Algeria wants stronger ties with Morocco, Bouteflika says

Algeria's President Abdul Aziz Butaflika has said his country is determined to consolidate ties and cooperation with neighbouring Morocco.

"I renew to your Majesty our permanent concern to develop the historical, civilizational and spiritual bonds binding our two brotherly peoples in order to lay down the foundations for fraternity ties and hoist cooperation to higher levels to serve our two countries’ interests, within a climate of mutual trust and respect," the Algerian President said in a message of congratulations to King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the 47th anniversary of Morocco's Independence Day.

President Bouteflika equally underlined the need to build the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) on solid bases to make of it a strong regional grouping, able to serve Maghreban nations’ interests and take up challenges.