France and Algeria sign joint declaration

French President Emmanuel Macron concluded a three-day visit to Algeria with a new pact between the two countries.

The two heads of state signed a joint declaration that is said to mark a new stage in the relationship between Algeria and former colonial power, France .

Recently, the two countries were involved in a diplomatic row over the memory of the war in Algeria.

"I think it is a success, it is a very successful visit which has put a lot of things back in the right place and which has enabled a rapprochement which wouldn't have been possible without the personality of President Macron", said Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune .

Beyond the words, France is keen to obtain gas from Algeria as well as counteract Russia's growing influence in the region. 

For Algeria, France plays a role in dealing with the growing insecurity in the Sahel region as well as growing tensions with neighbouring Morocco .