French President Francois Holland paid Algeria a landmark visit on Wednesday, his first time to the Maghreb region since he took power in May. Hollande is scheduled to discuss economic cooperation and the Mali crisis with his Algerian counterpart Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Hollande’s visit comes amid warmer relations between the two countries, sparking the hope of a new era in their bilateral cooperation.

French President Francois Hollande, left, and Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika stand in a car as they drive through Algiers (Photo: boston.com)

Algeria is celebrating 50 years of independence since the war that ended 132 years of French rule. A recent poll has showed that the majority of Algerians support the relationship with France.