France, April 2 -- France's Emmanuel Macron held his first phone call in months with Algerian leader Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Monday night, as the two sought to end a diplomatic standoff over Algeria's refusal to take back its expelled nationals, the jailing of French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal and suspended security ties.

The conversation marked a potential turning point, with both leaders discussing a "reset" of relations.

Macron followed up on Tuesday by meeting key ministers. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot is due in Algiers on 6 April, while Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin is also expected to visit soon.

Tebboune had previously said he wished to avoid "political commotion" in the relationship.

Since January, Macron has sent...