Germany’s Merkel cancels Algeria visit due to Bouteflika illness

German Chancellor Angela Merkel cancelled a visit to Algeria on Monday because President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is unable to hold their meeting due to bronchitis, Algeria’s state news agency APS said, quoting a statement from the presidency.

Merkel was due to visit Algeria on Monday as part of a trip to North Africa.

“The visit will be reprogrammed at a date that is suitable for the two parties,” the presidency said.

Bouteflika, who suffered a stroke in 2013, is now rarely seen in public, mostly appearing in state media for meetings with visiting dignitaries.