French President Emmanuel Macron has signaled that he is prepared to engage in renewed dialogue with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, raising hopes for a potential easing of tensions between Paris and Algiers.

The conversation between the two leaders is expected to take place on the sidelines of the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa, though a formal meeting has not yet been confirmed.

Macron, speaking to reporters about the prospect of talks during the summit, stressed that France is committed to a “respectful, serious, and calm dialogue” with Algeria. He noted that French diplomatic channels are actively working to re-establish communication with Algiers, with the aim of addressing longstanding disagreements and improving cooperation.

The renewed diplomatic overture comes in the wake of Algeria’s recent decision to pardon French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal on humanitarian grounds, following an appeal from German authorities. Sansal, who spent nearly a year in detention, arrived in Paris last week and was received by Macron at the Élysée Palace. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu welcomed the author’s release, calling it a positive gesture.

Relations between the two countries have deteriorated sharply in recent years, particularly after France officially recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara—an issue where Algiers and Rabat have long been at odds. Analysts say that a potential Macron–Tebboune meeting at the G20 Summit could mark a significant step toward rebuilding trust and reactivating cooperation in critical areas such as migration, trade, defense, and regional stability.

While discussions are still in the preparatory phase, Macron’s remarks underline France’s openness to diplomatic engagement and its desire to restore balanced, mutually respectful ties with Algeria. (ILKHA)