US Presidential Advisor Calls Algeria ‘Very Good Partner’

Masood Boulos, a senior US Presidential Advisor for Africa, Arab Affairs, and the Middle East, recently affirmed the strength of the partnership between Algeria and the United States. Following meetings with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and other high-ranking officials, Boulos characterized Algeria as a "very good partner" for the United States. He emphasized that the two nations aim to enhance regional security and expand economic opportunities, describing his discussions in Algiers as "very fruitful."

A significant aspect of Boulos's statements was his explicit rejection of the portrayal of Algeria as an obstacle to efforts in settling the Western Sahara conflict. This stance notably refutes a long-standing Moroccan narrative and accusations regarding Algeria's role in the dispute. Boulos further commended the constructive contributions of President Tebboune and the Algerian government, recognizing Algeria's vital and continuous involvement in promoting regional peace and security, as well as its constructive engagement towards a mutually acceptable solution in Western Sahara.

The US advisor's remarks, made during a visit that included talks with Prime Minister Seif Ghraib, Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, and Sonatrach CEO Noureddine Daoudi on energy cooperation, addressed the negotiation process for Western Sahara. While acknowledging that three rounds of talks involving Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front were constructive, Boulos indicated that a final or imminent solution to the conflict has not yet been reached, and Washington does not currently perceive a solution that is "close."