Algerian, French presidents discuss bilateral relations, regional issues

ALGIERS, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Wednesday held talks with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on the bilateral relations and regional issues of common interest, including the situation in Libya and Mali.

Macron indicated after the meeting that the "bilateral security partnership and counterterrorism cooperation were on the agenda" of his talks with Bouteflika.

"We also discussed a number of bilateral issues, including the joint desire to strengthen economic ties ahead of the 4th session of the French-Algerian High-Level Intergovernmental Committee to be held Thursday in Paris," he said.

Macron also noted that he expressed to his Algerian counterpart to develop new partnership projects in Algeria.

He suggested to establish a digital school to help provide quality training for Algerian youth, and a joint investment fund to support small and medium projects to help diversify Algeria's economy.

Macron concluded that his country will take more steps to facilitate and simplify visa application by Algerians, adding that Algeria and France also agreed to work together to curb illegal migration.

Macron also held talks with other top Algerian officials, including Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia. Enditem