Top US diplomat holds talks with Algeria officials

By Abdul Razzaq bin Abdullah

ALGIERS

U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale on Thursday held talks in Algiers, the Algerian premiership said in a statement.

According to the statement, Hale and Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia discussed “means of enhancing bilateral cooperation and recent regional developments”.

The statement provided no further details regarding what was discussed at the Thursday meeting.

Hale also reportedly held talks with Algerian Foreign Minister Abdelkader Messahel.

In a subsequent statement, the Foreign Ministry said that Hale’s visit “comes within the framework of regular political consultations between the two countries”.

Hale arrived in Algeria on Thursday for a one-day visit as part of a wider regional tour that has already brought him to Morocco.

The under secretary for political affairs is the third highest ranking position in the U.S. State Department after secretary of state and deputy secretary.