Message of Congratulations to Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra on his appointment as Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has congratulated H.E. Ramtane Lamamra, Commissioner for Peace and Security, African Union Commission for his recent appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Peoples’ Democratic Republic of Algeria.

Welcoming the announcement of the appointment, Dr. Dlamini Zuma said, “This is “bitter- sweet” news. It is bitter news in that the Commission will be losing one of its key leaders. Ambassador Lamamra is one the continental luminaries, who deeply understands the complex conflict issues, has been passionately championing the cause for peace on the continent. But again, the sweet part is that,” she quickly added, “it is an honour to be called to serve your country at that level. And so, we are a looking forward to Ambassador Lamamra playing a critical role in the Executive Council of our Union.”

Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra was appointed Commissioner for Peace and Security in April 2008. He has been a key figure championing the implementation of the African Peace and Security Architecture. Before becoming AUC Peace and Security Commissioner, he was AU’s Special Envoy to Liberia from 2003-2007. Ambassador Lamamra returns to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs where he started his diplomatic career as Secretary General in 1989. From 1992-93, he was Governor at the International Atomic Energy Agency. He served as Ambassador to the UN (1993-06), Ambassador to the US in Washington (1996-99).