Hollande in Algeria 19-20 December 2012.
The French President said in a press conference:"This is my first trip in the region, a trip in 2012 in a highly symbolic moment when Algeria is celebrating 50th anniversary of its independence." He said his visit was a time for a new era in the relations between France and Algeria. The official two day trip in Algeria has been very carefully preparaed by both sides.
Source : https://www.marocafrik.com/english/Hollande-in-Alg...
https://www.marocafrik.com/english/video/
Politicians Jean- Pierre Chevènement and former Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin and nine ministers are accompanying the President and forty-four entrepreneurs or business leaders in its delegation. President Hollande confirmed the agreement for a Renault plant in Oran to produce 75,000 cars a year, one of 15 agreements to be signed during the visit and France whose economy is close to recession is keen to develop more markets in cement,milk production and the defence filed amongst others. Algeria needs French know how and transfer of technology to help build its private sector and to diversify from hydrocarbons which is its main source of exports and hard currency. both countries are faced with serious youth unemployment.Some media have reported that Algeria is ready to invest in Peugeot PSI which is facing serious problems and possible car plant closures.
President Hollande cleared the way for a reprochment by recognising "with lucidity" the massacre of Algerians in paris 8in 1961 but he refused to apologise for the colonial past pastwhich has left such deep psychological wounds for generations.saying instead that Paris wanted to move forward on an equal footing and boost trade with the oil-rich North African nation.“I want to define with Algeria a strategic partnership on an equal-to-equal basis,” he told a news conference after meeting Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.“I am not here to repent or apologise, I am here to tell the truth.” Reuters reported.
France is eager to catch up with the United States,China, Spain and Italy which have made inroads into its traditional markets. French Algerian trade is put at 10 billion euros which is far less than it could be. Hollande's period working in the French embassy for 8 months early in his career has given him a good understanding of Algeria which has undoubtedly helped build the relationship. His practical no nonsense style meets the needs of both countries at a historic moment when both countries are reachingout to each other.
France with its large polpulation of Algerian origin needs to work with Algeria on security issues involving France and particularly Mali and the Frencjh hostages held by AQIM and Mujao. in the press conference President Hollande said that there was no disagreement on the situation in Mali according to APS. Whilst Algeria is against military intervention and prefers dialogue ,it has also been clear about the need to combat terrorism and trafficking in weapons and narcotics.
Tomorrow the two Presidents visit Tlemcen 'the Pearl of the Maghreb" and President Hollande has invited President Abdelaziz Bouteflika for a State visit to France.
President Hollande cleared the way for a reprochment by recognising "with lucidity" the massacre of Algerians in paris 8in 1961 but he refused to apologise for the colonial past pastwhich has left such deep psychological wounds for generations.saying instead that Paris wanted to move forward on an equal footing and boost trade with the oil-rich North African nation.“I want to define with Algeria a strategic partnership on an equal-to-equal basis,” he told a news conference after meeting Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.“I am not here to repent or apologise, I am here to tell the truth.” Reuters reported.
France is eager to catch up with the United States,China, Spain and Italy which have made inroads into its traditional markets. French Algerian trade is put at 10 billion euros which is far less than it could be. Hollande's period working in the French embassy for 8 months early in his career has given him a good understanding of Algeria which has undoubtedly helped build the relationship. His practical no nonsense style meets the needs of both countries at a historic moment when both countries are reachingout to each other.
France with its large polpulation of Algerian origin needs to work with Algeria on security issues involving France and particularly Mali and the Frencjh hostages held by AQIM and Mujao. in the press conference President Hollande said that there was no disagreement on the situation in Mali according to APS. Whilst Algeria is against military intervention and prefers dialogue ,it has also been clear about the need to combat terrorism and trafficking in weapons and narcotics.
Tomorrow the two Presidents visit Tlemcen 'the Pearl of the Maghreb" and President Hollande has invited President Abdelaziz Bouteflika for a State visit to France.
Source : https://www.marocafrik.com/english/Hollande-in-Alg...