Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry called on Algeria and Morocco to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy to solve issues between the two countries.

The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry expressed regret on a statement on Wednesday on the recent developments in relations between Morocco and Algeria.

“The Kingdom's government expresses hope for the return of relations between the two countries as soon as possible.

“We call on the brothers in the two countries to give priority to dialogue and diplomacy to find solutions to contentious issues in a way that contributes to opening a new page for relations, in a manner that benefits their peoples, achieves security and stability for the region,” the statement said.

On Tuesday, Algeria's Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra announced that his country has decided to sever diplomatic ties with Morocco.

Algeria cited what it called “hostile actions” by its most populous neighbor with which it has had strained relations for decades.

Lamamra in the press conference accused Morocco of using Pegasus spyware against its officials, supporting a separatist group and failing in “bilateral commitments”, including on the Western Sahara issue.

While the border between the two North African powers had been closed since 1994, they have had diplomatic relations since 1988 when they were restored following an earlier dispute.