelaziz Bouteflika à le nommer ambassadeur d'Algérie à Washington. Après neuf ans passés à New York en tant que représentant permanent auprès des Nations-unies, le voici chargé d'une mission on ne peut plus importante dans la capitale fédérale américaine. En poste depuis novembre 2008, il a présenté ses lettres de créances à George W. Bush le 3 décembre de la même année, ce qui lui a permis d'assister à la cérémonie d'investiture de Barack Obama le 20 janvier 2009. Dans cet entretien, il évoque les défis de sa mission d'ambassadeur et les moyens qui lui semblent à portée de main pour renforcer la concertation et la compréhension entre l'Algérie et les Etats-Unis.  PRESSEZ SUR CE LIEN POUR LIRE TOUT L'ARTICLE
Meeting with Representatives from the Algerian Community
On December 6, 2008, Ambassador Abdallah Baali met at the Embassy with representatives from the Algerian community living in the United States. During this first-contact meeting, which will be followed by others, the Ambassador and his guests reviewed how to best respond to the concerns of our compatriots living in the US and to enable our country to benefit from the community's potentialities.
Ambassador Abdallah Baali presents his credentials to President George W. BushOn December 3, 2008, in a White House ceremony held in the Oval Office, Ambassador Abdallah Baali presented his Letters of Credence to President George W. Bush and, with this formality, officially began his duties as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to the United States of America. At the ceremony, President Bush and Ambassador Baali exchanged remarks. In his remarks, Ambassador Baali stressed the long-standing historical ties of friendship and cooperation which exist between Algeria and the United States and pledged to spare no effort to further strengthen the relations between the two countries and foster the establishment of a strong and lasting Algerian-American partnership. In his reply, President George W. Bush warmly welcomed the new Ambassador of Algeria and his family to the United States of America and said that the US Administration wishes to deepen the relations between the two countries. Ambassador Baali’s spouse and two children attended the Ceremony of Presentation of Credentials. Ambassador Abdallah Baali is a career diplomat and graduate of Algeria’s National School of Administration. He has held a large array of Foreign Service high positions, including Ambassador to Indonesia (1992-1996) and Permanent Representative of Algeria to the United Nations (1996 to 2005).
Meeting with Assistant Secretary of State:
On November 21, 2008, Ambassador Abdallah Baali met with Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs C. David Welch at the US Department of State. During this meeting, they reviewed the relations between Algeria and the United States. They also discussed ways to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries in various areas.
Meeting with members of Congress:Other activities by Ambassador Baali include his meeting on Capitol Hill on November 18 with Florida Congressman Alcee Hastings to discuss preparation of the Representative’s upcoming visit to Algeria and to examine the state of Algerian-American bilateral relations.
On the same day, Ambassador Baali also met with Pennsylvania Congressman Joe Pitts to review issues of mutual interest between Algeria and the United States and to explore areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Meeting at the State Department:Ambassador Abdallah Baali met on Monday November 17th at the State Department with Mr. John Byerly, Deputy Assistant Secretary in charge of Transportation. Their meeting dealt with bilateral cooperation in this area and with ways of enhancing it.
Meeting with an Algerian delegation from CNASPS:On Friday, November 14, 2008, H.E. Mr. Abdallah Baali, Ambassador of Algeria to the United States of America, met at the Embassy with a delegation from the Algerian National Committee of Solidarity with the Sahrawi People (CNASPS) led by its President, Mr. Mehrez Lamari, and including the Mayor of the City of Algiers, Mr. Tayeb Zitouni, the Chairman of the Algerian Red Crescent, Mr. Hadj Hamou Zegguir, the representative of the Laamoudi Foundation, Mr. Mourad Laamoudi, as well as former Olympic champion and 1500m two-time gold medalist Ms. Hassiba Boulmerka. The CNASPS delegation was in Washington to specifically attend the 25th Annual Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award ceremony which this year honored the Sahrawi activist and Western Sahara’s most prominent human rights defender Ms. Aminatou Haidar, regularly referred to as the “Sahrawi Gandhi”. Over 300 people, including the late Senator’s daughter Kerry Kennedy and David Gregory, NBC News Chief White House Correspondent who was Master of Ceremonies, attended the event held last Thursday November 13th at the Russell Senate Office Building. The CNASPS delegation’s attendance of this year’s ceremony was the testimony of the support and solidarity of the Algerian civil society to the just cause of the Sahrawi people. During its stay in Washington, the Algerian delegation also had a number of meetings in Congress, with non-governmental organizations, as well as with members of the Algerian community.
NEWLY-APPOINTED ALGERIAN AMBASSADOR ABDALLAH BAALI PRESENTS THE TRUE COPY OF HIS LETTERS OF CREDENCE
On November 5, 2008, Mr. Abdallah Baali, newly-appointed Ambassador of Algeria met with US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte and presented to him the True Copy of his Letters of Credence accrediting him Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria to the United States of America.
During their meeting, Messrs. Baali and Negroponte examined the state of the bilateral relations between Algeria and the United States as well as other issues of mutual interest to both countries.
Following the ceremony of presentation of the True Copy of Credentials, Ambassador Baali also met with other State Department officials to discuss the ways and means of further enhancing the ties between the two countries.
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