Ozrra Zia, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, has embarked on a significant visit to Algeria to engage in discussions regarding key issues surrounding stability, security, and prosperity in North Africa and the Sahel region.
The visit, which started on Sunday, November 17, 2024, will continue until November 21 and is part of a broader diplomatic mission in the region, which will also include stops in Egypt.
According to the U.S. State Department, the primary focus of Zia’s visit will be to address matters related to human rights, combating human trafficking, and tackling the illegal drug trade, crucial challenges facing both Algeria and neighboring regions.
The State Department further emphasized that the United States remains committed to supporting fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion, belief, and expression, and is dedicated to promoting safe and humane migration management practices.
Zia will also work alongside Barbara Leaf, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, as part of a larger effort to bolster cooperation between the U.S. and Algeria, particularly in the areas of counterterrorism, border security, and human rights.
While the specific individuals Zia will meet in Algeria have not been disclosed, it is expected that her discussions will involve key figures from Algeria’s diplomatic and security sectors, given her mandate.
The U.S. Department of State highlighted that Zia’s visit follows a prior meeting with Algerian Ambassador Sabri Boukadoum in Washington on October 25, where both sides continued bilateral dialogues on shared values and the enhancement of immigration policy cooperation.
Zia’s visit to Algeria is part of a broader diplomatic mission that also includes Egypt, where she will meet with officials to further discussions on rights issues, the refugee crisis, and regional humanitarian challenges.
The U.S. has also expressed its commitment to increasing efforts to address ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan, which are expected to be key topics during her meetings in Egypt.
As the U.S. deepens its engagement in the region, this visit represents a continuation of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and collaborate on critical security and human rights issues.
