Algeria Boosts Diplomatic Efforts in New York as It Prepares to Enter the UN Security Council
BY: Hana Saada
New York, September 24, 2023 – Algeria is gearing up for a significant role on the global stage as it prepares to assume its non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the Human Rights Council. Under the visionary leadership of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the North African nation is actively pursuing an assertive diplomatic strategy to make a meaningful contribution to international peace and security while tackling the challenges facing the African continent.
Diplomatic dynamo Ahmed Attaf, Algeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, has emerged as a prominent figure in this effort. During the 78th UN General Assembly in New York, Attaf conducted a series of high-level meetings and discussions aimed at enhancing Algeria’s role in global affairs.
One of the key highlights of Attaf’s diplomatic activities was his participation in a ministerial meeting with representatives of the five countries set to join the UNSC as non-permanent members from January 1, 2024. These countries include Algeria, the Republic of Korea, Slovenia, Sierra Leone, and Guyana, all of whom were elected by the UN General Assembly in June 2023. The meeting focused on preparations for UNSC membership and strategies for cooperation among non-permanent members to effectively contribute to global peace and security.
Algeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with both Arab and African nations was prominently displayed as Attaf engaged in the 9th ministerial meeting of the Committee of Coordination of the Arab-African partnership. This gathering aimed to assess progress in implementing decisions made at previous summits and to prepare for the upcoming 5th Arab-African Summit scheduled for November in Saudi Arabia. Attaf emphasized the importance of completing institutional work and implementing mechanisms that facilitate cooperation between Arab and African nations in various areas of common interest. Algeria is eager to promote this collaboration and integration to create a model of Afro-Arab relations in multilateral efforts for peace, security, and sustainable development.
Additionally, Minister Attaf held discussions with senior officials from various international and regional organizations, including Omar Touray, President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS); Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League; Josep Borrell, Vice-President of the European Commission; and Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations for Peace Operations. These meetings focused on enhancing cooperation and partnerships between Algeria and these organizations, with a particular emphasis on contributing to peace, security, and development in the region. Algeria’s proactive approach to promoting dialogue and resolving crises in Libya, Mali, and Niger was commended during these discussions.
Furthermore, Attaf explored opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations between Algeria and its counterparts and laid the groundwork for future events that would deepen these ties. The dialogues also addressed pertinent issues such as peace, security, and development, with a special focus on the Sahel region and North Africa.
Algeria’s intensified diplomatic engagement under the leadership of Ahmed Attaf reflects the nation’s commitment to playing a pivotal role in international peace and security. As it prepares to enter the UNSC and Human Rights Council, Algeria seeks to foster collaboration with diverse nations and organizations, working toward a more stable and prosperous world.
