King Mohammed VI of Morocco once again called for a diplomatic rapprochement between his country and neighboring Algeria. “We pray to the Most High for a return to normalcy and the reopening of the borders between our two neighboring countries and our two brotherly peoples,” the Cherifian monarch said on Saturday, July 29, in a radio and television address to the nation, during the traditional speech marking the anniversary of his accession to the throne.

Borders have been closed since 1994 and Algeria severed diplomatic ties with Morocco in August 2021, accusing Rabat of “hostile acts”. A “completely unjustified” decision, according to Rabat.

Since then, the two neighbors have maintained terrible relations, in a context of regional rivalry exacerbated by their antagonism over the disputed territory of Western Sahara. For nearly fifty years, an armed conflict has opposed Morocco to the separatists of the Polisario Front, supported by Algeria. Rabat advocates an autonomy plan under its exclusive sovereignty, while the Polisario calls for a self-determination referendum under the aegis of the United Nations. Israel’s recent recognition of “Moroccan sovereignty” over this former Spanish colony has further heightened tensions with Algiers, which has lambasted “foreign maneuvers”.

No “maliciousness on the part of Morocco”

“We reassure our brothers in Algeria, their leadership and their people that they will never have to fear malevolence from Morocco,” Mohammed VI said. The Moroccan sovereign calls each year for rapprochement between the two neighboring countries.

“We also confirm to them the value we attach to the bonds of affection and friendship, to the exchanges and interactions between our two peoples,” he insisted.

While the health of the Head of State, who turns 60 on August 21, is a source of speculation in Morocco and outside, Mohammed VI, thinner than in recent weeks, read his Speech from the Throne with a firm voice. , which takes stock of the past year and sets out a roadmap for the months to come.

Extolling the “seriousness of Moroccan youth”, he particularly praised the “feat” of the national football team in Qatar in December, the first African and Arab team to reach a World Cup semi-final. He was also delighted that at his initiative Morocco had decided to present its joint candidacy with Spain and Portugal for the organization of the final stages of the 2030 World Cup.

Mohammed VI has reigned over Morocco since July 1999, when he succeeded his father, Hassan II.