The President of the Republic of Algeria, Supreme Chief of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defence, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebbboune paid on Wednesday, 8th May 2024, a visit to the headquarters of the Ministry of National Defence, where he was welcomed by General Saïd Chanegriha, Chief of People’s National Army Staff.

After the listing of the national anthem and the presentation of honours by the different formations of the Forces of People’s National Army, the President of the Republic greeted his hosts, in this case, the Commander of the Republican Guard, the Secretary General of the Ministry of National Defence, the Force Commanders and the National Gendarmerie, the Commander of the 1st Military Region, the General Controller of the Army, as well as the Chiefs of Departments of the Ministry of National Defence and the General Staff of People’s National Army.

The President of the Republic of Algeria subsequently delivered a speech to the executives and personnel of the People’s National Army, which was broadcast, by videoconference, to all Force Commands, the six Military Regions, large units and higher education establishments located on national territory, the Algerian Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

At the start, the President of the Republic greeted all the personnel of the People’s National Army, stressing that the institution of the National Day of Memory reflects the pride of the Algerian people in its honourable and glorious history.

The President of the Republic indicated that the preservation of national sovereignty rests on a strong and fierce army and on a developed economy, stressing that the development of Algeria is tangible and unequivocal and that the pace of growth, notably with the completion of major projects, will see major achievements at different levels by 2027.

The President of the Republic also reiterated his rejection of resorting to external debt insofar as it constitutes one of the factors which jeopardize the independence of the sovereign decision of the State, before insist on Algeria's immutable and unconditional commitment to just causes, led by the Palestinian cause and the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination.

On this same occasion, Mr. President of the Republic, Supreme Chief of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defence, valued the efforts made by the various units of People's National Army, before saluting the commitment of the General, Chief of People’s National Army Staff, to guarantee optimal operational availability to our Armed Forces.

Before that, General Saïd Chanegriha, Chief of People’s National Army Staff, had sent a welcome address to the attention of Mr. President of the Republic, expressing his gratitude for this important visit which testifies of the particular interest he has in the People's National Army, worthy heir of the National Liberation Army, and in its personnel of all categories:

“At the outset, I would like to express to you, in my personal name and on behalf of all military and civilian personnel, my most distinguished greetings and my most sincere thanks for this honour that you have given us today at the occasion of your visit to the headquarters of the Ministry of National Defence. This visit reflects the particular interest you have in the People's National Army, worthy heir of the National Liberation Army, as well as in all its personnel, all categories combined.”

The General underlined the commitment of People’s National Army to consolidate the foundations of its military power in all its forms, as evidenced by the high level reached by the combat units:

“Aware of the current challenges, we have ensured, within the People’s National Army, to strengthen military capabilities in all their forms. We have taken appropriate measures, in accordance with the guidelines of Your High Authority, to deal with any eventuality. Our strategy is based on a rational assessment of threats and optimal use of weapons, equipment and forces, constantly adapted to guarantee the best security conditions.

We can also say that the combat units have reached a remarkable level, as evidenced by the positive results on the ground. They continue, with high morale, their combat preparation, with a view to reaching the highest levels of availability.”

At the end, the General stressed that the country’s internal security situation is entirely under control thanks to the efforts of the personnel of People’s National Army, as well as their colleagues in other security forces:

“In addition, the internal security situation is entirely under control, thanks to the efforts of our brave personnel in collaboration with their colleagues from other security forces. The continued pressure exerted on terrorist residues, the fight against organized crime, drug trafficking, illegal immigration and illicit gold panning are part of a dynamic that is continually adjusted.

On the other hand, we strive to strengthen the sacred bond between our valiant people and their Armed Forces, because it constitutes one of the guarantees of the sustainability of the National State.

We were also keen to equip our units with the latest weapons systems and equipment, with an emphasis on the development of a promising local military industry, integrated into the national economy.”

After signing the Guest Book, Mr. President of the Republic, Supreme Chief of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defence, left the headquarters of the Ministry of National Defence, where he was greeted by Mr. General Saïd Chanegriha, Chief of People’s National Army Staff. (Source & Photo © Algerian Ministry of Defence)