Algeria Cuts Diplomatic Ties with UAE after Years of Tensions

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ALGIERS: Algeria has severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates after years of growing tensions between the two countries, Algerian state media reported on Thursday.

Algeria said it had taken the decision after exhausting what it described as all avenues to preserve bilateral relations. It did not provide specific details for the move, while the UAE had not immediately issued a response.

Relations between Algiers and Abu Dhabi had deteriorated in recent years. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has previously acknowledged strained relations with an unnamed Gulf state, widely understood to be the UAE, while describing Algeria’s ties with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar as strong.

Tensions escalated further in February when Algeria began the process of cancelling a 2013 air services agreement with the UAE.

The diplomatic break marks a significant deterioration in relations between two influential Arab and African states and comes amid wider geopolitical tensions across North Africa and the Middle East.

Further details on the reasons behind Algeria’s decision and the UAE’s response are expected.