The Algerian government says it is cutting ties with Morocco because of “hostile actions”, Foreign Minister Ramdane Lamamra told a news conference on Tuesday.
Since 1994, Algeria’s border with Morocco has been closed due to the Western Sahara issue, which has strained relations between the two countries for decades.
“The Moroccan kingdom has never stopped its hostile actions against Algeria,” he said, quoted by Reuters.
Lamamra added that the cutting of diplomatic relations would be effective from Tuesday but consulates in each country will remain open.
He blamed the Moroccan support for one of the groups which seeks autonomy in Algeria’s Kabylie region adding that Rabat had failed to meet bilateral obligations including over Western Sahara.
Algeria supports the Polisario movement that seeks independence for Western Sahara, which Morocco regards as its integral part.
