President Francois Hollande refused to apologize for France's colonial past in Algeria, saying instead that Paris wanted to move forward on an equal footing and boost trade with the north African nation. Speaking on his first state visit since his election in May, Hollande said the two had agreed on a friendship declaration and a five-year strategic pact over economic, cultural, agricultural and defense ties.After meeting Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Hollande told a news conference, "I want to define with Algeria a strategic partnership on an equal-to-equal basis. I am not here to repent or apologize, I am here to tell the truth."