Algiers: The president of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, received a phone call from his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, who extended his wishes of success and prosperity to him and the Algerian people on Eid al-Fitr. During the conversation, they agreed on the immediate resumption of security cooperation between the two countries and the work of the joint commission of historians, as stated by the presidency of the Republic.
According to Algeria Press Service, President Macron conveyed his best wishes to President Tebboune and the Algerian people, emphasizing the importance of their bilateral relations. The two leaders engaged in a candid and friendly exchange regarding the state of bilateral relations and addressed the tensions that have arisen in recent months.
Both presidents reiterated their commitment to resuming the dialogue established by the Declaration of Algiers in August 2022, which had led to significant advancements in memory-related issues, such as the creation of the joint commission of French and Algerian historians. They also emphasized the restitution of human remains of martyrs and acknowledged responsibility for the deaths of Ali Boumendjel and Larbi Ben M’hidi.
Highlighting the strong human and strategic ties between Algeria and France, the leaders agreed on the necessity of resuming dialogue as equal partners to address challenges in Europe, the Mediterranean, and Africa. They committed to working closely together to enhance bilateral relations, aiming for efficiency and tangible results.
The two presidents agreed to immediately resume security cooperation and stressed the importance of effective cooperation on migration, aiming for a results-based approach that considers the concerns of both nations. They commended the joint commission of historians for their work and emphasized the need to continue this work in a spirit of reconciliation and relationship-rebuilding.
The joint commission of historians is set to resume its work soon in France, with conclusions and proposals to be submitted to the heads of state before the summer of 2025. Additionally, the importance of judicial cooperation was underscored, and the leaders agreed to resume exchanges in this domain.
President Macron expressed support for revising the EU-Algeria Association Agreement and called for clemency towards Boualem Sansal, considering the writer’s age and health condition. To further strengthen relations, French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-No«l Barrot, will visit Algiers on April 6, at the invitation of Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf, to detail an ambitious work program and ensure concrete outcomes from the renewed partnership.