STUTTGART, Germany – U.S. Ambassador to the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Henry S. Ensher, made his first visit to U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) on August 2, 2011.

During Ensher's visit, he met with AFRICOM officials to discuss the overall mission, engagement priorities, opportunities and limitations as well as country work and regional engagement plans with Algeria.

"I've learned over the last ten years… the absolute criticality to our overall success of strong civilian military cooperation particularly between the COCOMS and the embassies in the field, and it's to enhance that cooperation and begin the process of developing those relationships that I am here today," said Ensher.

Ensher's visit included a two-hour meeting with directors and deputy directors and briefings on country perspective, intelligence, and an overview of Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA). Ensher also met with personnel from J-5 (Strategy, Plans, and Programs), J-2 (Intelligence and Knowledge Development), and conducted an office call with AFRICOM's Chief of Staff, Major General H. D. Polumbo Jr.
The Senate confirmed Ensher in May, and he arrived at the U.S. Embassy Algiers in mid-July. His appointment marks a return to Algeria, where he served as a foreign service officer 11 years ago.

Ensher's history with Algeria gives him insight into the country and its people. He compared today's Algeria with the country he worked in 11 years ago. "At that time Algeria was just emerging from a period of very intense and really brutal violence, and so now to be able to see people walking around freely, for my staff and myself to be able to do that is…a really significant change and a very pleasant surprise," said Ensher.

The new ambassador does see challenges in Algeria's future as well. "I think they (Algerians) will have to be careful to ensure that the very strong progress that they've made in addressing the terrorist threat remains in train, that their work with us and using their own resources to combat the threat remains a core part of their activities," said Ensher. "I think… they will be interested in ensuring that their government is as democratically oriented as possible, so the full range of their people's ambitions can be achieved."

Ensher said he "sees a real opportunity" to build a relationship between the Algerian and American people in areas ranging from commercial enterprises to military interactions. He said he has seen great progress in Algeria and that it is his objective to work the Algerians to ensure there is continued progress.