Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf held talks with Massad Boulos, senior adviser to Donald Trump on Arab and African affairs, in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The meeting was confirmed by a statement from the US diplomatic mission in Algiers, which described the discussions as fruitful and focused on the economy and regional stability. This meeting is part of a busy diplomatic schedule for Attaf, who has been holding bilateral talks with various countries during the UN session.
The talks between Attaf and Boulos centered on strengthening economic ties between Algeria and the US. According to the US embassy, the two officials reviewed the robustness of bilateral relations and explored opportunities for increasing trade and investment between the two countries. While no specific sectors were mentioned, the US has previously expressed interest in Algeria's energy sector, which is a key area of cooperation between the two nations.
Regional security was also a major topic of discussion, with both officials reaffirming their commitment to stability in the region. The US and Algeria have a shared interest in promoting peace and security in the region, particularly in the face of several ongoing conflicts. The meeting was attended by Algerian Ambassador to Washington Sabri Boukadoum and the country's permanent representative to the UN.
This meeting is not the first between Attaf and Boulos, who held similar talks in the spring. On that occasion, Washington praised Algeria's efforts to resolve a decades-long conflict. The US adviser has also spoken out on the Western Sahara issue, dismissing accusations that Algeria is blocking progress on the dispute. Boulos described Algeria's cooperation as constructive and downplayed expectations of a swift resolution to the conflict.
Boulos' comments on Western Sahara contradict the narrative promoted by Morocco, which claims that a recent UN Security Council resolution has definitively settled the issue. However, Boulos' remarks suggest that a speedy resolution is unlikely. The Algerian government has consistently supported the UN's efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.
The meeting between Attaf and Boulos is part of a broader effort to strengthen ties between Algeria and the US. In September, Boulos visited Algiers, where he described Algeria as an important partner and emphasized the need for greater economic cooperation. The two countries have a long-standing relationship, with the US being one of Algeria's main trading partners.
The talks between Attaf and Boulos reflect the ongoing diplomatic engagement between Algeria and the US. The two countries are working together on a range of issues, from economic development to regional security. As the UN General Assembly continues, it is likely that Attaf will hold further talks with other officials to promote Algerian interests and strengthen international cooperation.
Key points
- Algeria and the US are seeking to strengthen economic ties, with a focus on increasing trade and investment.
- Regional security was a major topic of discussion, with both officials reaffirming their commitment to stability in the region.
- The meeting between Attaf and Boulos reflects the ongoing diplomatic engagement between Algeria and the US on a range of issues.
