A delegation of around 40 people from Lawrence, Kansas, arrived in Algiers on November 9, 2026, at the invitation of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. The delegation, led by Mayor Amber Sellers, was warmly welcomed by Kamel Sidi Saïd, advisor to President Tebboune, and Sports Minister Walid Sadi. The visit aims to strengthen relations between Algeria and the United States, particularly with Lawrence, which hosted the Algerian national team during the 2026 World Cup.

The delegation's visit includes a range of cultural and tourist activities in the Tipaza province. A key event is the signing of a twinning agreement between Tipaza and one of the two American cities, Lawrence or Kansas City. This agreement is expected to foster greater cooperation and understanding between the cities. The visit also includes a tour of historic sites, such as Riadh El Feth, the Central Army Museum, and the National Museum of Fine Arts.

The delegation will also visit the CTN de Sidi Moussa, where the Algerian national team is preparing for its upcoming matches against Togo in the 2027 CAN qualifiers. The team will observe the training sessions and get a feel for the atmosphere. Furthermore, the delegation will explore the old city of Casbah and its historic landmarks.

The visit will conclude with a trip to Ghardaïa, where the delegation will visit the ksour of the old city and learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the M'zab valley. This region is known for its unique cultural heritage and architecture. The delegation's visit is seen as a significant step in strengthening relations between Algeria and the United States.

President Tebboune's invitation to the delegation is a gesture of appreciation for the warm welcome extended to the Algerian national team and its supporters during the 2026 World Cup. The visit is expected to further enhance bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries. The delegation's itinerary includes a range of activities that showcase Algeria's rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

The twinning agreement between Tipaza and Lawrence or Kansas City is expected to promote people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in areas such as culture, education, and tourism. This agreement is a key aspect of the visit and reflects the growing interest in strengthening relations between Algeria and the United States.

The visit by the Lawrence delegation marks a significant moment in Algerian-American relations, highlighting the growing cooperation and exchange between the two countries. Key aspects of the visit include the twinning agreement, cultural exchanges, and observation of the Algerian national team's training sessions. The visit is expected to have a positive impact on bilateral relations and pave the way for future cooperation.

Key points

  • The delegation from Lawrence, Kansas, is visiting Algeria at the invitation of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to strengthen bilateral relations and promote cultural exchanges.

Reporting sources

Share this story

Written by

SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.