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5 Things to Know About the U.S.-Algeria Relationship

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James Anderson, who is performing the duties of the deputy undersecretary of defense, met with Algerian Maj. Gen. Mohammed Bachar, director of the Employment and Preparation Department of the general staff, in Washington this week, the Pentagon chief press secretary said.

The defense leaders met to renew and reinvigorate cooperation on shared defense interests during the ninth U.S.- Algeria Joint Military Dialogue held Nov. 18-21, Alyssa Farah said in a readout of the meeting.

Civilian and military officials stand in a row for a photo.
Officials Meet
U.S. and Algerian officials pose for an official photo during the U.S.-Algeria Joint Military Dialogue at the Pentagon, Nov. 21, 2019. From left, Michelle Lenihan, deputy to the deputy assistant secretary of defense for African affairs; Algerian Ambassador Madjid Bouguerra; Pete Marocco, deputy assistant secretary of defense for African affairs; Algerian Maj. Gen Mohammed Bachar, director of the Employment and Preparation Department of the general staff; John Desrocher, U.S. ambassador to Algeria; Algerian Brig. Gen. Houcine Kohil, Ministry of National Defense Cabinet.
Photo By: Cameron Gilbert, DOD
VIRIN: 191121-D-TQ793-002C

Anderson expressed the Defense Department's continued commitment to partnering with Algeria to address significant terrorist threats in North Africa, Farah said.   

The two leaders also discussed regional security, including instability in Libya, as well as security cooperation, including training and defense trade, she said.

A civilian and a military officer sign documents at a table.
Lenihan and Bachar
Following the U.S.-Algeria Joint Military Dialogue, Michelle Lenihan, deputy assistant secretary of defense for African affairs, and Algerian Maj. Gen Mohammed Bachar, director of the Employment and Preparation Department, sign the dialogue minutes at the Pentagon, Nov. 21, 2019.
Photo By: Cameron Gilbert, DOD
VIRIN: 191121-D-TQ793-003C

Anderson thanked Bachar for his commitment to partnership and his efforts to drive progress toward shared objectives, Farah said.

What You Should Know About the U.S.-Algeria Relationship:

1
Algeria is a strategically located and capable partner with which the United States has strong diplomatic, law enforcement, economic and security cooperation ties.
2
The United States and Algeria partner to achieve shared regional security objectives through cooperation, including exchanges of expertise and lessons learned, military exercises, professional military education and training.
3
Algeria possesses one of the most powerful militaries in Africa and has significant expertise in counterterrorism operations. Its military boasts advanced platforms on land, air and sea.
4
Algeria plays a constructive role in promoting regional stability.
5
The U.S. is one of Algeria's top trading partners, and Algeria is one of the top U.S. trading partners in the Middle East/North African region.

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