Algérie Presse Service (APS) – October 24, 2011

During his visit to Algiers, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey D. Feltman declared that the United States wishes to strengthen its cooperation with Algeria to combat trans-border arms trafficking, including the one stemming from the crisis in Libya.

In that context, Mr. Feltman highlighted Algeria’s experience in combating trans-border criminality, “particularly arms trafficking,” and underlined Algeria’s “solid” contribution to the global forum on counterterrorism, which convened at the end of September, at the same time as the UN General Assembly proceedings.

The U.S. official said that the United States understands Algeria’s interest in seeing a “credible and strong” transition take place in Libya.

“It is very important for us to understand Algeria’s position with regard to what’s happening in the region and how Algeria considers the best way to support the authorities of that country (Libya) during a period of transition,” he added.

With regards to action undertaken by Algeria within the Arab League concerning a resolution of the crisis in Syria, Mr. Feltman said that his country “supports” those objectives.

On the political and economic reforms being implemented by Algeria, Mr. Feltman said that his country encourages the government to pursue reform of its draft laws and to promulgate and enforce them as well.

The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs highlighted as well the “longstanding” partnership and the “excellent” friendly relation between Algeria and the United States.

Mr. Feltman met the previous day, October 23, with the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

He also held talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs Mourad Medelci and minister Delegate for Maghreb and African Affairs Abdelkader Messahel.