Ahmed Attaf, the Algerian Foreign Minister, initiated a two-day working visit to the United States on Tuesday, August 8, as confirmed by a statement from his office.
The visit comes at the behest of Attaf’s American counterpart, Antony Blinken, according to information from the Algerian Foreign Ministry. The trip is part of a larger strategy aimed at “augmenting economic collaboration and amplifying” political dialogue between Algeria and the United States. The intent is to meet the “mutual desires in developing a strategic partnership and furthering their shared commitment to spreading security and stability at both the regional and international levels,” as detailed by Algerian diplomacy.
Attaf’s Itinerary in the U.S. to Include Meeting with Blinken
Attaf’s agenda in the U.S. comprises three stages. His planned engagements include a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, as well as high-level officials from the U.S. State Department and the National Security Council.
Furthermore, Attaf will hold discussions with American business stakeholders and representatives of the Algerian community residing in the United States, as stated by the Foreign Ministry.
This visit is set against the backdrop of a global upheaval caused by the war in Ukraine that has been ongoing since February 2022. In this conflict, pitting Russia against Ukraine and the West at large, Algeria has maintained its stance supporting a multipolar world, consistent with the foundation of its foreign policy.
As a demonstration of its desire to retain sovereignty in its decisions, Algeria has been working to strengthen its relations with Russia, China, and the United States. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune visited Russia last June and conducted a state visit to China in July.
Both Russia and China are significant partners for Algeria, with the former being a key ally in the military domain and the latter in the economic field. President Tebboune has repeatedly stated that Algeria is a friend of the United States, while also reiterating the principle of non-alignment in Algerian diplomacy.
This diplomatic engagement signals Algeria’s ongoing commitment to cultivate strong international relationships and to navigate the complex and often tumultuous landscape of global politics. It also reflects the country’s nuanced approach, maintaining strategic partnerships with various key international players while upholding its principles of non-alignment and sovereign decision-making.