Algeria announced on Thursday that it had decided to sever diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, following years of growing tensions between the two countries.
The Algerian Foreign Ministry said the decision was taken after all efforts to preserve bilateral relations had been exhausted. The UAE ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Ministry and formally notified of the decision. He was also given 48 hours to comply.
Algeria said the move came amid what it described as increasing “provocative or hostile actions” by the UAE. The Algerian government said it had exercised restraint and repeatedly warned the Emirati side about the consequences of what it called unjustified actions.
The decision follows a period of strained relations, including previous Algerian accusations that Abu Dhabi had interfered in the country’s internal affairs.
For its part, the UAE Foreign Ministry said it respected Algeria’s decision and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining and developing relations with countries around the world in a way that serves common interests and promotes cooperation, understanding and prosperity.
The diplomatic dispute marks a significant deterioration in relations between Algeria and the UAE and leaves the future of bilateral ties uncertain.