French President Sarkozy invites Algeria to join Francophonie International Organisation

French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Friday called on Algeria to join the International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF) and expressed his hope that Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika can participate in the next francophone summit in Quebec, Canada.

Sarkozy who attended the events marking the International Day of the Francophonie near Paris said: “It would be very good news if President Bouteflika accepts to take part in the Quebec summit of this year.” “

President Bouteflika who is a big friend took part in the Beirut summit in 2002 and in 2004 in Ouagadougou,” he added.

President Bouteflika was the first Algerian president who attended two summits in 2002 and 2004 but with an observer status.

French analysts believe that the maturity of the OIF and the support of French language are not complete without Algeria’s adherence as it is “the second largest francophone country” after France. 

On the other hand, Algeria considers that the Francophonie has close ties with France’s colonisation past and its dark history in Algeria.At Beirut’s summit, President Bouteflika said “Algeria paid a heavy price to regain its identity and language.”