France and Algeria have agreed to renew cooperation across all sectors, marking a significant step towards normalizing bilateral ties after a prolonged period of diplomatic tension. The announcement came after a day of high-level talks between French officials and the Algerian president, aimed at reviving dialogue and restoring trust between the two nations.

The renewed engagement forms part of a broader effort by Paris to reset its relationship with its former colony, as both nations navigate shifting geopolitical dynamics in Africa. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed optimism about a "new phase" in relations following a two-and-a-half-hour meeting with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

According to Barrot, both sides shared a determination to rebuild a partnership rooted in mutual respect and equality. "We go back to normal, and to repeat the words of President Tebboune: 'the curtain is lifted'," Barrot said in a statement after the talks. Barrot also emphasized the need to establish a strategic dialogue on the Sahel, a region currently grappling with a surge in jihadist violence and political instability following a wave of military coups that have challenged French influence.

France and Algeria also agreed to resume cooperation on migration and visa issues "within the framework of existing agreements," he added. In addition to security and migration, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate in key areas such as energy, education, and economic development—signaling a shared intent to move beyond past grievances and chart a forward-looking path in bilateral relations.

The agreement comes after a period of strained relations between the two countries, fueled by disputes over migration policies, visa restrictions, and unresolved issues stemming from France’s colonial legacy in Algeria. Tensions intensified after French President Emmanuel Macron endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, calling it the “only basis” for resolving the conflict.

The disputed territory, located between Morocco, Mauritania, and Algeria, has been a long-standing point of contention. France’s backing of Morocco’s claim angered Algeria, which has consistently supported the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination. Relations were further strained in November 2024 following the arrest of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal by Algerian authorities.

He was sentenced to five years in prison over comments made to a French media outlet—an incident that added another layer of friction to an already fragile relationship. The agreement to renew cooperation across all sectors marks a significant step towards normalizing bilateral ties and could have far-reaching implications for the region.

The move is seen as a key part of France's efforts to reset its relationship with its former colonies in Africa, as it navigates a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. The agreement could also have implications for the Sahel region, where France has been seeking to establish a strategic dialogue to address the growing threat of jihadist violence.

As both countries move forward, it remains to be seen how the agreement will be implemented and what concrete steps will be taken to address the outstanding issues between them. However, the agreement marks a significant step towards normalizing bilateral ties and could have far-reaching implications for the region.