French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot expressed on Sunday in Algiers his country’s desire to rebuild “an equitable partnership with Algeria characterized by calm and serenity” for the benefit of both nations.
Speaking after being received by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Barrot said, “I came to Algeria with a message from the French President that France seeks to turn the page on current tensions and rebuild a calm, equitable partnership with Algeria.” He added, “I’m pleased to be here today and thank President Tebboune for his invitation. We had an extensive discussion in the presence of my colleague, Ahmed Attaf, with whom I also held a significant working meeting this morning.”
Barrot noted his prompt response to the invitation, coming less than a week after a call between Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Tebboune on March 31. He remarked, “Recent months saw unprecedented tension that serves neither Algerians nor French. While differences exist and cannot be ignored, the human, historical, and cultural ties—especially families living across the Mediterranean—should drive us to resume dialogue and rebuild cooperation.” He stressed that institutional relations should match the depth of human connections.
France, he said, aims to “restore all avenues of cooperation with Algeria for our mutual benefit and tangible results for our citizens.” Barrot and Tebboune, alongside Attaf, openly addressed recent concerns, aiming to implement principles set during the presidents’ call and revive the ambition of the 2022 Algiers Declaration.
Barrot announced the “reactivation of all cooperation mechanisms” with Algeria, stating, “We’ve decided to proceed with seriousness, calm, and efficiency, restarting cooperation in all sectors starting today.” He added, “As President Tebboune said, ‘the curtain is lifted,’ beginning with security cooperation, where intelligence contacts resume, and a high-level security meeting is planned, alongside a strategic dialogue on the Sahel.”
In judicial cooperation, Barrot confirmed the upcoming visit of the French Justice Minister to resume judicial dialogue, emphasizing stakes like executing judicial delegations on sensitive cases involving illegally acquired assets. He noted invitations for Algerian judicial counterparts to visit Paris and study files.
On mobility, Barrot said both presidents agreed to resume migration cooperation without delay, addressing deportations and visas through smooth consular processes. Tebboune approved a future meeting between Algerian consuls in France and French regional officials, to be coordinated with Algeria’s Foreign Ministry. The parties also agreed to refine migration agreements for greater effectiveness.
Economically, Barrot highlighted recent challenges in trade, particularly in food industries, automotive, maritime transport, and industrial projects, noting Tebboune’s readiness to boost these exchanges. A May 19 meeting between French and Algerian business leaders and a pre-summer session of the Joint Economic Committee were scheduled.
Regarding memory, Barrot confirmed the resumption of talks within the joint historians’ committee, with Tebboune inviting historian Benjamin Stora to Algeria to advance cultural property restitution efforts. Diplomatically, the foreign ministries’ secretaries-general will meet in August.
Additionally, Barrot requested a “humanitarian gesture” from Tebboune toward Boualem Sansal, citing his age and health.
