France will not reduce Schengen visas for Algerians, says Ambassador

French Ambassador to Algiers Bernard Emie said Schengen visa procedures were not affected by the Brussels attacks. Anyone who wants to get the visa will be properly received and scheduled deadlines will be respected, he told journalists.

The Ambassador added that the European Union will not freeze visa procedures and will not postpone Schengen appointments under any condition. No precaution measure was scheduled in this sense.

He also said well-controlled security coordination is conducted with Algerian authorities to face security tension in the region and avoid terrorist attacks. He announced that he will meet Algerian interior minister Nourredine Badaoui to coordinate about security situation.

Asked about common security measures between Algeria and France, Emie said French authorities coordinate with their Algerian and Belgian counterparts. “We will meet the interior minister to examine the issue. France trusts Algeria and is ready for cooperation in this regard.”

The Ambassador hailed Algeria’s efforts to face oil crisis through its expenses optimization, saying his country is ready to accompany the government in its endeavor to diversify economy.

He added that France will remain Algeria’s economic partner No 1.

France’s Prime Minister Manuel Valls is expected to visit Algeria in the next few weeks to meet his Algerian counterpart and hold a joint commission between the two countries.

Emie said the European Union will support Algeria in its endeavor to develop and diversify its economy.

He hailed the government’s economic opening measures, saying that they will enhance cooperation relations between Algiers and Paris.