Algerian Minister of the Interior, Local Authorities and Transport, Saïd Sayoud, arrived in Paris on Monday for an official visit at the invitation of his French counterpart, Laurent Nunez. Minister Sayoud was welcomed by Nunez upon his arrival, marking the first official visit by an Algerian minister to France in over two years. French Minister Nunez indicated he would address the "issue of Christophe Gleizes’ situation," stating it requires "the utmost discretion, in order to ensure the smooth progress of the process." Nunez also added that the objective is "to increase the number of consular travel documents obtained and the number of returns to Algeria."
Key Bilateral Discussions
French Minister Laurent Nunez stated he would raise the case of French journalist Christophe Gleizes, who was sentenced in Algeria to seven years in prison on charges related to supporting and glorifying terrorism. Nunez affirmed his intention, saying, "I will, of course, raise the issue of Christophe Gleizes’ situation." He acknowledged that the matter falls outside his direct purview but stressed the need to "handle these matters with the utmost discretion, in order to ensure the smooth progress of the process that has been set in motion, in response to the demands of the prisoner’s family."
Another significant issue under discussion involves the repatriation of Algerian nationals residing illegally in France. Laurent Nunez discussed efforts to obtain more consular permits, aiming to reach 140 such documents. This number would facilitate the deportation of Algerians in administrative detention who have been ordered to leave French territory. Nunez commented on these efforts, stating, "The objective now is to increase the number of consular travel documents obtained and the number of returns to Algeria. Things have started to move again, and we must now step up our efforts."
Context of Relations
The Algerian Interior Minister's visit to France unfolds amid renewed tensions stemming from recent comments made by French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot. Barrot's remarks concerned France’s stance on the Western Sahara issue, a sensitive topic for relations between Paris and Algiers. This diplomatic backdrop adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing discussions between Saïd Sayoud and his French counterparts. The broader political climate, influenced by such statements, frames the current bilateral engagement as both sides seek to address immediate issues while navigating underlying geopolitical sensitivities.
Cooperation Roadmap
The current visit by Algerian Interior Minister Saïd Sayoud follows a previous engagement where a roadmap for strengthened cooperation was established. French Minister Laurent Nunez visited Algeria on February 16–17, 2026, and during that trip, both countries agreed upon this framework. Following his arrival, Minister Sayoud and his delegation proceeded to the Palais de la Place Beauvau, which serves as the headquarters of the French Ministry of the Interior, for official discussions.
These talks are expected to build on the foundations laid during Nunez's earlier visit. Nunez has previously stated his intention to address "the issue of Christophe Gleizes’ situation," acknowledging it is outside his direct purview but emphasizing the need to "handle these matters with the utmost discretion, in order to ensure the smooth progress of the process that has been set in motion, in response to the demands of the prisoner’s family." He also noted that "the objective now is to increase the number of consular travel documents obtained and the number of returns to Algeria. Things have started to move again, and we must now step up our efforts."
