U.S.-Algeria relations date back to 1795 when Hassan Bashaw Dey, who ruled what was then called the Deylik of Algiers, signed a peace treaty with America’s first president, George Washington. Since then, Algerians and Americans have developed economic, educational, and cultural connections.
During a recent visit to Algeria, Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed how critical Algeria’s efforts are to improving regional security and stability. “That includes its counterterrorism expertise, the humanitarian and security assistance that it provides to neighbors in the Sahel, [and] its demonstrated leadership in finding regional and African-led solutions to challenges,” said Secretary Blinken.
On Libya, Algeria has been a critical voice in international efforts to advance the UN political process and promote Libyan elections. And as the broker of the Algiers Accords, Algeria continues to play a key role in Mali.
Algeria has also emerged in the region as a leader in preserving cultural heritage sites, which terrorists and organized crime groups have increasingly looted to finance their illicit activities. Last year, the United States joined Algeria in bringing together government officials, archaeologists, cultural site managers from Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, and Egypt, to discuss how to keep these sites secure and successfully prosecute looters of cultural property.
Secretary Blinken also stressed to the Algerian leadership the importance of protecting and advancing human rights, including freedom of religion for all faiths, and freedom of expression - especially political speech.
More U.S. companies are seeking investment in Algeria, and those already there are creating jobs and helping to diversify Algeria’s economy by training local employees, sharing knowledge, and building long-term partnerships.
Algeria and the United States have worked together to beat back the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. has donated more than 600,000 vaccine doses to Algeria as well as a 35-bed state-of-the-art field hospital, and a second donated field hospital will be up and running in the coming months.
The United States looks forward to continuing to strengthen its security, regional, cultural, and economic ties with Algeria.
