U.S., Algeria reaffirm counterterrorism partnership

WASHINGTON, Sept 19 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of State John Kerry met here with his Algerian counterpart Ramtane Lamamra, discussing counterterrorism partnership in light of the fight against the militant group, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and the ongoing conflict between the government and several rebel forces in Libya.
"I want to particularly thank the Government of Algeria for their very prompt and strong support for the coalition to deal with the problem of ISIL," Kerry told reporters ahead of the closed-door meeting, held late on Thursday. "We're appreciative of their efforts in counterterrorism particularly." "In the course of the next days in New York I will be hosting a small meeting of key nations that have an interest in Libya," he added. "We all know that Libya is challenged right now. A near neighbor, Algeria has critical relationships, and together with Egypt the region is working very hard to help deal with this issue." For his part, Lamamra said Algeria and the US "have been developing a very effective and action-oriented counterterrorism partnership" which has "proven to be very serious." "Algeria, as you know, can be counted among the few countries that have effectively defeated terrorism," he said. "We have paid the very high price for that, but we enjoy today security, a very reasonable level of security and a quietness in our country, We are a security and stability exporting country." Lamamra also called the bilateral relationship between the two countries "promising," adding, "It is not anymore limited to energy; it covers so many areas, and it is really a good terrain and good ground for American companies to come and to contribute in the development of Algeria." (end) ys.tg