Mrs. Clinton’s visit to Algiers is testimony to the “strong relations” between Algeria and the United States (U.S. Ambassador Ensher)

Algérie Presse Service (APS) – February 28, 2012

The visit to Algiers made on February 25 by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is testimony to “the strong relations” between Algeria and the United States, declared in Algiers U.S. Ambassador Henry S. Ensher.

“The Secretary of State travels to a country with well-defined objectives, but that was not the case for her visit to Algeria, which is testimony to the strong relations which unite the two countries and to their shared willingness to strengthen them further,” declared Mr. Ensher, at a press briefing held at the U.S. embassy in Algiers jointly with Ronan Farrow, special advisor to the Secretary of State for global youth issues.

“Mrs. Clinton considered that the time was appropriate to make a visit to express her respect for the people and government of Algeria,” he added.

Furthermore, Mr. Ensher said that the Secretary of State has expressed her satisfaction with the Algerian government’s decision to invite foreign observers on the occasion of the next parliamentary elections, underlining the wish of her government to see “strong participation” in the next elections, “namely  by young people, as voters, elected officials and volunteers.” Moreover, the U.S. ambassador underlined the willingness of his country to “further” develop its relations with Algeria and its people.

For his part, Mr. Farrow indicated that his discussions with Algerian officials and young people centered on economic opportunities and job creation targeting that segment of the population and its active role in society. He indicated having noted “a lot of optimism” among young Algerians to face new challenges.

The American official recalled the numerous youth training programs launched in partnership with the Algerian side and added that this visit was an opportunity to assess progress by the various programs. Mr. Farrow explained that interest for young people “had nothing to do” with the revolutions in some Arab countries. “This is a process which predates these revolutions. It deals with young people from all around the world who have the same concerns, which are better living conditions and making their voices heard,” he said.

Mr. Farrow had been in Algiers for a three-day visit. He has namely taken part in a conference/Q&A session at the Higher School for Computer Science (ESI) and held talks with officials from the National Agency for Employment (ANEM) and the National Agency for Youth Employment Support (ANSEJ).