By Adm. James G. Foggo III, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples | March 13, 2019

I had the opportunity to meet with multiple senior Algerian officials during a visit to Algiers. Although there are many ways that leaders can communicate with each other, I believe that face-to-face interactions, such as the ones that we held in the capital, are critical to maintaining and building relationships and continuing an open dialogue. My visit to Algeria was meant to underscore the importance of the Algero-American relationship; one that is of special historical significance dating back to the earliest days of our democracy.

Our engagement comes on the heels of a meeting in January between Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdelkader Messahel who reviewed the close and productive partnership between our countries and discussed areas for future cooperation. Our meeting this week reinforced the U.S. government’s desire to expand security and military partnerships, grow economic and commercial links, and build educational and cultural ties between our two nations.

just as I left Algiers on Thursday, a U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer, USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) conducted an exercise with the Adhafer-class corvette ANS El Faith (921). This was the second U.S. Navy port visit to Algiers and bilateral maritime exercise in less than two years. The exercise, at the tail end of Donald Cook’s port visit to Algiers highlights the strategic significance the maritime domain is to both our countries, North Africa and our Mediterranean allies and partners.

I anticipate many more years of joint efforts to maintain regional peace and stability. We are grateful for the opportunity to visit Algeria and have been enriched by the experience.