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 Wasli, 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."
Initiatives to Bolster Science, Technology in Muslim Communities
Clinton names U.S. science and technology envoys to collaborate on programs
(begin text)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
November 3, 2009
MEDIA NOTE
Secretary Clinton Announces New Initiatives to Bolster Science and Technology Collaboration With Muslim Communities Around the World
In remarks at the Forum for the Future in Marrakesh today, Secretary Clinton announced new initiatives to bolster science and technology collaboration with Muslim communities around the world. The Secretary named Dr. Bruce Alberts, Dr. Elias Zerhouni, and Dr. Ahmed Zewail as the first three U.S. Science and Technology Envoys and announced that the State Department will expand positions for environment, science, technology, and health officers at U.S. embassies. We want to help Muslim majority communities develop the capacity to meet economic, social and ecological challenges through science, technology, and innovation,” Secretary Clinton said.
Click here to read more
Assistant Secretary Jeffrey Feltman visits Algiers
Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman visited Algiers October 20-22 to meet with key Algerian officials, including President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia. Both sides lauded the substantial advances in U.S.-Algerian relations in recent years, and vowed to continue cooperation to ensure regional stability.
Video: www.youtube.com/user/USEmbassyAlgiers#p/u/6/Hb1zHsyUcBs
Video: www.youtube.com/user/USEmbassyAlgiers#p/u/7/jW6jAI9wW
American Artists at Algiers International Comics Festival
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 Wasli, 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."
Initiatives to Bolster Science, Technology in Muslim Communities
Clinton names U.S. science and technology envoys to collaborate on programs
(begin text)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
November 3, 2009
MEDIA NOTE
Secretary Clinton Announces New Initiatives to Bolster Science and Technology Collaboration With Muslim Communities Around the World
In remarks at the Forum for the Future in Marrakesh today, Secretary Clinton announced new initiatives to bolster science and technology collaboration with Muslim communities around the world. The Secretary named Dr. Bruce Alberts, Dr. Elias Zerhouni, and Dr. Ahmed Zewail as the first three U.S. Science and Technology Envoys and announced that the State Department will expand positions for environment, science, technology, and health officers at U.S. embassies. We want to help Muslim majority communities develop the capacity to meet economic, social and ecological challenges through science, technology, and innovation,” Secretary Clinton said.
Click here to read more
Assistant Secretary Jeffrey Feltman visits Algiers
Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman visited Algiers October 20-22 to meet with key Algerian officials, including President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia. Both sides lauded the substantial advances in U.S.-Algerian relations in recent years, and vowed to continue cooperation to ensure regional stability.
Video: www.youtube.com/user/USEmbassyAlgiers#p/u/6/Hb1zHsyUcBs
Video: www.youtube.com/user/USEmbassyAlgiers#p/u/7/jW6jAI9wW
American Artists at Algiers International Comics Festival
PAS Algiers brought two American cartoonists to Algeria to participate in the second annual International Comics Festival in Algiers - Daryl Cagle, editorial cartoonist for MSNBC.com, and Jan Elliot, creator of the internationally syndicated cartoon strip Stone Soup. In addition to leading panel discussions and seminars at the Festival, the two American visiting cartoonists participated in several other activities organized by the Public Affairs Section.
With the help of some local children, Daryl Cagle and Algerian cartoonist 
Baki painted a mural at a center for children who have been victims of abuse in an inner-city neighborhood in Algiers; the two also published a cartoon together in the nation's most widely-read newspaper .
In addition, Mr. Cagle met with the editors of several local papers, and extended trial subscriptions to his cartoon syndication service to them.
Jan Eliot visited a women's center to discuss the challenges Algerian women face, and led a drawing workshop at a local orphanage. The two cartoonists held several press events with the Algerian media, including a TV appearance on the popular morning show, Bonjour d'Algérie.
