U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Algerian Foreign
Minister Ramtane Lamamra address reporters at the U.S. Department of
State in Washington, D.C., on April 8, 2015
State Department Photo
Treaty Room
Washington, DC
April 8, 2015
SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good afternoon, everybody, and it’s my great
pleasure to welcome Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra, the foreign
minister of Algeria. And I’m really happy to welcome him and his entire
delegation here. (Inaudible) happy to have you here.
Ramtane and I met last September to discuss regional security issues
in Algiers a year ago, I guess, we met during our second annual
Strategic Dialogue. So we’ve had a chance to be able to share thoughts
and to find common ground, and I’m very, very appreciative for the
relationship that we have. And I thank him very much for his hospitality
when I was in Algiers. I had a chance to be able to play soccer with a
bunch of young kids at a clinic. And I’m very happy that a lot of them
were much too young to remember Landon Donovan’s extra-time goal for
America that won the – (laughter). I won’t even repeat it. Diplomacy –
(laughter) – diplomacy brings countries together and overcomes
last-minute World Cup goals. (Laughter.) So thank God for that.
I am very, very grateful to Ramtane for his very generous
hospitality, but most importantly, President Obama and our entire
Administration are very grateful for the very significant cooperation
that we have. It’s a difficult region. There are enormous challenges
today. Partners need to work together effectively, and we have been
doing so with Algeria, and we thank you for that.
The ties between the United States and Algeria are actually very,
very long and longstanding. Many people are not aware that the city of
St. Augustine, Florida was founded 450 years ago, and it was named in
honor of a man who lived in what is now Algeria, the great scholar
Augustine of Hippo. And ever since 1783, when Algeria became one of the
very first nations to officially recognize the now-United States, the
people of our two countries have actually had a great deal in common.
Those shared interests were reflected today throughout the Strategic
Dialogue that has been taking place, and that included expert
discussions on four critical sets of issues: energy and commerce;
security collaboration; education and cultural exchanges; and the
political cooperation. So I just want to offer very quickly a thought on
each.
First, we are committed to strengthening the economic and energy ties
between our two countries. And just last month, Assistant Secretaries
Patterson and Rivkin of the State Department and Jadotte of the Commerce
Department led a trade delegation to Algeria. And these delegations
enabled top-level American firms to share insights with their Algerian
counterparts and to be able to explore new ways of doing business
together.
I should emphasize that we’ve been working very intensively with our
partners in Algeria to identify and to remove barriers that impede
increased trade and investment, including the trade and investment
framework, the agreement – the trade and investment agreement council
that was reached on February – I think February 17th. And today’s
dialogue, Ramtane, contributed to the progress and moving in the right
direction on that.
We also appreciate enormously Algeria’s leadership in the climate
negotiations that are going to take place in the final meeting in Paris
later this year. We’re particularly grateful for your partnership as the
co-chair of this important process. And as you know, the United States
just submitted its emission reduction target and we strongly encourage
Algeria now to also join in putting forward its target. In order for
this agreement to succeed – and it is vital for everybody that this
agreement does succeed – we need to have everybody participate. And
President Obama is deeply engaged, as I am, in crisscrossing the world
in order to encourage people to come to Paris ready to make an
agreement.
Second, security cooperation is a cornerstone of the U.S.-Algeria
relationship. And as we were reminded tragically in Kenya last week,
terrorist groups such as Daesh, al-Qaida, al-Shabaab, Boko Haram all
pose a serious challenge to every single one of us. And that is why the
United States welcomes Algeria’s plan to host an international summit
this summer on the issue of de-radicalization, one of several follow-on
events to the conference on Countering Violent Extremism that President
Obama held here in Washington in February.
I’m grateful to Algeria for agreeing to share the lessons from its
own battle against violent extremists, and we greatly appreciate
Algeria’s engagement in the Global Counterterrorism Forum and its
partnership with us in the leaders meeting in September on the margins
of the UN General Assembly.
Our counterterrorism coordinator, who I see sitting here with
Ambassador Patterson, Ambassador Kaidanow and Algerian Minister-Delegate
Masaha (ph) will continue to work together closely on counterterrorism
issues. And we’re going to deepen all the aspects of our security
partnership with Algeria, and I look forward to building on our work to
promote justice sector reform, the rule of law, and border security.
