Morocco’s King Mohammed VI took advantage of a dialogue on Saturday to reiterate his openness to restoring relations with Algeria, which severed diplomatic relations with Rabat last year.
“We want to work with the Algerian presidency so that Morocco and Algeria can work hand in hand to establish normal relations between two brotherly peoples,” Mohammed said in a traditional speech marking the anniversary of his accession to the throne. throne.
“I emphasize once again that the borders that separate the Moroccan and Algerian brothers will not be an obstacle preventing their communication and understanding.”
He urged Moroccans to “protect the spirit of brotherhood, solidarity and good neighborliness with our Algerian brothers”.
Morocco and Algeria have long been at odds over the disputed territory of Western Sahara, where the Algerian-backed Polisario Front seeks independence from the Rabat regime.
Algeria severed diplomatic relations with Morocco in August 2021, accusing Rabat of “hostile acts”.
Rabat said the decision was “totally unfair”.
The disputed status of Western Sahara – a former Spanish colony considered a “non-self-governing territory” by the United Nations – has pitted Morocco against the Polisario front since the 1970s.
Rabat, which controls nearly 80% of the territory, is pushing for autonomy under its sovereignty.
The Polisario front, however, wants a UN-backed self-determination referendum.
Morocco’s sovereignty over the region was backed by Washington in the 2020 deal, which also saw Rabat normalize relations with Israel.
Algeria, which supports the Palestinian cause in addition to the Front, took the opportunity to criticize Morocco’s growing military cooperation with Israel, which it describes as a “Zionist institution”.
Referring to “allegations of Moroccans insulting Algeria and Algerians”, Mohamed said they were the work of “irresponsible people trying to sow discord”.
“These rumors about Moroccan-Algerian relations are completely unnecessary and frankly terrible,” he added.
He also used Saturday’s speech to pledge to reform the Family Code to support women’s rights, social protections, and price controls at a time of rising inflation.
He also promised to redouble vaccination efforts to fight Covid-19.
The reformist king, 58, has ruled Morocco since July 1999, succeeding his father, Hassan II.