U.S. cartoonist Daryl Cagle draws a cartoon with Algerian cartoonist Baki Boukhalfa for the largest paper in Algeria. (Uncle Sam wishes Algeria good luck for its 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier match against Egypt.) Echourouk El Youmi
Video: www.youtube.com/user/USEmbassyAlgiers#p/u/1/eS9HPAabNt0
USS Arleigh Burke Visits Algiers
The USS Arleigh Burke DDG-51 arrived in Algiers on October 5, 2009 to conduct exercises with the Algerian Navy. The crew also visited sites of cultural and historical importance and played a soccer match with Algerian Marines.
Video:www.youtube.com/user/USEmbassyAlgiers#p/u/3/WUwyY7O9Oh0
Ambassador Vicki Huddleston Visits Algiers
Ambassador Vicki Huddleston, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, visited Algiers October 17-19 to meet with ranking officials in the Algerian Government. Ambassador Huddleston's visit focused on U.S.-Algerian counter-terrorism cooperation, and affirmed U.S. support for the leading role Algeria has taken in regional security and stability. Coverage of the visit was broad, factual and fair, giving the Ambassador ample opportunity to clarify the objectives of AFRICOM in the region, and to reinforce U.S. commitment to our security partnership with Algeria. The press took particular note of Ambassador Huddleston's praise for Algerian counterterrorism efforts.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/user/USEmbassyAlgiers#p/u/9/Pp1kis8DfBs
Consular Office Discusses Diversity Visa Program
On October 12, Consular Section Chief Jennifer Noisette conducted a press round table to discuss the Diversity Visa Lottery. Ms. Noisette explained the goals of the lottery, the process of applying, and explained many of the common pitfalls that prevent people from applying successfully. She also cautioned against prevalent fraudulent business practices that prey upon misinformation about the lottery. The story received positive, factual coverage in several of the largest national papers.
The next day, Ms. Noisette appeared in a feature on morning talk show Bonjour d'Algérie discussing the same issues. The feature also portrayed the lives of Algerians who had obtained visas to the U.S., and included an interview with a recent Algerian DV winner.
Video: www.youtube.com/user/USEmbassyAlgiers#p/u/2/6pTOJIN5PyM
DCM Hosts Democracy Video Challenge Reception
On October 1, DCM William Jordan hosted a reception at his residence to honor the three Algerian film-makers who achieved semi-finalist status in the 2009 Democracy Video Challenge. The event included a screening of the films, discussion, and a small ceremony to present award certificates from Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Judith McHale. Guests included notable members of the local media, arts, and academic communities.
Embassy Algiers Launches YouTube Channel
In order to enhance Embassy presence and outreach in social media, Embassy Algiers recently launched its own YouTube channel. Several recent television features on mission programs have already been uploaded, and the Public Affairs team is working to make our archives of past video appearances available soon. The channel will be updated regularly to serve as an accessible outlet for all future Embassy appearances.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/user/USEmbassyAlgiers
USTR Paul Burkhead visits Algiers
On September 27-28, Paul Burkhead, Director of European and Middle Eastern Trade Affairs at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, visited Algiers to meet with senior officials in the Algerian government and key private sector stakeholders to explore areas of potential cooperation in international trade agreements. In a press conference following these meetings, he emphasized the desire of the U.S. to expand commercial ties with Algeria, and discussed the many potential benefits for Algeria in accession to the World Trade Organization. He expressed some concerns over current Algerian finance laws, but said that Algerian officials had been very supportive of further constructive dialog to address the needs of the business community, and to foster growth and stronger trade between our nations.
Bonjour d'Algérie Morning TV Show with Youth Leadership Program (YLP) Participants
Following the return of 25 students and 3 teachers from an intensive month-long YLP experience in Reno, Nevada, 5 YLP participants and Cultural Officer Valerie Wheat appeared on Bonjour d'Algérie to talk about the program. While a documentary film produced entirely by the students played in the background, the participants shared stories of their time in the U.S., and described the benefits they received through intensive English language learning, leadership and civic engagement exercises, and diversity training. The students were exemplary "Junior Ambassadors", demonstrating the importance of promoting tolerance and understanding of other people, and encouraging future participation in this annual program open to all youth across Algeria.
