UN Secretary-General calls for improving relations between Morocco and Algeria

In his report to the Security Council on the Moroccan Sahara, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his call for improved relations between Morocco and Algeria, following Algeria’s unilateral decision to sever diplomatic relations with the Kingdom.

Mr. Guterres stated that Algeria “announced the severance of its relations with Morocco” on August 24, 2021, and that “the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on the same day, taking note of the Algerian authorities’ decision to sever diplomatic relations with Morocco, and regretting this completely unjustified decision.”

In this regard, the UN Secretary-General expressed his concern about the deterioration of relations between Morocco and Algeria, in his report, which threatens to derail the political process aimed at resolving the regional conflict over the Moroccan Sahara.

Mr. Guterres “encouraged the two neighboring countries to find a way forward to repair their relations, including in support of regional cooperation, peace, and security in the region,” a position that Morocco has long advocated, despite Algerian authorities’ hostile approach, which rejects both Morocco’s outstretched hand and any mediation.

It should be noted that the UN Secretary General’s official had commented on Algeria’s unilateral decision on two occasions, encouraging the two neighbors to address their concerns through negotiation.