French president wants new era with Algeria

(AP) French President Francois Hollande says he wants to open a new era with Algeria, once the former French colonial empire's prized colony, and form a strategic partnership among equals.

Hollande said at a news conference Wednesday, the first day of his state visit to the North African nation, that the new era will allow France and Algeria to not only turn a page but to write so many others.

He officially announced an accord for the French automaker Renault to build a factory in Algeria with cars destined for all of Africa. Details were not immediately available.

The Socialist president's visit comes as Algeria celebrates 50 years of independence from France.

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Ganley reported from Paris. Sylvie Corbet in Paris contributed to this report.