Algiers: Algeria has officially severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates after months of growing tensions between the two countries.
The Algerian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that all efforts to preserve bilateral relations had been exhausted. Algeria also accused Abu Dhabi of repeated “provocative or hostile” actions despite previous warnings.
Algeria has ordered the UAE ambassador to leave the country within 48 hours. The move marks a major deterioration in relations between the two Arab countries.
Tensions Grew Over Regional Issues
Relations between Algiers and Abu Dhabi have worsened over several regional and political issues.
The two countries have taken different positions on several conflicts and disputes in the region. Their differences also include the Western Sahara issue, where the UAE supports Morocco while Algeria backs the Polisario Front.
The two sides have also competed for influence in parts of the Sahel. In addition, Algeria has opposed the UAE’s close ties with Israel following the 2020 Abraham Accords.
Algeria Previously Accused UAE of Interference
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune had previously referred to tensions with an unnamed Gulf country.
He said Algeria maintained brotherly relations with other Gulf states but accused one country of attempting to interfere in Algeria’s internal affairs and destabilize the country. The remarks were widely viewed as a reference to the UAE.
More recently, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf reiterated Algeria’s opposition to foreign interference in Arab countries. He said regional crises should be addressed through national and collective solutions.
Air Services Agreement Also Terminated
The diplomatic break follows another major step taken by Algeria earlier this year.
In February, Algeria began procedures to terminate its 2013 air services agreement with the UAE. The agreement had been signed in Abu Dhabi on May 13, 2013, and later ratified by Algeria.
That move was seen as another sign of the worsening relationship between Algiers and Abu Dhabi.
Diplomatic Relations Now Severed
The latest decision formally ends diplomatic ties between Algeria and the UAE.
The development could have wider implications for relations between the two countries and their positions on regional issues.
For now, Algeria has made clear that it considers further efforts to preserve the existing diplomatic relationship exhausted.
