Algeria and Morocco to set up political consultation mechanism

Moroccan Foreign Minister Saadeddine Othmani and his Algerian counterpart Mourad Medelci  Rabat – Arabstoday Morocco and Algeria signed, Friday in Rabat, a memorandum of understanding for the setting up of a political consultation mechanism. The memorandum signed by Moroccan Foreign Minister Saadeddine Othmani and his Algerian counterpart Mourad Medelci aims to deepen the political dialogue between the two ministries and enhance bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries.
Arab Maghreb Agency (MAP) reported that at a joint press briefing after talks with Medelci, Othmani stressed that this protocol is a link in the process of developing cooperation between the two countries, started in Algeria.
Under this protocol, he said, there will be the establishment of mechanisms at the ministerial and experts of foreign affairs departments of both countries in order to maintain and deepen political dialogue and promote the continuous exchange of information on foreign policy, as well as regional and international issues of common interest.
It was agreed, in this regard, to hold twice a year the committee for political consultations, alternately between Rabat and Algiers, with the possibility of holding special meetings when it is necessary, both at the levels of Ministers and senior officials of the ministries, said the minister.
He added that it includes activating cooperation at the level of diplomatic missions accredited in both countries abroad, and at the level of regional and international bodies.
For his part, Medelci said he is “satisfied” with the strengthening of relations between the two countries, welcoming the signing of this protocol as a platform to establish a permanent contact between the foreign ministers and officials of their departments, saying that this initiative will pave the way for the adoption of new mechanisms and protocols for cooperation in the future.
Medelci is currently in Rabat, heading an Algerian delegation to attend the 30th Council of Maghreb Foreign Ministers, which aims to discuss the economic conditions of the Maghreb region and the possible reforms that could take place.
Medelci stated, in a press conference, that the bilateral relation between Morocco and Algeria is of a strategic nature which requires continuous work.
The Algerian Foreign Minister called for opening the borders between the two neighbouring countries, stating that the Western Desert issue is now in the hands of the United Nations, which shall reach a “satisfactory” resolution.
Algerian Minister for Maghreb and African Affairs Abdelkader Messahel presented, Friday, Algeria’s approach for reinvigorating the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) before the AMU Follow-up Committee.
Messahel stressed, during the AMU Follow-up Committee meeting, that Algeria’s approach gives priority to three major political, economic, and security issues, top of which is the re-activation of the AMU by a gradual pragmatic approach.
“The Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) should adapt its instruments to the challenges and changes witnessed in the region,” he said.