WASHINGTON Ñ The United States plans to discuss the future of security ties with Algeria amid rising unrest in the North African country.

Officials said the security relationship will be a leading issue during the scheduled visit by Algerian President Abdul Aziz Bouteflika. Bouteflika will arrive in Washington and meet President George Bush on July 12.

Washington has slowly developed security and military ties with Algiers. Since 1997, the two countries have held exercises and intelligence exchanges to cooperate in the battle against Islamic insurgency.

In 1999, the United States sold a command, control, communications and intelligence system to Algeria. Washington also funded training for the Algerian military.

"The United States and Algeria share a broad range of interests in the Middle East and Africa, and have sought to enhance the level of their bilateral cooperation in recent years," a White House statement said. "The president looks forward to discussing bilateral and regional issues with President Bouteflika, including efforts to promote greater prosperity and stability in North Africa."

Another issue the administration will discuss with Bouteflika is the dispute over Western Sahara. Algeria has opposed a United Nations plan that would change regulations for elections in the territory annexed by Morocco in 1975.

The UN effort is being led by former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker. Baker's plan would establish an autonomous zone in which issues of defense and foreign affairs will be decided by Morocco. Algeria has supported the separatist Polisario movement.

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