Bouteflika voices resolve to normalize relations with Morocco

Algerian president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, has reiterated determination to pursue with Morocco's King Mohammed VI sincere action to overcome all that is likely to hinder the normalization of relations between the two states.

This came in a congratulation message addressed to the Moroccan sovereign on the 51st anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People (August 20), which marks the exile of King Mohammed V, grandfather of king Mohammed VI, from Morocco by the French colonial authorities, after his refusal to succumb to their demands.

The Revolution of the King and the People is a historical event that consolidated the determination of all Moroccans and Algerians to make sacrifices in order to get rid of colonialism, Bouteflika noted in the message.

The Algerian president also congratulated the Moroccan sovereign on the youth day (August 21), which marks this year the 41st birthday of King Mohammed VI.

Relations between the two neighbouring countries have been strained, mainly because of Algeria's backing and assistance to the Polisario separatists who are claiming the secession of the Moroccan Sahara. This territory, previously occupied by Spain, was retrieved by Morocco in 1975 under accords with Madrid and Nouakchott.