Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune appointed on Thursday, Ahmed Ataf, as the country's new foreign minister to replace veteran diplomat Ramtane Lamamra, according to an Algerian presidency statement on Thursday.

Ataf's appointment comes as part of a cabinet reshuffle that included about 10 ministries.

Ataf, 70, previously served as foreign minister position between 1996 and 1999.