King Mohammed VI: Morocco Ready for “Direct & Frank” Dialogue with Algeria

King Mohammed VI said on Tuesday that Morocco stands ready for “a direct and frank dialogue” with neighboring Algeria in order to settle the transient and objective differences impeding the development of relations between the two countries and suggested the setting up of a joint political mechanism for dialogue and consultation to break the stalemate in bilateral relations.

In a speech he delivered Tuesday on the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of the Green March, the Moroccan Sovereign deplored the division and lack of unity in the Maghreb, saying this unreasonable situation is “utterly inconsistent with the brotherly bonds uniting our peoples, who share the same religion, language, history and destiny”.

This reality is at odds with the ambition that induced the generation who fought for freedom and independence in a bid to achieve the unity of the Maghreb, as symbolized by the Tangier Conference of 1958, explained the Monarch.

He recalled in this regard the Kingdom’s support to the Algerian Revolution, which strengthened the bonds between the Moroccan Monarchy and the Algerian Resistance.

“Together, we fought colonial rule for many years until independence was obtained. We know each other very well, and many Moroccan and Algerian families are united by the bonds of marriage and kinship”, said the Sovereign, noting that the interests of Maghreb people are best served by unity, integration and complementarity.

Nevertheless, “we must (…) admit that the state of our bilateral relations is not normal, much less acceptable”, added King Mohammed VI, affirming that soon after he acceded to the throne, he asked earnestly and in good faith that the borders between the two neighboring countries be opened and that Moroccan-Algerian relations be normalized.

To put an end to this situation, the King suggested to the Algerian brothers the setting up of a joint political mechanism for dialogue and consultation, saying that Morocco is willing to consider the Algerian proposals to break the stalemate in the relations between the two neighbors.

But the mission of this mechanism would be to analyze all the issues in good faith and in a very candid, objective and honest way, using an open-ended agenda, “without conditions or exceptions”, insisted King Mohammed VI.

This mechanism can also serve as a practical platform for cooperation in all bilateral matters and for making the most of the numerous development opportunities existing in the Maghreb, explained the Monarch, stressing that this efficient approach will also contribute to enhancing bilateral coordination and consultation on regional and international challenges, such as terrorism and migration.

King Mohammed VI reiterated commitment to work hand in hand with Algerian brothers and to spare no effort to build bilateral relations on the solid foundations of trust, solidarity and neighborliness.