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© Photo credit: Algerian Ministry of National Defence

Saïd Chengriha, Algeria’s Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defence and Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army (ANP), received Dagvin Anderson, Commander of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), during an official visit to Algiers on 28 April 2026.

The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Algerian People’s National Army and was attended by senior Algerian military officials, including commanders of the armed forces, senior ministry officials and members of the visiting American delegation.

The welcoming ceremony included military honours, the raising of the national flag and a formal military salute presented to General Anderson by a formation representing the various branches of the Algerian armed forces.

During the discussions, both sides reviewed the current state of military cooperation between Algeria and the United States and exchanged views on regional and international security issues of common interest. The talks also focused on strengthening bilateral defence relations following the signing of a military cooperation memorandum of understanding between the two countries in January 2025.

In his address, General Chengriha stated that the visit represented an additional step toward deepening strategic dialogue and reinforcing long-term military cooperation between Algeria and the United States. He emphasized that both countries are working to implement the provisions of the 2025 cooperation memorandum in order to establish a durable partnership based on mutual respect and shared interests.

The Algerian military chief also highlighted Algeria’s role within African security structures and its efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism across the continent. Acting under an African Union mandate, Algeria continues to support mechanisms aimed at strengthening pan-African coordination against terrorist threats through a multidimensional security strategy.

According to General Chengriha, Algeria has promoted several continental initiatives, including the creation of an African financial fund dedicated to counterterrorism operations, the establishment of an African list of individuals and entities involved in criminal activities and the development of an African arrest warrant mechanism.

He additionally referenced the annual reports presented by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in his role as African Union Coordinator for the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

For his part, General Anderson expressed satisfaction with his visit to Algeria and reaffirmed AFRICOM’s interest in further strengthening military cooperation and coordination with the Algerian armed forces. He also praised Algeria’s contribution to regional stability, security and peace efforts across North Africa and the Sahel region.

The meeting concluded with the exchange of symbolic gifts and the signing of the People’s National Army guestbook by the AFRICOM Commander.