ALGIERS - On behalf of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the National Community Abroad and African Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, decorated Algeria's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Amar Bendjama, with the National Order of Merit medal in the rank of “Achir” on Saturday in New York, according to a statement from the ministry. 

The President of the Republic, recipient of the National Order of Merit medal in the rank of “Sadr,” had “decided to award this medal to Ambassador Amar Bendjama in recognition of his competence and dedication in representing Algeria at the United Nations, and in recognition of his defense of just causes around the world, foremost among them the Palestinian and Sahrawi causes,” the same source said.

In a speech delivered after receiving his decoration, Ambassador Bendjama expressed “his deep gratitude and appreciation, and his sincere thanks to the President of the Republic for this distinction,” reaffirming his commitment “to continue working with dedication and loyalty, under his high leadership in the service of Algeria, to defend its interests and make its voice heard in international forums,” the statement said.