Algeria severs diplomatic ties with UAE in surprise move

Algerian state television reported today that Algeria has decided to cut diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates.

According to Algerian television, the decision was made "after exhausting all means to preserve bilateral relations."

The Algerian News Agency also stated that Algeria has decided to sever diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, "after exhausting all means to preserve bilateral relations," as announced in a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The statement said: "In light of the increasing provocative or hostile actions by the United Arab Emirates, Algeria has exercised considerable restraint and a high sense of responsibility. In the spirit of full respect for the principles governing relations between states, it has spared no effort to draw the UAE's attention and warn of the serious consequences that could result from its regrettable and unjustified behavior."

It continued: "Despite these numerous warnings, the United Arab Emirates persisted in these actions, which have reached a level that can no longer be considered acceptable or tolerable within the framework of relations between two sovereign states, nor can they go unanswered. Therefore, after exhausting all means to preserve bilateral relations, the Algerian government has today decided to sever diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates."

According to the statement, the UAE ambassador was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters on Thursday and was officially informed of the decision. He was also notified that he has been given 48 hours to comply with this decision.