ALGIERS, Algeria

Algeria's Culture and Arts Ministry joined three other ministries in the north African country to end the use of the French language in official correspondence due to increasing tensions between Algiers and Paris. 

In a statement, Culture and Arts Minister Soraya Mouloudji instructed the ministry officials to use the Arabic language in internal correspondence and events.

Last October, the Youth and Sports Ministry, Vocational Education and Training Ministry, and Labor, Employment, and Social Security Ministry banned the use of French in their official correspondence.

With the exception of the Defense Ministry, most Algerian ministries use French in their correspondence and statements, though the country's constitution stipulates that Arabic be the first national and official language, followed by Amazigh/Berber.

The decision was taken in light of the last year's crisis between Algeria and France following remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron that were viewed by many Algerians as insulting.

Algeria responded by recalling its ambassador to Paris and banning French military aircraft from using Algerian airspace on Oct. 3.

Later, the French president accused Algerian authorities of stoking hatred against France.

The use of French spread in Algeria in the course of 132 years of colonial rule by France between 1830 and 1962.