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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, the Republican Senator from the State of South Dakota, 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 WASTON (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.
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.
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.
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.
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