Algeria has decided to sever diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates following a prolonged deterioration in ties between the two countries, Algerian state media reported on Thursday.
The decision was taken after what authorities described as the “exhaustion of all means to preserve bilateral ties.” No further details were immediately provided about the specific reasons behind the move.
The UAE Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Relations between Algeria and the UAE have been strained for some time, with Algerian media outlets previously accusing Abu Dhabi of attempting to sow discord and instability in the region.
Last year, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune indicated that Algeria enjoyed warm relations with all Gulf countries except one, in what was widely interpreted as a reference to the UAE.
Tebboune described Algeria’s relations with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar as “brotherly,” while accusing the unnamed Gulf state of interfering in Algeria’s internal affairs and seeking to destabilise the country.
Tensions between Algiers and Abu Dhabi escalated further in February when Algeria began the process of cancelling an air services agreement with the UAE.
The agreement had been signed in Abu Dhabi in May 2013.