Third, it is vital for us to continue to strengthen people-to-people
ties. The United States is committed to supporting Algeria with more
English language learning opportunities, expanding our cultural
exchanges, and making it easier for Algerian students to study in the
United States. And every person in Algeria who wants to learn English
should have the chance to do so. That’s what we believe and we’re going
to work on making that a reality. And we’ll continue our efforts to
promote citizen engagement with the government and a strong, active, and
independent civil society, including through the Middle East
Partnership Initiative.
Finally, our political cooperation remains absolutely critical,
especially in the face of the growing instability throughout the region.
Here Algeria is playing an important, highly constructive role, and
we’re grateful for that. I especially appreciate Ramtane’s mediation
efforts in support of the inter-Malian peace agreement, a blueprint for
restoring security, supporting economic development, and promoting good
governance, as well as reconciliation and justice.
Going forward, we believe the parties must abide by their pledge to
resolve peacefully their remaining differences and to work together to
promote good governance and security for their people.
Algeria has also been a vital backer of UN-led efforts to reach a
political solution in the embattled and deeply divided nation of Libya.
The recent meeting of Libyan political parties and activists in Algiers
was a very important milestone. It underscored not only Algeria’s
leadership in the region, but also the commitment of the parties to
dialogue as the only viable solution to this crisis. So the United
States, I pledge to you, will continue to support this process, the goal
of a stable and united Libya at peace with both its neighbors and
itself.
Obviously, our delegations had a lot to talk about today, as you can
tell from my comments. This dialogue could not be more timely. We value
deeply our friendship and we believe strongly that an Algeria that is
stable, that is increasingly prosperous and working in partnership with
the international community is vital for the region and vital really for
the world.
So I warmly welcome our guests today, particularly the new Algerian
ambassador here in Washington, Madjid Bouguerra, and I thank them for a
very productive and useful set of discussions today. We have to build
off of these discussions. I’m confident that we will, and I look forward
to visiting with all of you in Algiers sometime in the not-too-distant
future.
Now it is my pleasure to recognize Foreign Minister Lamamra. (Applause.)
FOREIGN MINISTER LAMAMRA: Thank you very much, John. Thank you for
reminding us of so many commonalities and including those fond memories
that we keep of your not-too-distant stay in Algeria, though we would
have loved to have you again in between. And I’m delighted that we had
so many things to discuss, including between yourself and President
Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who is sending his greetings as well as his best
wishes to you and through you to President Barack Obama.
I was of the view that we could set aside things, but I think that
now it’s better for me also to take advantage of my speaking notes so
that I would cover as much ground as you have so ably done. (Laughter.)
SECRETARY KERRY: Well, you should have told me ahead of time. I would have saved time. (Laughter.)
FOREIGN MINISTER LAMAMRA: So it’s nice to be here again during this
cherry blossom season. I would like to thank you, John, for your warm
welcome and promising remarks. My team is pleased to be part of the
third session of the Algeria-U.S. Strategic Dialogue and ready to engage
with a positive spirit in a wide-ranging discussion about the
implementation of what they have been working on during the day’s
session.
Since its inception three years ago, the Algeria-U.S. Strategic
Dialogue is having a tangible and positive impact in terms not only of
its achievements, but more importantly with regard to the new spirit it
had infused to our multidimensional cooperation. This forum has been,
indeed, very instrumental in providing the needed holistic approach to
our bilateral interactions, and I’m glad to see that we share the same
desire and commitment to reinforce them in order to serve the best
interests of our two countries. Our ambition is to enlarge the scope of
this forum, thus making it an oriented action, policy and
decision-making body. Algeria is satisfied indeed with the way this
dialogue is evolving and with the results so far achieved.
Dear John, dear friends and colleagues, your visit, John, to Algeria
last year was fruitful and it has opened many avenues for both countries
to work closely together. In the political field, the two countries
have developed strategic partnership that covers many areas. We can say
today, safely, that the Algeria-American partnership is effective.
Let me add that Algeria is committed to deepen its political,
security, economic and commercial relationship with the United States.
