Algerian president voices will to consolidate ties with Morocco

President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria has voiced will to consolidate his country's relations with Morocco.

This came in a congratulations message Bouteflika sent to King Mohammed VI, on the occasion of Aid Al-Fitr, marked last week.

"I pray God to crown with success our actions for the well-being of our two peoples, to unify the ranks of our grand Arab Maghreb, to consolidate our brotherly ties and to guide our steps," he said.

Morocco and Algeria are members of the Arab Maghreb Union alongside Libya, Mauritania and Tunisia.

Bouteflika also prayed to God "to make of the new year, the new century and the new millennium a new era of happiness and progress."

The Algerian president lauded the message that King Mohammed VI had sent him and wished Morocco progress, development and prosperity, under the wise leadership of the king.

"I felt, in your message, all the love you harbor for your people in Algeria," he said.