Macron Seeks to Meet With President Tebboune to End Crisis

French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the issue of Algeria during the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

“I want to build a peaceful future relationship with Algeria, but we have to correct many things,” Macron said at a press conference on Saturday. “We know that on many issues, such as security, migration, and the economy, we are not in a satisfactory situation.”

According to France 24, French President Emmanuel Macron was expected to meet with his Algerian counterpart, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, on the sidelines of the G20 summit. However, President Tebboune did not travel to Johannesburg, while Macron remains determined to resolve the crisis with Algeria.

In this regard, Macron said that, “A meeting will take place when we will prepare it to achieve results,” adding, “Many people want to make Algeria a French domestic political issue. And in Algeria, many people want to make the relationship with France a matter of Algerian domestic politics. If we let these people on both sides dictate the agenda, there’s no chance we’ll make any progress.”

“I have always had the same method: respect and high standards. Respect, because when you want to move forward with some people, you rarely get results by insulting them,” Macron explained.

In the same context, several sources indicated the French president’s readiness to open a new chapter based on calm dialogue and addressing outstanding issues between the two countries. At the same time, he levelled sharp criticism at the far right in France, accusing it of exploiting external tensions to serve domestic agendas based on incitement and division.

It is worth noting that, ahead of the G20 summit, Macron stated on Tuesday evening, November 18th: “I am naturally open to any serious and calm dialogue with the Algerian president,” expressing his desire to move forward and cooperate to “address the migration issue and major economic and security matters.”

Macron’s remarks came in response to a question about the possibility of meeting with President Tebboune on the sidelines of the G20 summit in South Africa. He added, “I want France to be respected, and if the conditions are right and results can be achieved, I am fully prepared for any discussion at my level.” He confirmed, “Our diplomatic teams are currently working on this matter.”

Some French reports spoke of an imminent breakthrough in the crisis, indicating that the pace of political and diplomatic contacts between the two sides was moving in a more conciliatory direction. They also suggested that the coming days might witness practical steps that could pave the way for a new rapprochement and a more stable chapter.