Embassy of the United States

Ambassador Pearce visits Constantine

Ambassador David D. Pearce conducted a two-day trip to Constantine on November 9-10. The Ambassador met with the Wali (Governor) as well as higher education officials and visited many sites of cultural and historical importance. The Ambassador told his hosts that he was very pleased to have the opportunity to visit a beautiful city with such a rich historical and cultural significance; he  highlighted the U.S. Government’s continued commitment to strengthening U.S.-Algerian cooperation, fostering dialogue, and promoting mutual understanding between our two countries.  During his meeting with the Wali of Constantine on November 9, Ambassador Pearce reitrated the USG’s determination to assist Algeria in developing a strong economy, promoting business investment and expanding U.S.-Algerian commercial exchanges.

After meeting the Wali, Ambassador Pearce paid a courtesy call to the Rector of the University of Mentouri. The Ambassador and the Rector discussed ways to reinforce academic and scientific cooperation. The Ambassador’s visit coincided with a visit of a delegation from the University of Michigan’s English Language Institute (ELI) to Constantine within the framework  of a higher education partnership between the University of Michigan and the University of Mentouri.  The University of Michigan’s deleagation told Ambassador Pearce that they were pleasantly surprised by the University of Mentouri’s enthusiasm to further partnership with the University of Michigan, noting the strong desire for English language and management skills in Algeria.

Together Ambassador Pearce and the Rector of the University of Mentouri then visited the American Corner at the central university library. The Ambassador toured the different American Corner sections, talked with the manager and watched a presentation on the many educational activities that had been held at the American Corner over the past year.

After a full morning of productive visits, Ambassador Pearce sat down to lunch with former alumni from the University of Mentouri’s English Language Institute, the National Teacher Training School (ENS), and the Emir Abdelkader Islamic Sciences University, as well as the Diector of the ACCESS School in Constantine. They had a lively and informative discussion about the future and challenges of English language teaching in the city and nationwide. In the afternoon, Ambassador Pearce conducted a sightseeing tour of downtown Constantine to view the suspended bridges as well as historic sites and districts.  He also toured the most outstanding Ottoman monument in Constantine, the Bey Palace, which was completed in 1835.  

That evening, Ambassador Pearce was invited to dinner with several higher education officials and the University of Michigan delegation.  It was an excellent opportunity for the Ambassador to discuss his top priorities in promoting further cooperation and assistance in education and English-language instruction in Algeria, with the goal of improving opportunities for Algerian youth in the global economy.

The next day, The Rector of the Emir Abdelkader Islamic Sciences University treated the Ambassador to a tour of the University’s facilities and resources. The visit allowed the Ambassador to appreciate the progress of the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) project to preserve the University’s eight-century manuscripts. The Ambassador also visited the Emir Abdelakader  Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Algeria -  a state-of-the-art center that can hold up to 50,000 people.

Afterwards, the Ambassador toured the Cirta Museum, and was impressed by the Museum’s marvelous collection of art, archeological pieces, Islamic coins and mosaics.  He also visited the Tiddis archeological site and had an enjoyable discussion of history and archeology with the site staff.

Ambassador Pearce concluded his visit to Constantine with an interview with the French-language national newspaper l’Expression.  He expressed his great admiration for the people, history, and culture of the region.  The headline the next day proclaimed: Ambassador Pearce says,  "Algeria is the most interesting country in the Mediterranean region."