Algeria Cuts Diplomatic Ties With UAE
Algeria has announced that it is cutting diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates, marking a major setback in relations between the two Arab countries.
Algeria’s Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that it had decided to sever relations after what it described as a series of “provocative or hostile” actions by Abu Dhabi. Algeria said it had issued repeated warnings but had eventually exhausted all options to maintain diplomatic ties.
The UAE ambassador was summoned by Algerian authorities and given 48 hours to leave the country, according to Reuters. The UAE Foreign Ministry had not immediately responded to a request for comment.
Why Did Algeria Cuts Diplomatic Ties With UAE?
Relations between Algeria and the UAE have become increasingly strained in recent years. The two countries have disagreed over several regional issues. Algeria opposes Israel’s normalization agreements with Arab countries, while the UAE established diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020.
They also hold opposing positions on Western Sahara. The UAE supports Morocco’s claim over the territory, while Algeria supports the Polisario Front and its push for independence.
The two countries have also competed for influence across the Sahel region, adding to wider diplomatic tensions.
The latest development comes despite a UAE-Algeria meeting reported earlier on Thursday. UAE Economy Minister Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri met Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia in Algiers, where both sides discussed economic, commercial and investment cooperation.
The sudden diplomatic break could now affect political, economic and investment relations between the two countries. Further developments are expected as the UAE responds to Algeria’s announcemennt.
