Bouteflika sees future of Moroccan-Algerian ties with optimism
Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 7/27/1999

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said he envisions the future of relations between Morocco and Algeria with optimism.

"Pending a meeting soon, I envision the future with optimism, being convinced that my late brother (King Hassan II) bequeathed to Morocco a courageous King, able to preserve the legacy," said Bouteflika in a message he sent to King Mohammed Ben Al-Hassan upon leaving Morocco.

President Bouteflika was among the world leaders who attended Sunday in Rabat the funerals of the late King Hassan II, who passed away last Friday at the age of 70.

The Algerian president also voiced "firm" determination to work hand in hand with King Mohammed Ben Al-Hassan for the materialization of the aspirations of the Moroccan and Algerian peoples and those of all the Arab Maghreb.

"I am firmly determined to work with your Majesty, hand in hand, for the achievement of aspirations, that I and our dear late king harbored, for the wellbeing of our dear peoples and of the Great Arab Maghreb," Bouteflika said.

President Bouteflika further voiced regret that destiny prevented the much-awaited meeting between himself and the late King Hassan II.

The late king and President Bouteflika were expected to meet to translate into reality the growing rapprochement between the two neighbor nations and pave the way for the relaunching of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA, mustering Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia).

"Destiny prevented us from holding the meeting we ardently and sincerely hoped for," Bouteflika said.

The Algerian head of state renewed his affliction over the demise of one of the greatest leaders of the world, who marked the second half of the 20th century with his noble actions and efforts.

"I leave the blessed soil of Morocco that gave birth to our dear late King Hassan II, may God rest his soul in peace, the heart deeply affected, very saddened and tears in the eyes for the loss by the brotherly Moroccan people, the whole Arab Maghreb, the Arab Nation and the African continent, of this dedicated son, this genius man, who set the example, by his glorious actions and great qualities of patriotism and attachment to the Arab identity and to Islam."

He recalled that the late king "dedicated his life, since his young age besides his august father King Mohammed V, to serve the Nation during difficult times, and led the struggle with determination and perseverance, being convinced that his great people and the Maghreban, Arab, Islamic and African peoples have a joint destiny."

Bouteflika further stressed that King Mohammed Ben Al-Hassan has all the qualities and courage to overcome the adversities of life.

"I have no doubt in your patience and your ability to face up all tests. You are surely the worthy successor of your august father from whom you inherited courage and bravery, these qualities that enable to transcend all the adversities of life," he said.

In another message to Prince Moulay Rachid, youngest son of the late King Hassan II, President Bouteflika voiced "availability to suppress the ephemeral stumbling blocks" that hampered Moroccan-Algerian Relations.

"You will find, your highness, in the saddened brother of your father, all the solicitude, affection, attention and availability to remove the ephemeral stumbling blocks that relations between Morocco and Algeria witnessed," President Bouteflika said, renewing firm determination to improve bilateral relations.

"Algeria is your country. It is the natural, historical, civilizational and affective extension of Morocco and vice-versa. My country opens its arms to you. You are welcome whenever you want," he added.

Previous Stories:
  Bouteflika: I have always believed Moroccan-Algerian ties will improve   (7/26/1999)
  Algerian president voices affliction over King Hassan II demise   (7/24/1999)
  Morocco hails positive evolution of ties with Algeria   (7/23/1999)
  Visits expected between Algerian president, Moroccan monarch at end of July   (7/22/1999)

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