Bouteflika lauds convergence of political will between Rabat, Algiers

President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria has lauded "the convergence of political will" between Morocco and his country.

"I would like to express to you my satisfaction over the convergence of political will between our countries," Bouteflika said in a message to King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of the creation of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA).

UMA was set up in 1989 by Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Mauritania as a regional grouping seeking integration among the five North African nations.

Bouteflika also lauded the "collective adherence to the Maghreban project," stressing resolve to continue the unitary march and give a new impetus to the Maghreban action.

The king, who received a similar message from President Zine Al-Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia, had sent cables to the leaders of Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Mauritania on the occasion of the UMA anniversary.