Morocco stresses its respect for being neighbourly with all

Morocco’s government spokesman, Mustapha Baitas, insisted, on Thursday, that his country is neighbourly to all of its neighbours.

“For the neighbouring countries, Morocco sticks to the strict respect for the principles of good neighbourliness with all,” Baitas said at a news conference, following a Cabinet meeting.

He added that Morocco’s foreign minister is responsible for diplomatic and international relations and, once there is an issue, the foreign minister will make a statement or comment.

Baitas’ comments were in response to Algeria’s accusation early this week about Morocco killing three of its nationals.

READ: Algeria blames Morocco for death of 3 nationals

Algeria’s Presidency blamed Morocco, on Wednesday, for the killing of the Algerians in the border area with Mauritania. Their trucks were travelling between Algeria’s Ouargala province and Nouakchott in Mauritania.

Algeria severed diplomatic relations with Morocco on 24 August, accusing Rabat of having “hostile tendencies.” Morocco dismissed the accusations.

Algerian-Moroccan ties have been tense for decades, against the backdrop of the disputed Sahara region between Rabat and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front.