26/08/2021 (Agence Europe) – The spokesman for the European External Action Service, Peter Stano, said on Thursday 26 August that he hoped that Algeria and Morocco could settle their differences through diplomacy. On 24 August, Algiers announced that it was breaking off diplomatic relations with Rabat, citing “incessant hostile acts”. Relations between the two countries are complicated, mainly due to the dispute over Western Sahara. “We hope that a diplomatic and lasting solution will soon be found for the mutual benefit of both countries, as well as their citizens and the whole Mediterranean region”, Stano told EUROPE, adding that the EU stands ready to support efforts in this direction. He highlighted that the EU had “long been committed” to promoting constructive relations, constructive dialogue and effective cooperation between its southern neighbours, and that Algeria and Morocco were “very important” partners. (CG)