Algeria, France Announce Reactivation of High-Level Security Talks

(MENAFN) Algeria and France announced Tuesday the reactivation of a high-level security coordination framework, covering judicial, police, and intelligence collaboration, in a move officials called a step toward mending strained relations.

The agreement was unveiled by French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez following a meeting with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Algiers, marking the first visit in months by a French official of his rank.

Speaking to reporters, Nunez said discussions with his Algerian counterpart Said Sayoud and senior security officials from both nations led to the formal revival of the mechanism, aimed at restoring “normal security relations.”

The renewed framework will encompass judicial coordination, police cooperation, intelligence sharing, and migration-related matters, including the contentious issue of repatriation, one of the most sensitive topics between the two governments.

Nunez added that the agreed measures would be implemented “as soon as possible,” emphasizing that collaboration on security and migration would move forward at a “very high level.”

Security cooperation has become the main avenue for dialogue after a brief diplomatic thaw broke down in April last year, following the detention of an Algerian diplomat in France.

While the mechanism’s reactivation signals renewed engagement, officials stopped short of declaring a full normalization of ties. Analysts note that the pace of progress on judicial and migration issues will likely shape the future trajectory of bilateral relations.

This announcement follows months of diplomatic friction, including mutual ambassadorial withdrawals and heightened tensions after France’s July 2024 endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a stance strongly opposed by Algeria.

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