Details of the results of the Algerian president's visit to France
Algeria-France, Politics, 6/20/2000

On the recent visit by Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to France from June 14 to 18, a French statement said:

President Bouteflika's visit, the first state visit to France by a president of Algeria, is a major step in the present process to renew and rebuild relations between France and Algeria. It enabled France and Algeria to affirm their shared resolve to move forward and together build a new partnership.

Several priority areas for strengthening dialogue and bilateral cooperation were discussed during the talks between President Bouteflika and the French authorities. The following principal objectives were set:

1. Developing and deepening bilateral political dialogue

The talks at the highest level showed the great interest for France and Algeria of establishing a regular dialogue on the many international issues of common interest.

These concern in particular Euro-Mediterranean relations and the need to give new impetus to the Barcelona Process (France will be hosting the fourth ministerial-level conference in Marseilles in November), and also Africa, where France and Algeria both wish to help in resolving the conflicts and crises on this continent and furthering its economic development, the Mideast peace process and the Arab world, and lastly the Maghreb which we hope to see evolve towards greater understanding and cooperation.

2. A new partnership in the economic sphere

This partnership is intended to actively support the efforts to modernize the Algerian economy which have been announced by President Bouteflika.

It will be based on a diversified group of bilateral instruments: enhanced economic cooperation, financial cooperation, administrative operation and support for active management of Algerian debt.

The two parties also agreed on a partial conversion of Algerian debt, 400 million francs, to investment. This procedure has two advantages: it eases the financial constraints burdening Algeria and encourages the development of private investments in Algeria.

In the area of transportation, you know that the Algerian authorities and Air France are engaged in talks. These deal specifically with the conditions necessary for the safety of passengers and crews.

In all, Algeria, along with Morocco, Tunisia and Vietnam, will be one of the four countries world-wide to benefit from the full range of instruments offered under French economic cooperation.

3. Reviving and renewing together our cultural, educational, scientific and technical cooperation.

a) An Algerian cultural season will be organized in France in 2002.

b) Cooperation in the area of education and occupational training will be developed.

- With the support of the Algerian authorities, we shall be making preparations for the opening of an international high school in Algiers.

- Other important initiatives and projects have been examined; we shall provide our support and expertise for the establishment of a graduate school of business in Algiers.

Cooperation in occupational training will be developed with the establishment of a priority solidarity fund.

Lastly, a small group of the best Algerian high-school graduates will be admitted to French grandes écoles and universities in 2000.

c) The activities of the French cultural network in Algeria will continue to pick up, with the re-opening of the cultural centers in Algiers and in Annaban and concurrently the re-opening of the French consulate.

d) The importance of cooperation on youth and sports was emphasized.

4. We are going to continue improving the conditions for the movement of people between our two countries.

The human dimension is a critical element in relations between France and Algeria.

The French and Algerian authorities agreed to continue efforts for the improved movement of people in three ways:

a) France's consular presence in Algeria will be expanded with the help of the Algerian authorities.

France and Algeria have just signed a lease for consular premises in Annaba. The Consulate General of France in Annaba will open in renovated premises in the fall.

The re-opening of our Consulate in Oran is also under preparation.

b) The agreement of December 27, 1968 on the movement, employment and stay of Algerian nationals in France is going to be updated so as to permit Algerian nationals to benefit from the advantages available under the RESEDA law of May 11, 1998 and adapt the provisions of this agreement to the realities of today.

c) Lastly, the French authorities will work to speed up the processing of visa applications of Algerian nationals wishing to go to France.

Previous Stories:
  Butaflika says relations with Israel has to wait till peace   (6/19/2000)
  Bu Taflika remembers thousands of Algerian soldiers killed in First World War   (6/17/2000)
  Algerian Umma council: Bu Taflika's visit to France begins new era   (6/15/2000)

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