Senior US advisor for Arab and African affairs, Mased Boles, met with Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly. The talks focused on US-Algerian relations, the Sahara issue, and other regional energy matters. Boles emphasized the importance of the autonomy initiative and Washington's support for Morocco's position.
According to sources, Boles and Attaf discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in energy, economy, and trade. The Algerian Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying the two officials reviewed the state of Algerian-American relations and explored ways to enhance them. The Sahara issue was also on the agenda, with Boles reportedly stressing the need for parties to the conflict to engage in dialogue.
The US advisor reaffirmed Washington's support for Morocco's autonomy plan, which he described as a suitable solution to the Sahara conflict. Boles' stance aligns with previous US administrations, which have consistently backed the Moroccan initiative. The plan proposes a degree of autonomy for the Sahara region under Moroccan sovereignty.
The meeting between Boles and Attaf comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the Sahara conflict. The issue has been on the UN agenda for decades, with the Security Council repeatedly calling for a peaceful and lasting solution. Morocco and Algeria have been at odds over the issue, with Morocco considering the Sahara an integral part of its territory.
In a related development, Armenian President expressed support for the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty during the UN General Assembly. The endorsement is seen as a significant boost to Morocco's position on the issue. Other countries have also expressed support for the autonomy plan in recent years.
The US-Algerian talks also touched on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The two sides likely discussed the situation in the Sahel region, where Algeria and Morocco have been working together to combat terrorism and organized crime. Energy cooperation was also on the agenda, given Algeria's significant gas reserves and Morocco's growing energy needs.
The meeting between Boles and Attaf reflects the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the US and Algeria on regional issues. While differences remain on the Sahara issue, both sides appear committed to maintaining a dialogue. The US has significant interests in the region, including security and economic ties with Morocco and Algeria.
Key points
- The US reaffirmed its support for Morocco's autonomy plan for the Sahara region.
- The plan proposes a degree of autonomy for the Sahara region under Moroccan sovereignty.
- The Sahara issue has been on the UN agenda for decades, with the Security Council repeatedly calling for a peaceful and lasting solution.
