On Monday, Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune received a phone call from his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, who conveyed his heartfelt wishes for success and prosperity to both President Tebboune and the Algerian people on the occasion of Eid El-Fitr. During their discussion, they agreed to promptly resume security cooperation between the two nations and continue the work of the mixed commission of historians, according to a statement from the Presidency.
“The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, received a call this evening from his excellency President Emmanuel Macron, during which President Macron expressed his warm wishes for success and prosperity to President Tebboune and the Algerian people in celebration of Eid El-Fitr,” the statement read.
“Both presidents engaged in an extensive and candid exchange regarding the current state of bilateral relations and the tensions that have arisen in recent months,” the source added.
In this context, “the two presidents reiterated their intention to revive the constructive dialogue initiated with the Declaration of Algiers in August 2022, which led to significant gestures related to historical memory. This includes the establishment of the Franco-Algerian mixed commission of historians, the restitution of the remains of Resistance martyrs, and acknowledgment of responsibility for the deaths of Ali Boumendjel and Larbi Ben M’hidi.”
Similarly, “the two Presidents concurred that the strength of the ties—particularly those of a human nature—that unite Algeria and France, along with their respective strategic and security interests, as well as the challenges and crises confronting Europe, the Mediterranean, and Africa, necessitated a return to an equitable dialogue between two partners who are pivotal actors in both Europe and Africa, committed to upholding international legality and the objectives and principles outlined in the United Nations Charter.”
“They agreed to collaborate closely to infuse new ambition into this relationship in a spirit of friendship, addressing all aspects of bilateral relations with an emphasis on efficiency and tangible results.”
Thus, the same source indicated that “the two presidents agreed to immediately resume security cooperation.”
The two leaders “concurred that a confident, smooth, and effective migratory cooperation capable of addressing all dimensions of mobility between the two countries should be reinitiated without delay, focusing on achieving outcomes that align with the priorities of both nations.”
“While recognizing the progress made by the mixed commission of historians, established at their initiative, the two presidents reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to continue and complete this memorial work in the spirit of reconciliation, easing tensions, and rebuilding the valued relationship between them.”
Additionally, “the mixed commission of historians will immediately resume its work and is expected to convene soon in France, with findings and concrete proposals to be submitted to both heads of state before the summer of 2025,” the source asserted.
During this phone conversation, “the importance of judicial cooperation between the two countries was underscored, and both presidents agreed to renew exchanges and collaboration in this area.”
“The leaders confirmed the upcoming visit to Algiers by the Keeper of the Seals and Minister of Justice, Mr. Gérald Darmanin.”
Moreover, “both leaders highlighted the significance of enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries in future-oriented sectors.”
“They have committed to enhancing exchanges and investments while respecting the interests of both nations.”
“President Macron informed President Tebboune of France’s support for revising the European Union-Algeria Association Agreement.”
“President Macron reiterated his confidence in President Tebboune’s judgment and called for a gesture of leniency and humanity towards Mr. Boualem Sansal, considering the writer’s age and health condition,” the same source added.
“In order to rapidly elevate the relationship between France and Algeria to the aspirations expressed by both heads of state, the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, will visit Algiers on April 6 at the invitation of his Algerian counterpart, Mr. Ahmed Attaf.”
“This visit will facilitate the development of this ambitious work program, detailing its operational modalities and implementation timeline. It will thereby establish that the shared ambition for a strong, calm, and mutually respectful relationship will yield tangible results.”
“Finally, the two presidents have agreed on the principle of an upcoming meeting,” concludes the statement from the Presidency of the Republic.
