Emmanuel Macron has expressed availability for an exchange with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on the sidelines of the G20 in South Africa next weekend. He aims to advance strained relations, particularly on migration issues. Diplomatic teams are already working to organize this meeting.
Emmanuel Macron stated on Tuesday that he is "available" for an "exchange" with Abdelmadjid Tebboune during the G20 in South Africa, to progress in the strained relations between France and Algeria, particularly on migration issues.
"I want France to be respected and to lead a serious, calm, and demanding dialogue," affirmed the French president in response to a question about a potential meeting. "And therefore, if these conditions are met and we can obtain results, I am obviously available for any exchange at my level," he added.
"Our diplomatic teams" are "working on that," specified Macron. His wish is to advance to be "more effective on major economic, security, and migration issues, in order to work together and defend each in our role."
This sign of appeasement follows the pardon granted last week by the Algerian president to the Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal. The latter, released from prison and arriving in France on Tuesday after a stay in Germany, was received at the Élysée by Macron. "It was a joy to welcome Mr. Boualem Sansal and his wife. And they were emotional, happy to return to France, and they were in good form. And I want to express here all the affection of the nation," declared the head of state.