Attaf Engages African Counterparts, Congratulates Zimbabwe on UNSC Election
State Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad and African Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, conducted a series of high-level meetings in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. Among these engagements, Minister Attaf met with Aymon Morwira, Zimbabwe's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. The ministers exchanged views on the positive state and future prospects of Algerian-Zimbabwean relations, expressing satisfaction with their level, which is rooted in robust historical ties, unwavering solidarity, and a convergence of perspectives on various regional and international issues. Minister Attaf extended congratulations to his Zimbabwean counterpart on Zimbabwe's election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2027-2028 term, offering Algeria's readiness to share its experience and lessons from its own 2024-2025 tenure on the Council. Mr. Morwira, in turn, commended Algeria's impactful efforts during its successful mandate, particularly in bolstering peace and security in Africa, and affirmed Algeria as a strategic partner to Zimbabwe. The discussions also covered the Western Sahara issue, with both parties reiterating their commitment to a solution based on the Sahrawi people's inalienable right to self-determination, in accordance with relevant UN and African Union principles and resolutions.
Minister Attaf also held discussions with Abdisalam Abdi Ali, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Their meeting encompassed various facets of bilateral cooperation, with both officials praising the positive momentum in relations and agreeing on the importance of providing fresh impetus to expand cooperation into new domains. The dialogue further provided an opportunity to exchange views on regional and international matters of mutual concern, including the situation in the Horn of Africa, developments in the Red Sea, and Somalia's internal situation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to respecting Somalia's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, while rejecting foreign interventions that aim to escalate tensions and instability in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea regions.
Concluding his engagements, Minister Attaf met with Amourie Brunie, Benin's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. Their talks focused on ensuring the implementation of the outcomes from Minister Attaf's visit to Cotonou in July 2026. Both ministers expressed satisfaction with the enhanced bilateral cooperation, particularly in industrial investment and energy sectors. They underscored the significance of sustaining this progress and strengthening the dynamic between the two nations, especially in anticipation of the fourth session of the Joint Committee. The officials emphasized that this mechanism should serve as a framework for identifying concrete projects to further boost bilateral cooperation and promote trade. On a continental level, Minister Attaf congratulated his Beninese counterpart on Benin assuming the presidency of the African Union Peace and Security Council for September 2026, and they agreed to continue consultations and coordination on peace and security issues across Africa, notably in light of the 13th Oran Process scheduled for December 2026.
