Algeria has decided to break diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, after exhausting what it said were all means to maintain bilateral relations, Algerian state television reported on Thursday.
It is a major escalation in relations between the two North African and Gulf states. There was no immediate detailed explanation from Algeria on the move and the UAE had not publicly confirmed the decision at the time of the report.
Algerian state media said the government had taken the decision that all means of keeping relations had been exhausted. The announcement comes after months of rising tensions and a torrent of criticism in the Algerian media against Abu Dhabi.
Algerian media have previously accused the UAE of trying to stir up trouble in the region.
The move comes as the wider Middle East is seeing increased tensions related to the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The UAE has been hit by Iranian missile strikes during the conflict and has sought alternative routes for energy exports and trade after disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
This week, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf said Algeria remained committed to resolving regional crises through national and inclusive solutions without foreign interference.
