Algerian Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, and African Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, held meetings with his counterparts from Mauritania, Western Sahara, and the Republic of Congo on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. According to a ministry statement, Attaf met with Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug to review and assess cooperation between the two countries. The meeting aimed to enhance cooperation in various fields, in line with the high-level directives of the leaders of both countries.

The talks between Attaf and Merzoug focused on strengthening the brotherly relations between the two nations, exploring ways to promote cooperation, and meeting their shared aspirations for progress and development. The two countries have a long history of cooperation, and the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ways to build on this foundation. Algeria and Mauritania have a strong relationship, and the meeting demonstrated their commitment to further enhancing ties.

Attaf also met with Western Saharan Foreign Minister Mohamed Yslam Biste, where they discussed the latest developments in the Western Sahara issue. The meeting focused on the UN's efforts to find a fair and lasting political solution, ensuring the Sahrawi people can exercise their inalienable right to self-determination, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions. Algeria has consistently supported the Sahrawi cause, and the meeting provided an opportunity to review the current situation.

During the meeting with Biste, Attaf reaffirmed Algeria's unwavering support for the Sahrawi cause, emphasizing the country's commitment to upholding the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination. He stressed that Algeria will continue to support UN efforts to enable the Sahrawi people to exercise this right, which is at the heart of the Western Sahara issue and essential for a fair and lasting political solution.

Attaf also met with Congolese Foreign Minister Constant Serge Bounda, where they discussed the current state of cooperation between Algeria and the Republic of Congo. The two ministers explored opportunities to expand cooperation into priority areas such as transportation, infrastructure, and the pharmaceutical industry. Algeria has extensive experience in the energy sector, and the meeting provided a platform to discuss ways to build on this expertise.

The meeting between Attaf and Bounda highlighted the dynamic nature of cooperation between Algeria and the Republic of Congo, particularly in the energy sector. The two countries have a strong foundation for cooperation, and the meeting aimed to identify areas for further collaboration. The next session of the Algerian-Congolese joint committee was also discussed, providing an opportunity to review progress and identify new areas for cooperation.

Algeria's commitment to supporting the Sahrawi cause and promoting cooperation with neighboring countries was a key theme of the meetings. The country's unwavering support for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination was reaffirmed, and efforts to enhance cooperation with Mauritania, Western Sahara, and the Republic of Congo were underscored. The meetings demonstrated Algeria's dedication to regional cooperation and its commitment to upholding the principles of international law.

Key points

  • Algeria reaffirms its support for the Sahrawi cause and the right to self-determination.
  • Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf meets with counterparts from Mauritania, Western Sahara, and Congo.
  • Algeria and Congo discuss expanding cooperation into priority areas such as transportation and infrastructure.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.