Arthur De Laborde (in Algiers)
For her last day of travel to Algeria, the Prime Minister hopes to seal the reconciliation between the two countries. She chaired an intergovernmental committee with her Algerian counterpart, which notably agreed on cooperation in industry, tourism, crafts and agriculture.
A dozen agreements for future multilateral cooperation. This is what should be remembered from Elisabeth Borne’s 48-hour trip to Algeria, which is beginning her last day of travel. The head of government and her Algerian counterpart Aïmene Benabderrahmane together chaired an intergovernmental committee, a sort of Franco-Algerian council of ministers, a symbol of reconciliation between the two countries. On a practical level, Elisabeth Borne did not come alone: about fifteen ministers accompanied her.
“A new dynamic”
Cooperation agreements in strategic sectors have been found: in industry, tourism, crafts, agriculture, the creation of start-ups and even culture. The opportunity for the Prime Minister to highlight the strong sign sent by this trip, her first abroad. “This visit to Algiers anchors a new dynamic and a lasting cycle that will benefit our two peoples and their youth,” she said.
But beyond the symbol, there is the presence of no less than fifteen French ministers around the head of government. The balance sheet is ultimately quite meager. No announcement on the sensitive issue of visas granted by Paris to Algeria. Nothing either on a possible increase in gas deliveries to France. This last point was quickly evacuated by the Prime Minister.
“We are going to continue our calm relations on gas with Algeria”, she announced timidly. Elisabeth Borne also expressed confidence in the forthcoming creation of a commission bringing together historians from both shores of the Mediterranean so that they can examine the archives of the two countries without taboo. She will conclude her visit on Monday with the program, in particular, a lunch with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.