Algerian president says country to deal with France "as an equal"

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said on July 28 that Algeria would engage with France as an equal, rejecting reports that his government had sought higher visa quotas or financial compensation for France's colonial rule.

Speaking during a televised meeting with representatives of Algeria's national media, Tebboune denied that he had asked Paris to increase the number of visas issued to Algerian citizens, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

"I have never requested a visa quota, and I have absolutely never discussed the issue of visas with the French president," Tebboune said.

His comments came after French Ambassador to Algeria Stéphane Romatet told Algerian news website Tout sur l'Algérie that France could resume issuing around 250,000 visas annually to Algerian nationals.

Romatet's remarks drew criticism from right-wing political figures in France before President Emmanuel Macron later said that no government decision had been taken on the matter.

Tebboune also reaffirmed Algeria's position on historical memory, saying the country's demand for recognition of crimes committed during the colonial period remains central to legislation adopted by parliament in April that criminalises colonialism.

He said Algeria's position is based on the pursuit of historical recognition rather than financial compensation, adding that the country would not seek to advance its interests through what he described as "begging."

By Sabina Mammadli