France, Algeria agree to revive ties
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot arrived in Algiers on Sunday for an official visit aimed at easing diplomatic tensions and reviving cooperation between the two nations.
Speaking at a press briefing following his meeting with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Barrot said both sides have agreed to reactivate all cooperation mechanisms across sectors. He quoted Tebboune’s words, saying, “The curtain is lifted.”
On security matters, Barrot confirmed that intelligence communications will resume, and a meeting between senior security officials from both nations has been agreed upon. A strategic dialogue on the Sahel region is also expected to follow.
Economic relations are also set for renewal. Barrot noted that Tebboune expressed his commitment to reinvigorating trade, particularly in the agri-food, automotive, and maritime sectors.
On the issue of migration, both sides agreed to resume cooperation without delay under existing agreements. Barrot announced that Algerian consuls in France would meet with French prefects to streamline migration procedures.
Barrot said that communications between French and Algerian historians have resumed to address the long-standing “memory” issue stemming from France’s 132-year colonial rule over Algeria starting from 1830 before Algeria won the eight-year independence war in 1962.
On March 23, Algeria’s parliament established a commission to draft a law criminalizing the French colonial rule, a move backed by local lawmakers, historians, and legal experts.
Barrot also appealed for a humanitarian gesture regarding Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, who is currently serving a five-year prison sentence on charges of undermining national security. The French minister cited concerns about Sansal’s age and health.
Earlier in the day, Barrot held talks with Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, with discussions later expanded to include delegations from both countries.
The visit follows a March 31 phone call between Tebboune and French President Emmanuel Macron, during which both leaders agreed to restart stalled cooperation.
This marks the first high-level visit since the two countries’ relations deteriorated due to disagreements over immigration issues and policies, historical grievances, and France’s backing of Morocco in disputes over Western Sahara, among others.