Moreover, thanks to the trust, mutual respect and shared values that
characterize our relations, Algeria and the United States have been able
to maintain continued political dialogue and close consultations on
international and regional issues of mutual interest.
On the issue of terrorism, the quality and effectiveness of our
cooperation are a source of satisfaction. Indeed, Algeria and the U.S.
are playing a leading role in shaping a coordinated global response to
this multifaceted threat to the international peace and security. Both
our countries are founding members of the Global Forum Against
Terrorism. Last month, we hosted a meeting of the Working Group on the
Sahel that Algeria co-chairs with Canada. In the months ahead, Algiers
will, as you mentioned, host a high-level conference organized by the
African Union on the issue of terrorism financing. While the fight
against terrorism groups – against terrorist groups must continue to be
waged vigorously, there is an urgent need for the international
community, we believe, to adjust its preventive strategy in order to be
in a better position to counter what we see as a shift in the modus
operandi and the targets of these terrorist groups.
In this context, the recently-held White House Summit on Countering
Violent Extremism was timely. It was also very useful as it sought to
consider the phenomenon of the radicalization especially among the youth
in a multidimensional approach. Algeria expressed during that meeting
its readiness to share the lessons it has learned the hard way from its
own experience in dealing with this very sensitive problem, by
organizing a very important international meeting devoted to
de-radicalization.
We are of the view that to be successful in this endeavor, we must
effectively combat Islamophobia throughout the world. The stigmatization
of Muslims is not only unacceptable, but it further damages our
collective efforts to countering the propaganda of violent extremism.
Our economic cooperation has reached, during the last months, an
unprecedented dynamic in terms of exchange of high-level visits and the
holding of business forums and trade missions. These interactions
between our respective government representatives and business
communities are of the utmost importance. I do believe that the visit of
the Algerian minister of industry and mining to the United States last
October and the holding last February in Algiers of the second session
of Algeria-U.S. Council on Trade and Investment can be considered as a
significant progress. I welcome in this regard the holding of this
session, and I do hope that the council will be able to meet annually,
as stipulated.
Algeria has endeavored to fulfill its obligations under this
agreement, and particularly, those obligations relating to the setting
of an open and predictable environment for trade and investment, the
elimination of non-tariff barriers, and the protection of intellectual
property rights. At the same time, Algeria expects that this agreement
will effectively encourage investments that are generating wealth, job
creation, and transfer of technology. The Algerian Government seeks to
diversify the national economy, and it has consequently taken
significant and concrete measures for setting up a friendly environment
for national and foreign investments. As a matter of fact, we have
already asked our international partners, including the U.S., obviously,
to support us in this challenging process.
Ladies and gentlemen, in leading an international mediation effort
for the resolution of the crisis in Mali – an action that you have
mentioned, and I thank you for the kind words you have used in this
respect to describe my own personal role in it – Algeria designed a
solution that ensures the preservation of the unity and territorial
integrity of the Republic of Mali and creates the necessary conditions
for its national reconstruction and economic development. The
recently-concluded Algiers Agreement represents the best compromise,
which serves the interests of Mali while recognizing the legitimate
claims and aspirations of the populations of the northern Mali regions.
Algeria is convinced that the restoration of a lasting peace in Mali
will have a positive impact on the whole situation in the Sahel region,
as well as on the global fight against terrorism. Algeria is committed
to building an integrated, united and prosperous Maghreb beyond mere
rhetoric. My country has demonstrated in deeds its act of solidarity
whenever any one of our neighbors was in need of it. We lent our
support, full support to Tunisia to successfully go through the
democratic transition and take its responsibilities in the face of
terrorism and instability. We are guided by the same spirit of
solidarity with regard to the tragic situation prevailing in Libya.
Algeria has constantly pleaded for a political solution as the only way
to preserve the unity and territorial integrity of Libya. Any military
intervention would further exacerbate the conflict and would more than
likely annihilate the chances of a peaceful settlement based on national
reconciliation. We are glad that Algeria and the U.S. share the same
vision and stand by the same position.
In close coordination with the UN Secretary-General Special
Representative Bernardino Leon, Algeria has already hosted the meeting
of leaders of political parties and prominent Libyan personalities. We
see this as a promising step in a process that needs to be supported by
the international community as a whole.
