Foundation for new Algerian- French relations
Algeria-France, Politics, 3/4/2003

The joint friendship declaration which was signed on Sunday in Algiers between the the French President Jacque Chirac and the Algerian President Abdul Aziz Butaflika defines the tangible framework for reestablishing relations between Algeria and France on new foundations after these relations witnessed in the past ups and downs.

This declaration was the first practical step to express the determination of the two countries to set new foundations of relations between the two capitals which described between the two sides as "cool and shy."

The declaration, however, is expected to give a new impetus for improving Algerian- French relations. An improvement noticed since June 2000, when President Butaflika held a state visit to the former colonizing force ( France).

In Algiers' declaration, the two countries vowed to strengthen political, economic, cultural and scientific bilateral cooperation and facilitating the arrival of Algerians to France and French citizens to Algeria.

It was decided to convene an annual meeting between the two presidents and two annual meetings between their two ministers in order to cope with the development of relations between the two capitals who are determined to close the file of a painful past.

Yesterday, the French president said addressing the Algerian parliament who had an extraordinary meeting on the occasion of his visit that a treaty will be finalized between the two countries to materialize closeness and set a new Algerian- French alliance. This treaty will be, however, similar to the French- German friendship treaty which was signed in 1963 and opened the way before firm cooperation between Paris and Berlin following a long period of hostility.

Concerning economic partnership, France vowed in Algeria's declaration to encourage direct investment in Algeria and to support economic reforms already started by the Algerian government to move form a "directed economy into the market economy."

The declaration stressed the determination of the two countries to sign a new framework for cultural, scientific, technical cooperation and the foundation of a French- Algerian higher council for cooperation at the university and scientific levels. In another development, the declaration calls for strengthening relations between the Maghreb and the European Union and the implementation of the new partnership for supporting African development, a process which is greatly promoted by Algeria.

Previous Stories:
  Chirac starts a historical visit to Algeria   (3/3/2003)
  La Tribune: Balkhadem stresses strategic relations with France   (2/28/2003)
  Butaflika calls on Algerians for success of Chirac's next visit to Algiers   (2/22/2003)

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