A new phase in French-Algerian relations
Algeria-France, Politics, 1/26/2000

The current visit of Algerian Foreign Minister Youcef Yousfi to France and the official interest it received on all levels constituted a "turning point" in the relations between the two countries following years of coolness and tension.

On Tuesday Yousfi met with French President Jacque Chirac, Prime Minister Lionel Jospin and Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine.

On Wednesday, the Algerian minister will meet with the French minister of the interior, the chairman of the national society and the chairman of the French Senate.

The program for Yousfi's visit reflects the extent of the importance pinned by Paris on strengthening its relations with Algeria.

The spokeswoman for the Elysee palace, Catherine Colona, said that the meeting between Chirac and Yousfi was held in a very "positive atmosphere." She quoted the French president as saying, "I am pleased over resuming the dialogue which, we hope, will develop in an atmosphere of confidence and friendship, which is a humanitarian, political and strategic precondition."

She indicated that the meeting between Chirac and Yousfi is considered a signal of the rapprochement relations between the two countries are witnessing, especially since the election of Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

She also quoted Chirac as saying, "A new phase can be established, thanks to our political will and the materialized genuine progress."

Colona stressed that the "state's visit" principle, which is the highest official visit, was approved concerning President Bouteflika's forthcoming visit to France in March.

Yousfi said, "I was very pleased to meet with President Chirac. I handed him two messages from President Bouteflika on bilateral relations and the African debts, due to the fact that President Bouteflika presides over the summit of the Organization of African Unity, and I informed President Chirac of developments taking place in Algeria and its security, social and economic growth. I also asserted our desire to build durable and strong relations with France based on friendship, mutual respect and the interests of our two countries."

Yousfi added, "I felt the same feelings in President Chirac as well as his keen desire to restore dynamism to our relations to establish a durable and comprehensive partnership."

Previous Stories:
  Algerian foreign minister arrives in Paris   (1/25/2000)
  Algerian FM to visit France   (1/18/2000)
  Algerian foreign minister to visit France   (1/13/2000)

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