On Syria, we believe that there can be no military solution to the
conflict. We think also the time has come for the international
community to engage all the political actors in an inclusive dialogue
with the aim of finding a consensual solution to this destructive and
senseless war.
Concerning the situation in the Middle East, Algeria supports the
legitimate of the Palestinian people to a state with East Jerusalem,
Al-Quds, as its capital. We urge the international community to live up
to its obligations towards the peace process, which should resume
without delay in order to achieve the just and lasting solution the
Middle East is so desperately looking for. I certainly take this
opportunity to salute your personal efforts, John, in these regards.
With respect to Western Sahara, Algeria continues to support the UN
secretary general and his personal envoy, Chris Ross, in their efforts
to achieve a mutually acceptable political solution which provides for
the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in accordance
with the UN Charter and relevant resolutions.
Algeria strongly believes that there is no other alternative for the
settlement of this conflict than the holding of a free and fair
referendum of self-determination for the people of Western Sahara.
Let me conclude, John, by expressing once again my sincere
appreciation for you, to you, and for all your colleagues, bearing in
mind that the outcomes of this third session of our strategic dialogue
are so positive and so promising. I believe that these outcomes will
give a real impetus to the already strong and mutually beneficial
strategic partnership between our two countries. I very much look
forward to receiving you again and again in Algiers. (Applause.)
SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you.
Joint Communiqué on the U.S.-Algeria Strategic Dialogue
Office of the Spokesperson
Department of State
Washington, DC
April 8, 2015
The following is a joint communiqué by the governments of Algeria and the United States following today’s Strategic Dialogue.
Begin text:
The United States and Algeria convened the third session of the
Strategic Dialogue on April 8, 2015, with Secretary of State John Kerry
and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ramtane Lamamra chairing their
respective delegations.
The two sides engaged in a wide-ranging discussion of the future of the U.S.-Algeria relationship.
The two governments agreed to work together to promote regional
security, combat terrorism, increase information sharing, advance
nonproliferation, and coordinate programs to build the capacity of
regional partners. The United States is grateful for Algeria’s role in
promoting peaceful solutions to regional conflicts, including Algeria’s
mediation of an agreement between the Government of Mali and northern
armed groups and its support of UN Special Representative of the
Secretary General Bernadino Leon’s efforts in Libya. The United States
and Algeria agreed that a national unity government in Libya is
essential to defeat terrorist threats in the region. Algeria reaffirmed
its commitment to hold a summit on de-radicalization as a follow-on to
the 19 February Ministerial Meeting of the White House Summit to Counter
Violent Extremism. The United States and Algeria pledged to continue
their work together, including through the Global Counterterrorism
Forum, on the action agenda outlined during the Ministerial in advance
of the leaders’ summit against violent extremism on the margins of the
UN General Assembly in September.
The two governments agreed to deepen their economic and commercial
relationship. The United States supports Algeria’s efforts to diversify
its economy and invite more foreign investment, as well as the
development of Algeria’s energy sector, including renewable energy
technologies and non-traditional hydrocarbons. The United States also
continues to support Algeria’s efforts to join the World Trade
Organization. Both sides emphasized their strong support for continued
business-to-business engagement and exchange of expertise.
The governments also agreed to review ways to increase educational
exchanges and encourage Algerian students to study in the United States,
to include expanded English language learning opportunities for
Algerian young people, and a commitment to pursue recognition of U.S.
higher education degrees. Both sides renewed their commitment to open an
International American School in Algiers in September 2016.
The delegations expressed support for United Nations Security Council
Resolution 2152, including the commitment to assist the parties to
achieve a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution,
which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western
Sahara in the context of arrangements consistent with the principles and
purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, noting the role and
responsibilities of the parties in this respect.
Foreign Minister Lamamra and Secretary of State Kerry emphasized
their commitment to the important relationship between the United States
and Algeria and pledged to expand, deepen, and broaden political,
economic, security, and commercial cooperation. Algeria expressed its
gratitude to the United States for hosting the third U.S.-Algerian
Strategic Dialogue. Each side looks forward to continuing consultations
on the topics discussed in each working group, and agreed to another
session in Algiers next year.
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