181. Letter From Vice President Bush to Algerian President Bendjedid1
It gives me great pleasure to write to you on the occasion of the arrival of Ambassador Christopher Ross in Algeria. He brings with him my warm personal regards.
It has been particularly gratifying to me to follow the steady deepening of friendship between Algeria and the United States. I am certain Ambassador Ross, who is known among us for his diplomatic expertise [Page 403] and his experience in Algeria, will dedicate himself to enhancing that relationship.
I have followed with great interest the progress Algeria has made toward its national goals, and am confident that our bilateral cooperation can be supportive of those endeavors. Our two countries can work to strengthen relations in the economic and commercial areas, and to increase cooperation in the military sphere. The United States also looks forward to an active visitors exchange program with Algeria, including future visitors from our respective legislatures.
The United States also values the political dialogue that has grown between our two countries on international issues of mutual concern. Algeria’s efforts to foster the spirit of compromise in the world community have been highly constructive, particularly as Iraq and Iran move to resolve their conflict and as the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan moves toward a close. Similarly, efforts must continue to bring about peace among Israel and its Arab neighbors.
I personally have welcomed the resumption of diplomatic relations between Algeria and Morocco and appreciate your role in that important development. Likewise, I applaud the efforts aimed at increased cooperation among our friends in North Africa, but I must admit to some concern about Libya and its leader. I am hopeful that the prevailing climate of collegiality will enhance prospects for resolution of the Western Sahara conflict. The United States supports the UN Secretary General’s efforts in this regard. We noted with satisfaction that Morocco and the Polisario have accepted in principle the Secretary General’s proposals for a framework toward resolution of the dispute.
I will look to Ambassador Ross to keep me informed of progress in these and other areas of mutual concern. As Algeria’s National Liberation Front Congress approaches later this year, allow me to express my best wishes to you and the Algerian people.
We are now entering the last two months of the campaign and I am pleased with the situation and remain confident. My visit to Algeria remains particularly vivid in my mind and I truly look forward to a continued close and personal relationship with you following the election.
With warm personal regards,
Sincerely,
- Source: George H.W. Bush Library, Vice Presidential Records, Office of National Security Affairs, Donald P. Gregg Files, Country Files, OA/ID 30003, Folder 19868–032, Algeria—1988. No classification marking. Attached to the letter is an Office of the Vice President abstract of correspondence indicating that the letter was “handcarried by our new Ambassador, Christopher Ross.”↩