Chirac's message to Bouteflika

French President Jacques Chirac has expressed in a message he sent to his Algerian counterpart, Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Saturday his hope of finding a prompt solution to issues suspended between Algeria and France so the countries will be able to withstand challenges awaiting them.

AFP quoted Chirac as saying in his message that it is important to find a prompt solution to issues pending on the procedural level, saying, "I am especially thinking of reopening the French consulate in Annaba, East Algeria and resuming air flights of the French airlines to Algiers airport."

The French president continued, "From now on we have to work to implement the work program in preparation for the state visit to be made by Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to France."

President Chirac expressed his hope also to have contacts between the French and Algerian ministers very soon.

Bouteflika, however, is scheduled to visit France in July.

The message of the French President came as a reply message sent by the Algerian President earlier in the day on Saturday.