Emmanuel Maron should, within a few months, receive Abdelmadjid Tebboune during a state visit.
This is one of the most sensitive political meetings for Emmanuel Macron. Given the past and current relations, the Algerian file is not the most obvious for the head of state. However, for months, a state visit from his counterpart on the other side of the Mediterranean has been preparing. Abdelmadjid Tebboune could come to France in 2024, perhaps by March if the planets align, explains Opinion. A program even seems to have already been established. The problem: all the diplomatic conditions are not yet met to officially include this meeting on the presidential agenda, a year and a half after Emmanuel Macron’s trip to Algiers and Oran.
On the Algerian side, it is said that “the two presidents speak to each other even if we do not communicate on the subject.” The objective is to find an agreement on the resolution of five hot issues which complicate relations between the two countries: recognition of the damage caused by French nuclear tests in Algeria between 1960 and 1966, population flows between the two countries, the fight against organized crime, the Israel/Hamas war or even work on the history of colonization, including the restitution of certain objects. Subjects already discussed by the Algerian president with France during the visit of Gérald Darmanin, Minister of the Interior, to Algiers at the beginning of November.
A program already mentioned
For the moment, “we have not reached agreements, but we continue to work on it,” said Ahmed Attaf, Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, in an interview with Atheer. So, at this stage, “the conditions of this visit are not suitable,” he added. No date has therefore been set for the very official and formal state visit, the outlines of which have already been drawn up.
Are mentioned, according to Opinion, a speech by Abdelmadjid Tebboune before the National Assembly, the organization of a state dinner and a tribute at the Château d’Amboise (Indre-et-Loire) to Emir Abdelkader, leader of the Algerian fight against the colonization of France during the 19th century. It was in this place that he was imprisoned by France after its capitulation.
The meeting, already postponed twice, should mark a warming of relations between Paris and Algiers. The problem: everything (or almost) could have to be redone in a few months if Abdelmadjid Tebboune is not re-elected as head of the country during the presidential election organized in December 2024.