Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Ataf concluded a two-day working visit to the US on August 10, upon the invitation of his US counterpart, Anthony Blinken. The visit, as stated by the Algerian Foreign Ministry, aims to enhance economic collaboration and deepen political cooperation between Algeria and the US.
The US invitation extended to Algeria is notable given the context of global developments, especially in light of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and the rapidly unfolding events in the region. Of particular concern is the recent coup in Niger and the subsequent reactions from both the international community and African nations. These circumstances give rise to several pertinent questions, such as whether this visit is merely a routine occurrence aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two parties, or if it carries deeper implications. This visit signifies Algeria’s desire to forge closer ties with the Western world, particularly in light of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s recent visits to Russia and China.
Algerian Interests at the Foray
Attaf’s visit to Washington encompassed numerous issues, including those pertaining to the strategic dialogue, economic cooperation, and trade exchange between Algeria and the United States of America. Additionally, it involved matters concerning regional security following the Niger coup, as well as the prominent Sahara territory, which is of utmost importance for Algeria.
These are the key issues that were discussed during the Algerian Foreign Minister’s Visit to the US:
1- The Niger coup and the challenges of regional security: There appears to be a notable alignment between the perspectives of Algeria and the United States concerning the crisis in Niger after the coup on July 26th. Both parties concurred on the condemnation of the coup from its inception, while concurrently advocating for the utilization of diplomatic measures to restore constitutional legitimacy in Niamey. Furthermore, the two viewpoints converge on the rejection of employing military intervention to resolve the coup, thereby contrasting with France’s stance and the positions held by certain member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
In addition to the dossier on Niger, other issues include terrorist organizations operating in the African Sahel region. Notably IS, which exercises control over the border area that encompasses Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as well as the group known as “Nusrat al-Islam Wal Muslimeen,” affiliated with al-Qaeda. These thorny issues have the potential to catalyze increased cooperation between Algeria and the US. Particularly following the withdrawal of French forces from certain Sahel nations like Mali and Burkina Faso, the US-Algerian partnership has become increasingly significant. However, it is worth noting that the Military Council in Niger has expressed its opposition to the current presence of these forces.
2- The Sahara Issue: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has affirmed the US’ commitment to fully supporting the United Nations’ political process concerning the Sahara. This issue holds significant importance for Algeria, particularly due to its ongoing disagreements with neighboring Morocco. The recognition of “Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara” by former US President Donald Trump’s administration had strained relations between Algeria and the US. Despite the change in administration, President Joe Biden has not rescinded this recognition.
3- Developing cooperation in the energy sector: Despite the disagreement that emerged between Algeria and the United States of America concerning the significant enhancement in relations between the former and Russia, as well as the Sahara issue; the energy dossier emerges as a facilitating factor in attaining equilibrium in Algerian-American relations, considering Algeria’s role in meeting the European demand, especially for alternative supplies of Russian natural gas.
Algeria seeks to foster collaboration with American energy companies. Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Ataf has announced an established agreement with “Occidental” and ongoing discussions with “Chevron” and “ExxonMobil,” prominent oil corporations in the US. This announcement was made during Ataf’s meeting with Congressmen Troy Nalls, the leader of the US Congressional Committee for Friendship with Algeria. Both parties agreed to organize a forthcoming symposium in Washington DC, focusing on the enhancement of Algerian-US cooperation in the energy sector.
4- Strengthening Bilateral Economic Relations: Algeria aims to enhance its economic ties by establishing a strategic partnership with the United States of America, following its successful collaborations with Russia and China. To facilitate this partnership, Michelle Sison, the US Assistant Secretary of State responsible for international organizations, conducted a working visit to Algeria on July 25. During her visit, she met with Foreign Minister Ahmed Ataf to lay the groundwork for this alliance.
Algeria is actively pursuing a strategy to diversify its partnerships, spanning both the eastern and western regions of the world. The country seeks to attract the attention of major economic powers and highlight the potential for investment within its borders, particularly with the implementation of “facilitations approved by the new investment law.”
US investments in Algeria are estimated at $2.7 billion, and they are concentrated in the oil and pharmaceutical industries, electricity production and modern technologies, according to the Algerian Ministry of Trade and Export Promotion, on July 23.
5- US Dialougue Session: The sixth session of the strategic dialogue between Algeria and the US was recently held, marking an annual exchange of hosting this important event between the two nations. In the previous year, the fifth session of the dialogue took place in Algiers, with the US Deputy Secretary of State presiding over the discussions alongside the then Algerian Foreign Minister, Ramtane Lamamra. The conclusion of the sixth session, which occurred during Ataf’s visit to Washington, is particularly significant given the current state of highly polarized regional and international circumstances. As a result, preparations are underway for the Algerian-American business forum, an upcoming event that aims to bring together prominent companies and businessmen. Algeria’s objective in organizing this forum is to attract increased American investments, leveraging the opportunities presented by the new investment law enacted in the previous year.
6- Containing Tensions between both sides: During his visit to Washington, Ataf endeavored to mitigate the strained relations between the two nations, particularly in light of the aggressive campaign initiated by Republican Senator Marco Rubio, who also serves as the Vice Chairman of the US Senate Intelligence Committee, on September 16. The campaign aimed to penalize Algeria for its procurement of Russian weaponry. This endeavor is part of a broader initiative by certain interest groups in the US Congress to categorize Algeria as part of the “Russian sphere” and impose punitive measures upon it.
Sending out Direct messages
Algeria aims to convey explicit messages to all relevant stakeholders regarding the ongoing regional and international affairs through the visit of Foreign Minister Ahmed Ataf to the US. This visit signifies Algeria’s commitment to adopting a more equitable approach in its diplomatic relations with global powers. Such a shift in policy has the potential to enhance Algeria’s ability to effectively navigate the swiftly evolving dynamics in both arenas at present.