Youth Leadership Program 2009
The Ambassador hosted a lunch reception on August 18 for recently returned students for three of our programs: the Near Eastern Affairs Undergraduate Intensive English Language Program, the Near East and South Asia Undergraduate Exchange Program, and the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program. The 20 students received certificates and had the opportunity to visit with each other, share their experiences with Embassy staff, and discuss their future plans. The event highlighted the growing participation of Algerian students in the Embassy's exchange programs and the many opportunities available for deserving youth.
Ambassador David Pearce Conducts Press Roundtable
On July 13th, the Embassy's Commercial Section organized a highly successful U.S. Green Technologies Trade Event in Algiers for 12 U.S. firms in the area of water treatment, irrigation, desalination, and pollution control. Ambassador Pearce and Minister of Water Resources Sellal officially inaugurated the event and jointly encouraged greater partnership between U.S. and Algerian firms in this prospective sector. The event was widely covered in Algerian newspapers and over 200 Algerian government officials, businessmen and other decision-makers attended the event. The Commercial Section gathered over 150 trade leads for the U.S. participants and we are currently preparing Results Reports for each company. To read the Ambassador's remarks (click here)
Ambassador Pearce conducts press conference
On June 1, Ambassador David D. Pearce conducted a joint press conference with the president & CEO of the U.S.-Algeria Business Council (USABC), Dr. Ismael Chikhoune, and the VP of the American Chamber of Commerce in Algeria (AMCHAM), Mr. Nasr Eddine Mefti, at the U.S. pavilion of the trade fair. Ambassador Pearce kicked off the press conference with remarks about President Obama's anticipated speech in Cairo and the administration's concerted efforts at improving U.S. relations with the Muslim world.He then stressed Algeria's importance as a bilateral and regional partner to the U.S. and hailed the Algerian proposal at the UN Conference on Disarmament.
The Ambassador also provided some facts and figures on U.S.-Algerian cooperation in a variety of sectors and expressed his optimism about the future of U.S. investments in Algeria. To read the transcript (click here)
Dr. Johnnetta Cole and Ms. Anita Henri visit Algiers
Invited by the Algerian Ministry of Culture within the framework of the Pan-African Festival (PANAF), Dr. Johnnetta Cole, Director of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African Art, and Ms. Anita Henri, Associate Director of External Relations for the museum, were in Algiers July 8-13. During their visit, they met with representatives of the Ministry of Culture, local businesses, as well as Ambassador Pearce, looking for support and sponsorship for a proposed exhibition on Algerian art at the museum in Washington. While they were in country, the Public Affairs Section organized two press events on July 12, including a live appearance on Algeria's popular morning show Bonjour d'Algerie and a press roundtable with cultural section journalists from six of Algeria's top newspapers.
Bernard Allison Band Rocks the Pan-African Festival
Bernard Allison Band Rocks the Pan-African Festival
Blues legend Bernard Allison appeared with his 5 person band at the Radio Algérie Auditorium on July 9, the opening night of the Jazz portion of the Pan-African Festival (PANAF). He musically represented the U.S. for the 15 day PANAF, hosted this year in Algeria for the first time in 40 years. The three hour long concert was filled with memorable musical moments showcasing the skills of the talented musicians and the songs of Bernard and other celebrated American Blues performers. By evening's end the audience was on their feet with hands in the air moving and grooving to the music.
Speaker program with Dr. Lorenzo Morris
U.S. Embassy Algiers, in collaboration with African Regional Services in Paris, organized a speaker program with Dr. Lorenzo Morris, the head of the political science department at Howard University and current Fulbright-Tocqueville Chair in Paris, to discuss the U.S. presidential election, the Obama administration and its policy. During his two-day visit to Algeria July 6-7, Dr. Morris gave a press conference to TV, radio, and print media, held a lunch with former Algerian Fulbright participants, discussed the Obama administration's policies with university professors and politicians, and gave a lecture to students and alumni of Embassy programs followed by a question and answer session.
An American Artist Donates His Painting to the Algerian People 
On March 1, the Ambassador of the United States to Algeria, Mr. David Pearce, and the former Ambassador of the United States to Algeria, Mr. Richard Erdman, met with Director of the Museum of Fine Arts in Algiers, to donate a painting by the American artist Hugh Wilson as a gift to the Algerian people. (read more here)