Algeria, France vow to boost bilateral ties

ALGIERS, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Algeria and France on Sunday pledged to give fresh impetus to the development of bilateral relations.

Visiting French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius told a press conference after talks with his Algerian counterpart Mourad Medelci that he was here on a mission to boost bilateral ties.

Fabius said their talks focused on such issues as defense cooperation, economy and the movement of people.

The purpose of his visit was to give a "new impetus to the bilateral partnership" between the two countries, he said.

Fabius said the two countries share common views on both bilateral and multilateral issues.

"France agrees with Algeria that the crisis in Mali should be settled by setting up a more broadly representative government and ensuring the territorial integrity and development there," he said.

"As for terrorism, it should be dealt with the way it deserves," he added.

For his part, Medelci said the two parties have agreed to boost cooperation on particular issues, including the movement of people between Algeria and France.

On issues regarding the colonial past between the two nations, Medelci said: "Algeria won't forget it, and the two nations have to work together in an intelligent way to deal with this issue."

Algiers is still requiring Paris to make an apology for the 130-year colonial rule and the crimes perpetrated during that era.

Medelci said Fabius' visit was also aimed at preparing for a visit by newly elected French President Francois Hollande to Algiers later this year.

Fabius, who arrived in Algeria on Sunday, will hold talks with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Monday.