Morocco hails positive evolution of ties with Algeria

Morocco hailed on Thursday the positive evolution of Moroccan-Algerian relations.

"We note with satisfaction the new positive climate between Morocco and Algeria and we hail this evolution," spokesman of the Moroccan government, Khalid Alioua, told the press Thursday after the weekly meeting of the Cabinet council, held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi.

After years of tension, ties between the two neighboring states have started to show signs of detente following the election last April of Abdelaziz Bouteflika as President of Algeria. King Hassan II of Morocco and Bouteflika exchanged warm messages and are scheduled to meet in the few coming weeks to translate the two countries' detente into reality.

Khalid Alioua also welcomed President Bouteflika's statements regarding the reactivation of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA).

The Moroccan official said Morocco will spare no effort to speed the Maghreban integration process and ease the free movement of goods and persons between Morocco and Algeria.

Touching on the date of the meeting between King Hassan II and President Bouteflika, Khalid Alioua said it is up to the two heads of state to decide on the matter.