These Are the Reasons for Diplomat’s Choice as Algeria’s Ambassador Posted in Paris

The veteran Algerian diplomat, his Excellency Mr. Abdelkader Mesdoua, will officially take office in the next few days as a new ambassador of Algeria in France to end the vacancy that lasted more than eight months in the post held previously by Ambassador Ammar Bendjemaâ.

The new Ambassador is expected to work on two major issues: bolstering relations between the two countries, and ensuring the smooth conduct of consular affairs, a task  he is very good at.

A diplomatic source described the chosen Algerian Ambassador to France as being a “conciliator and logical”  in view of the man’s career in diplomacy spanning more than 36 years. 

It added that the personality of Mr. Mesdoua gathered all the reasons that make him worthy of this prestigious position … 

The source mentions a number of factors that made the decision-makers choose him to serve as Algeria’s ambassador to Paris. The most important thing is that he spent 36 years in the field of diplomacy. 

Mr. Mesdoua joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1981 after graduating from the National School of Administration. He previously served as senior Algerian in Nigeria, Serbia and Libya, and held high responsibilities both in the central administration and abroad.

In return for his previous assignments, the same diplomatic source told “Echorouk” that Mr. Mesdoua’s diplomatic work in the Nigerian capital of Lagos, was characterized by “great professionalism,” especially with regard to the follow-up of the major file pertaining to the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

 It is known that Algeria was one of the architects of this plan, with on focus  President Bouteflika’s 10 visits to Nigeria, a rate that many ambassadors could not do, especially since the presidents’ visits abroad are of great importance, with protocol procedures being very precise and minute.

His service in Serbia, which was described by the source as important, resulted in the restoration of the Algerian archives and succeeded in re-establishing Algerian-Serbian relations after a period of stagnation. 

This enabled the establishment of multiple partnerships, as was the case with “specialized training in various sectors and technical visits”.

 “The appointment of this Algerian Ambassador to Libya at this delicate stage reflects a great confidence in the capabilities of this official,” it further said. 

He worked steadfastly under the leadership and close supervision of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Abdelkader Messahel, and was involved in the follow up of the vexed Libyan file,  by overseeing notably the implementation of the plan  drafted by the United Nations designed to restore security and stability in the eastern neighbor, in addition to participating in various meetings held in neighboring countries around Libya, notably in Tunisia, Egypt, Chad and Niger, Italy and Austria.

Prior to his appointment as Ambassador to Serbia, Nigeria and Libya, Mr. Mesdoua held senior positions at the Foreign Ministry, including Deputy Permanent Representative of Algeria to the United Nations, and also chaired a large number of negotiating committees on substantive issues including international security,  in addition to holding the post of Director-General of the Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

This task means arranging the visits of heads of State to Algeria, thus dealing with matters of great importance, notably the reception of accredited ambassadors in Algeria as well as holding the post of Director of Social, Scientific and Technical Affairs.

The main objectives of Ambassador Abdelkader Mesdoua in his new mission in Paris are to give a new and greater dimension to the Algerian-French bilateral relations and to ensure the smooth running the consular affairs for the benefit of nearly one million Algerians residing on French soil, stressing that this seasoned Algerian diplomat is “well versed in  consular matters.”