Algeria, France agree to open new page in relations

ALGERIA (AA) – Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron have agreed to open a new page in bilateral relations between their countries based on mutual respect and interests after nearly a year of escalating tensions.

Following a meeting at El Mouradia Palace, Tebboune held a joint press conference with Macron in capital Algiers.

In his speech, Tebboune said he discussed many issues with Macron on bilateral cooperation and ways to develop relations between the two countries in a “constructive” way, hoping for “encouraging results.”

Macron said: “We have a complex and painful common history. This prevented us from looking to the future. We decided to establish a joint committee to work on the colonial era archives, which will include joint historians (from the two countries).”

Macron arrived in Algeria on Thursday for his first visit in five years, according to French media.

France 24 has reported that Macron’s visit is oriented towards young people and the future in the North African country and that he would meet with young Algerian entrepreneurs before heading to the northern city of Oran.

On his three-day visit, Macron is being accompanied by a 90-member delegation, including ministers, business representatives and experts in the history of the two countries.

While disagreements are rooted in their shared past, tensions hit a new high last year after Macron controversially questioned Algeria’s pre-colonial identity and existence.

A few months ago, France slashed the number of visas available to nationals from Algeria.

The North African country won its independence from France in 1962, following an eight-year war.