(With photos) ALGIERS, Feb 25 (KUNA) — US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Saturday brushed aside claims that Washington would exercise pressure on Algiers to change its positions over many key issues like the Syrian crisis.
Clinton, in press remarks after her arrival in Algiers on a short visit, said the US appreciated the Algerian positions over a many issues in the Arab region.
She said her visit, at the invitation of her Algerian counterpart Murad Medelci, aimed at exchanging views over regional matters.
She said she would meet later tonight with President Abdulaziz Bouteflika, government officials and representatives from civil society organizations to discuss the situation in the Arab Maghreb region and next May’s legislative elections.
Clinton, on her visit to Algeria since assuming office, is also expected to discuss the situations in Libya, Syria and Palestine.
The US and Algeria are bound to partnership in the fight against terrorism, particularly in the Sahel region.
Trade balance between both country is in surplus in favor of Algeria, registering USD 2.13 billion last year. (end)
ft.bs KUNA 251941 Feb 12NNNN
