Algerian President of the Republic Abdelaziz Bouteflika reaffirmed Algeria’s readiness to continue to build an exceptional partnership with France, while hailing dense political dialogue between both countries, in a message of congratulations to his French counterpart François Hollande on the occasion of the French National Day.

French President Francois Hollande announced on Wednesday that France would end its military mission in the Central African Republic in October. “Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian will go to the Central African Republic in October to officially declare the end of Operation Sangaris,” said Hollande.

The two-month battle for the Islamic State group’s Libyan stronghold of Sirte has killed more than 240 unity government fighters and wounded over 1 400, a medic said on Tuesday. Forces loyal to the UN-backed Government of National Accord began an operation in May to recapture the coastal city which …