The United States said on Tuesday said it supports Algeria's efforts in fighting extremism and its peaceful approach to restoring peace in the region.

"The United States is proud to work with Algeria to fight together extremism in a bid to eradicate it by taking necessary measures," US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Anne W. Patterson told a press conference at the US Embassy in Algiers, according to APS news agency.

"Relations between the two countries are very strong. We will continue to strengthen them, especially in the security sector, which remains our main concern," said Patterson, who was accompanied by Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs Charles Rivkin.

Describing Algeria as "an important partner," Patterson hailed "significant progress " in bilateral security cooperation, APS said.

She said a US security delegation will visit Algeria next week.

Patterson reiterated Washington's support Algeria's peaceful approach to settling conflicts, notably in Mali and Libya.

"We hail Algeria's efforts aiming at settling peacefully conflicts in Mali and Libya," she said. "I have discussed the Libyan issue with the Algerian authorities, and I can say that we have convergent views and share the same approach on the issue."

Algeria has been a leading international mediator in the inter-Malian peace process, which resulted in a peace agreement this week in Algiers.

The north African nation is also working on convincing rival parties in neighboring Libya to settle a deadly civil war.