Emmanuel Macron on Sunday described the former Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who died on Friday at the age of 84, as a "
major figure
" of contemporary Algeria and "
a demanding partner for France
" during his twenty years in power.
Read also Algeria: Abdelaziz Bouteflika, died in oblivion but spared by justice
The French Head of State addressed, in a press release published by the Élysée, "
his condolences to the Algerian people
" and declared to remain "
committed to developing close relations of esteem and friendship between the French people and the people. Algerian
”.