French Ambassador Says Talks Underway on Renault Oran Plant as Algeria-France Seek to Revive Dialogue
France’s ambassador to Algeria says discussions are underway with Algerian authorities over the possible reopening of Renault’s assembly plant in Oran, while diplomatic efforts continue to normalize bilateral engagement following months of strained relations between the two countries.
By Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS — France’s Ambassador to Algeria, Stéphane Romatet, has confirmed that discussions are underway with Algerian authorities regarding the possible reopening of Renault’s vehicle assembly plant in Oran, describing the project as part of broader efforts to restore economic and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking in his first media interview since returning to his post two months ago, Romatet said French and Algerian officials are also working to restore the full functioning of France’s consular network in Algeria, with the gradual return of consular staff expected to begin this summer.
In an interview with the Algerian news website Tout sur l’Algérie (TSA), the ambassador adopted a cautious tone when addressing the state of bilateral relations, declining to comment on the details of ongoing diplomatic discussions. Instead, he said his mandate is focused on rebuilding dialogue across several priority areas, including migration, security coordination and cooperation against transnational drug trafficking networks.
The most notable economic development outlined during the interview concerned the future of the Renault manufacturing facility in Oran, which has remained largely inactive for several years.
“There are discussions with the Algerian authorities, particularly the Ministry of Industry, and we hope the Renault plant will reopen soon,” Romatet said.
Romatet’s remarks come as Algeria and France continue efforts to stabilize bilateral relations following a prolonged diplomatic crisis that significantly reduced political and institutional engagement between the two countries.
France recalled its ambassador from Algiers in April 2025, months after bilateral tensions escalated following Paris’ support in July 2024 for Morocco’s autonomy proposal concerning Western Sahara. The diplomatic dispute subsequently expanded to encompass several political and bilateral issues, leading to one of the most significant periods of strain in Algeria-France relations in recent years.
— 𝐄𝐍𝐃 —
Dzair Tube Media Group | Record and Standing
Dzair Tube is a leading Algerian digital journalism platform, delivering high-quality content in Arabic, French, and English. With a daily readership exceeding 500,000, it has established itself among the country’s most influential media organizations.
Recognized for editorial excellence and integrity, Dzair Tube was awarded the President of the Republic’s Prize for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on 22 October 2022. The platform operates from state-of-the-art studios, producing diverse programming across news, sports, culture, entertainment, and religion.
Dzair Tube maintains a robust digital presence, with over 600,000 YouTube subscribers, six million followers across Facebook pages, and more than 70,000 Instagram followers. Its sports daily, Dzair Sport, enjoys over 50,000 daily downloads via its official website, cementing its leadership in multimedia journalism.
Further recognized with the Media Leadership Award by former Minister of Communication Mohamed Laâgab and celebrated at the Hilals of Television awards, Dzair Tube continues to set benchmarks in innovation, influence, and public engagement, serving as a key forum for civic discourse, critical analysis, and public affairs.
Official website: www.dzair-tube.dz | English: www.dzair-tube.dz/en
