The relationship between Algeria and France has always been very complex, sometimes difficult and always passionate. In my view, passion is not necessarily a bad thing—on the contrary; I will return to this point at the end of my talk. The most minor incident tends to provoke uncontrolled reactions, which betray and bring bubbling to the surface everything which is still buried in our subconscious and reminds us how hard it is for us to come out of a period of doubt which has lasted for far too long.

A New Era in Franco-Algerian Relations

Today’s theme is Franco-Algerian relations–but evolution since when? I can say without fear of contradiction that we have a very long common history. One aspect of this very long history will doubtless be evoked today; but I suppose that rather than this, you would prefer us to discuss that history which we are trying to build on a daily basis, whose principal actors are on both sides of the Mediterranean.

          I think that it is reasonable to suggest that a new era in Franco-Algerian relations may have been opened since the accession of President Bouteflika. It has been marked by the first state visit to France of the President of the Algerian Republic, followed by those of President Chirac in 2003 and 2004; these have been the principal and most significant steps in Franco-Algerian relations.