Algerian Minister of Culture and Arts Malika Bendouda said Wednesday that Saint Augustine represents an important link in Algeria’s ancient heritage, speaking at the opening of the first edition of the “African-Mediterranean Meetings of Thought” in Algiers.
Opening the event at the Abdellatif Rahal International Convention Center under the theme “Augustine: An Algerian, African, and Mediterranean Icon,” Bendouda stated that Saint Augustine is a vital link in Algeria’s heritage, particularly in the fields of science and philosophy. She also described his first university (Madaurus) as a landmark in Algeria’s cultural and human history.
She added that Saint Augustine bore a message of peace and love originating from his ancestral African-Mediterranean homeland, noting that this message has been embraced and celebrated for centuries. The minister also expressed appreciation for the patronage of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, for the event, which revisits the life and legacy of the philosopher.
Ségolène Royal, President of the France-Algeria Association, stated that the meetings are intended for the entire Mediterranean region, describing high-level intellectual, cultural, and scientific exchanges as a foundation for rapprochement and stronger ties of friendship. She noted that Augustine’s philosophical thought, although rooted in antiquity, remains more relevant today than ever.
Anne-Claire Legendre, President of the Arab World Institute in Paris, said the meetings contribute to strengthening relations between the two shores of the Mediterranean. She noted that the institute looks forward to continuing this dialogue and highlighting Algerian culture and its influence on global heritage. She also emphasized the importance of discussing Saint Augustine, whom she described as “a thinker of both shores,” adding that showcasing Algeria’s cultural richness is a priority for the institute in the coming months.
The “African-Mediterranean Meetings of Thought,” held from April 28 to 30, aim to reinforce Algeria’s role as a natural civilizational bridge between Africa and the Mediterranean, while creating an open space for intellectual dialogue and exchange among scholars and researchers from across both regions.
