In a significant move, Morocco's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recently appointed approximately twenty new consuls to various missions across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Among these appointments, Mohamed El Hassani Idrissi has been designated as the consul general in Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria. This decision underscores Morocco's commitment to maintaining its diplomatic presence, even amidst the ongoing tension with Algeria that has been in place since the severance of diplomatic relations in August 2021.
Despite the political rift, Morocco has chosen to keep its three operational consulates in Algeria—located in Algiers, Sidi Bel Abbès, and Oran—open. These consulates play a crucial role in providing administrative support and services to Moroccan citizens residing within Algeria. Conversely, Algeria continues to operate two consulates in Morocco, situated in Casablanca and Oujda, reflecting a mutual acknowledgment of the need to assist nationals across the border.
It is worth noting that former Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra articulated on August 24, 2021, the importance of these consulates even in light of the diplomatic breakdown, emphasizing that they would continue their functions for both Moroccan and Algerian nationals living in each other's territories. In a reciprocated gesture, Algerian authorities appointed two new consuls in Morocco in March 2024, which was followed by Morocco's recent appointment of a new official to oversee its consulate in Algiers just three months later, showcasing a continued, albeit cautious, engagement between the two nations.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
