“We have a common past” who “is complex, painful”. French President Emmanuel Macron arrived Thursday, August 25 in Algeria, for a three-day visit. He was greeted by his his counterpart, Abdelmadjid Tebboune. During a first joint speech in the evening, the Head of State announced the creation of a commission of French and Algerian historians on colonization and the war in Algeria. This committee should allow “look at the whole of this historical period, which is decisive for us, from the beginning of colonization to the War of Liberation, without taboo”said the president.
LIVE | From Algiers, follow the President’s statement @EmmanuelMacron and the President of the Algerian Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune. https://t.co/sTVg2mFSWI
— Elysee (@Elysee) August 25, 2022
“We didn’t choose the past, we inherit it, it’s a block, we have to look at it and recognize it, but we have a responsibility, it’s to build our future for ourselves and our youth”, he added. The French president explained that it had to be done “without taboos, with a desire for free, historical work, full access to our archives”.
Emmanuel Macron also announced the launch of a joint project of“start-up incubator”highlighting the “talent” of both countries in the digital field. He also offered to “develop (joint) programs for filmmaking and studios”as well as “training” in these professions.
“There is no future unless there are stories of the future.”
Emmanuel Macron, the President of the Republicat a press conference
Concerning the delicate issue of visas granted by France to Algerians, the French president reported joint work “to deal with the most sensitive security issues”. In the process, the Algerian president welcomed “encouraging results” which allow to “tracing promising prospects”. He also underlined the determination of Paris and Algiers to“go forward” and D’“intensify efforts to enhance relations between the two countries”. He also mentioned the revival of several intergovernmental committees and “an intensification of high-level visits”.