U.S. Africa Command Commander U.S. Army General Stephen Townsend met with President Abdelmajid Tebboune in Algiers, Algeria Sept. 23, to discuss regional security issues and cooperation.
“We have a lot we can learn and share with each other. Strengthening this relationship is very important to us,” said General Townsend.
Townsend also congratulated Tebboune on the nation’s successful presidential elections and his election as president.
President Tebboune and General Townsend discussed strengthening bilateral ties and assisting each other in common areas of concern including regional stability and the need to degrade the influence of violent extremist organizations, such as Al-Qaeda affiliates.
“Algeria is a committed counterterrorism partner. Degrading violent extremist organizations, malign activity, and enhancing regional stability is a mutual must,” General Townsend added.
President Tebboune and General Townsend also discussed regional security concerns, including the ongoing unrest in Libya and the crisis in Mali.
During the visit, the U.S. delegation led by General Townsend met with a number of Algerian leaders, including Chief of Defense Lt. Gen. Said Chanegriha and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sabri Boukadoum.
This is the first visit to Algeria by a U.S. Africa Command commander since 2018.
