Strategic partnership key for peace in Mali: Algeria

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika Monday said strategic partnership between Algeria and Mali will contribute to the success of the inter- Malian peace dialogue.

"I remain firmly convinced that our strategic partnership and consultation will contribute to the success of the inter-Malian inclusive dialogue currently held in Algiers," Xinhua quoted Bouteflika as saying in a message to his Malian counterpart Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, on the occasion of the National Day of Mali.

Tuareg rebels and extremist groups linked to Al Qaeda seized the north of Mali earlier 2012, taking advantage of a military coup in Bamako, capital and largest city of Mali.

At the request of Malian authorities, France deployed troops in the country in 2013 to help dispel Islamist insurgents from the northern region of Azawad. The French troops are now withdrawing and replaced by UN peacekeeping force.

Meanwhile, efforts for reconciliation and dialogue have been initiated to restore peace.

A process of peace dialogue has been hosted by Algiers between armed rebel groups and the central government of Bamako.