French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot voiced optimism on Sunday regarding a “new phase” in relations with Algeria.
His visit aimed to heal a significant diplomatic fracture between the two nations.
Following a lengthy meeting with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Barrot conveyed a mutual aspiration to forge a renewed partnership founded on equality.
The relationship between Paris and Algiers had deteriorated following France’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.
Algeria, a long-time supporter of the Polisario Front, recalled its ambassador from Paris in protest.
Further straining ties, Algeria arrested French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal on national security charges in November.
Barrot appealed to President Tebboune for a “gesture of humanity” by releasing Sansal, citing the writer’s age and health issues.
Announcing the “reactivation of all cooperation mechanisms,” Barrot stated France’s desire to move past current tensions and restore full relations.
He also met with his Algerian counterpart, Ahmed Attaf, and declared a resumption of security cooperation with an upcoming intelligence officials’ meeting.
