King Mohammed VI wants stronger ties with Algeria, FM

Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, voiced king Mohammed VI's will to consolidate ties with neighbor Algeria.

In a statement published Saturday by the Algerian daily Al Khabar, the minister said the measures taken by king Mohammed VI (cancelling entry visa procedures for Algerian nationals) are part of this objective. He reaffirmed that the royal decision "draws on Morocco's good will and intentions," adding that it "ill open new prospects of cooperation and mutual support with our Algerian brothers."

The minister was speaking to Al Khabar by telephone, a few hours after the royal decision was announced. He also met Algerian ambassador to Rabat, Boualem Bessaieh, to inform him on the decision.