Algeria, France hail ‘new dynamic’ in economic ties
Algiers, Algeria (AFP):
The Algerian and French prime ministers have hailed a “new dynamic” as they launched a joint economic forum during a visit to Algiers by France’s Elisabeth Borne.
Borne’s two-day trip to the former French colony and major gas exporter comes just weeks after President Emmanuel Macron concluded his own three-day visit in August, following months of tensions.
In remarks during the forum’s inauguration, Algerian Prime Minister Aimene Benabderrahmane called for “a sustainable dynamic” in trade with France based on “reciprocity and mutual interests”.
Borne and her cohort are the latest in a string of top European officials to visit Algeria, Africa’s top natural gas exporter, as officials seek alternatives to Russian energy supplies since the start of the war in Ukraine.
The European Union’s energy commissioner, Kadri Simson, is also in Algiers.
However, Borne’s office said deliveries of natural gas to France were “not on the table”.
Both Borne and Benabderrahmane stressed the need for Algeria to pursue economic diversification.
France is “the first investor in Algeria, excluding hydrocarbons”, Borne told the forum, adding that French businesses are “ready to support the diversification” of Algeria’s economy.
Benabderrahmane said Algeria must “end its dependence on natural gas and attract foreign investment” in agriculture, pharmaceutical and vaccine production, and renewable energy, which “offer positive prospects for French businesses”.
Ties between the North African country and its former colonial ruler had deteriorated after Macron last year questioned Algeria’s existence as a nation before the French occupation, and accused the government of fomenting “hatred towards France”.
But the contentious subject of the two countries’ history, particularly during the war, was not set to feature prominently on Borne’s agenda.
Fabrice Le Sache, the vice president of French business lobby group Medef, on Monday hailed “the dynamic created by the president” during his August visit.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
