(MENAFN- Arab News) PARIS: A Frenchman held for more than three years by Al-Qaeda's North African branch was freed Tuesday days after two of the men implicated in his abduction were reportedly released from a prison in Mali.

Negotiations among the governments of Niger Mali and France led to freedom for Serge Lazarevic who was described by the French president as in 'relatively good health' despite the conditions of his captivity.

Tuesday's release greeted with joy among many in France including several former hostages stands in contrast to the attempted rescue in Yemen last weekend that ended in the deaths of an American and South African held by Al-Qaeda.

Lazarevic was en route to the capital of Niger French President Francois Hollande said in announcing his release. He also thanked the Niger president for helping to free the Frenchman. 'We no longer have any hostages in any country of the world and we should not have any' Hollande added.

Another Frenchman kidnapped in Mali in November 2011 along with Lazarevic Philippe Verdon was found dead in July 2013.

A security official in Mali who spoke on condition of anonymity because he feared for his safety said Lazarevic's release came after negotiations to free two Al-Qaeda fighters arrested in the two Frenchmen's abduction.

The two Al-Qaeda detainees were transferred to mediators in Niger on Saturday and then turned over to Al-Qaeda the Malian official said. It was not clear if they remained in Niger.

A French official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the issue is sensitive said Lazarevic was released Tuesday but refused to offer details on the release of the Al-Qaeda prisoners beyond saying the negotiations on the hostage were led by Mali and Niger.

Hollande on Tuesday urged French citizens and companies to take continued precautions against kidnappings. At one point at least 14 French nationals were held hostage by militants in West Africa.