Algeria’s Bouteflika congratulates Morocco King on Throne Day

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika sent a congratulation telegram to King of Morocco Mohammed VI on the occasion of his country’s celebration of Throne Day, in which he reiterated his “full commitment and determination to continue working with him in order to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, solidarity and good neighbourliness which unite the two countries.”

In the telegram, which the Algeria News Agency published yesterday, Bouteflika said: “I share with you your joyous celebrations. I seize this joyous occasion to reiterate to your Majesty my full commitment and determination to continue working with you in order to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, solidarity and good neighbourliness which unite the two countries, and push them forward towards a wider horizon, in accordance with the aspirations and hopes of our two brotherly peoples for progress and prosperity in an atmosphere of security and stability.”

The letter comes amid the continued strained relationships between the two countries as a result of their divergent positions towards the future of Western Sahara. While Morocco proposes dissolving the self-governance of the Sahara region under Moroccan sovereignty, Algeria supports the option of referendum on the right to self-determination.

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Land borders between Morocco and Algeria have been closed since 1994 following the attack which targeted the Atlas Asni Hotel in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh. After the attack, Rabat imposed a visa on Algerian nationals who wish to enter its territory. Algeria responded by closing the land borders which have remained as such since then.

Morocco celebrated the 18th anniversary of the accession of King Mohammed VI to power yesterday.