Moroccan premier wishes political detente in Moroccan-Algerian relations

Moroccan Prime Minister, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, wished political detente in Moroccan-Algerian relations and the opening of land borders between the two countries.

In an interview with Saudi daily Asharq Al-Awsat, the Moroccan premier said he has already notified the wish to Algerian authorities. He added that he would regret it if he leaves office, for some reason, without fulfilling this dream and bringing a change in Moroccan-Algerian relations.

He explained that hopes and positive signs were brought about by the election of Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika who exchanged friendship and brothership messages with the late king Hassan II and who came to Morocco to share with Moroccans their sorrow following the passing away of King Hassan II. However, he went on, the Algerian president started to make hostile statements against Morocco and Tunisia, thus brushing off all hopes and positive signs.

To a question on a possible summit meeting, Youssoufi answered that he has not lost hopes and that he is still wishing the improvement of relations and the opening of borders, MAP reported.