Algeria has formally ended diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, the Algerian Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday. Officials described the decision as a response to what they characterized as an escalation of provocative and hostile actions by the Gulf country.
In its statement, the ministry said the move came after it had exhausted all available avenues for preserving bilateral ties. The statement did not elaborate on the specific incidents or actions that led to the rupture, leaving the precise triggers unspecified.
The UAE ambassador to Algeria was called into the Foreign Ministry, informed of the decision and told to comply with the directive within 48 hours. The ministry provided the timeframe in its announcement but did not outline subsequent procedural steps or follow-up measures.
Observers noted that relations between Algiers and Abu Dhabi have soured over recent years. Algerian media outlets have been openly critical of the UAE, accusing it of attempting to sow discord within the region. Those media criticisms were referenced as part of the broader context for the decision, though the ministry's public account did not connect the criticism to any single precipitating event.
The diplomatic break marks a marked deterioration in ties between the North African state and one of the Gulf region's more prominent powers. The Algerian Foreign Ministry framed the action as the outcome of a process in which diplomatic options had been fully pursued and exhausted prior to the decision to sever relations.
The ministry's announcement contains limited detail on next steps and does not specify whether consular services, trade channels or other formal exchanges will be suspended or adjusted. The available public information focuses primarily on the termination of formal diplomatic relations and the order given to the UAE envoy.
Summary of facts
- Algeria has severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates.
- The Algerian Foreign Ministry said it acted after exhausting all avenues to maintain ties and cited growing provocative and hostile actions by the UAE.
- The UAE ambassador was summoned and given 48 hours to comply with the decision.
- Relations had deteriorated in recent years, with Algerian media criticizing the UAE and accusing it of seeking to sow regional discord.
- The ministry did not provide specific details about the actions that prompted the rupture.