French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez to Visit Algeria to Revive Security Cooperation

On Sunday, February 16, French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez will begin a two-day official visit to Algeria aimed at relaunching security cooperation between Algeria and France following months of strained bilateral relations.

The visit comes at a delicate diplomatic moment, as both capitals seek to restore trust and reopen institutional dialogue, particularly in the areas of counterterrorism, migration management, and cross-border crime prevention.

Focus on Counterterrorism and Organized Crime

According to official French sources, Laurent Nunez will meet with senior Algerian officials responsible for security and law enforcement.

Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in the fight against terrorism and dismantling cross-border organized crime networks. Both countries have historically collaborated on intelligence sharing, particularly in the Sahel region, where security threats remain persistent.

Drug trafficking routes and coordination mechanisms between security services are also high on the agenda, reflecting shared concerns over transnational criminal activity affecting both North Africa and Europe.

Migration and Readmission at the Center of Talks

Another sensitive topic expected to be discussed is irregular migration, especially the readmission of Algerian nationals residing illegally in France.

The issue has been a point of tension in recent months, contributing to a cooling of diplomatic relations between Algeria and France. French authorities have repeatedly emphasized the need for improved cooperation on deportation procedures, while Algeria has insisted on respecting legal and humanitarian frameworks.

Observers note that this visit could mark a turning point if concrete mechanisms are agreed upon to manage migration flows more effectively.

A Strategic Reset in Bilateral Relations

Although Algerian authorities have not yet issued an official statement outlining the detailed agenda, analysts believe the visit reflects France’s intention to normalize relations after tensions related to political statements, media controversies, and security disagreements.

The broader objective appears to be a gradual reset of bilateral cooperation, particularly in security and technological coordination, without making immediate high-profile announcements.

The visit is expected to conclude with a joint statement assessing the results of the talks and outlining prospects for cooperation in the coming months.

As both countries navigate a complex regional and international environment, this diplomatic initiative may serve as a foundation for rebuilding a more structured and pragmatic partnership.