Ibrahimi: my meeting with Bouteflika was personal

A meeting between Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and Lakhdar Ibrahimi raised questions about the role which may be played by the diplomat.

President Bouteflika Wednesday received former foreign minister Lakhdar Ibrahimi at his office. They talked about international and national issues.

“I paid a personal visit to my brother President Abdelaziz Bouteflika,” Ibrahimi said.

“I have no prerogative now either inside or outside Algeria,” he added.

Earlier, the Algerian diplomat was received by the president although he is retired.

As usual, he confirmed that President Bouteflika is still able to manage the country’s affairs, in response to allegations that he is ill.

“No doubt, I keep up with what is happening in the world and our region. The situation in the Arab and African region is serious. My brother the President told me he follows those developments. We talked about many important issues related to the Arab region,” he told the Algerian public channel.

“The President is still keeping up with what is happening in the world,” he added.