Egypt Rejects Algeria's Invitation to Join Military Drill Involving Polisario
Converging reports said Egypt is among the several countries that Algeria's regime extended an invitation to for the military drill dubbed Peace Africa 3, which will take place in Algeria from May 21-27. The inclusion of the Polisario sparks cause for concern, as the group has been facing backlash for its terrorist acts and attempts, and is currently facing demands to be designated as a terrorist group.
The Atlantic Observatory for Defense and Armament quoted on Sunday its sources, reporting that Egypt refused Algeria's invitation to take part in the military activity due to Polisario's presence.
The report came as Morocco and Egypt continue to pledge efforts seeking to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.
Sunday marked the kick-off of the Egypt-Morocco Investment and Trade Forum, convening representatives from the two countries to discuss ways to boost trade.
The Moroccan delegation targets $500 million in Moroccan exports to Egypt in 2026.
In September 2024, the two countries also expressed their commitment to working together to boost bilateral ties at all levels.
The two countries recalled this determination during the 162nd session of the Arab League Council's ministers, stressing their willingness to keep the 'strong bonds of brotherhood uniting the leaders of the two brotherly countries and peoples, as well as their constant mutual solidarity, shared destiny and common objectives.'
Egypt has been frequently renewing its constant support for the UN-led political process to resolve the Western Sahara dispute.
In 2022, former Egyptian ambassador to Morocco Yasser Mustafa Kamal Othman reaffirmed his country's stance, noting that Cairo does not recognize Polisario's self-styled SADR.
He added that Egypt does not establish any ties with the separatist group and does not wish to see its position interpreted or questioned, stressing his country's support for Morocco's territorial integrity.
The remarks come as the Polisario and Algeria are on the quest for finding more alliances and partnerships to support their interference in Morocco's domestic affairs, challenging the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara.
Former Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Sameh Choukri reaffirmed his country's unchanged stance during a meeting with Morocco's Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita, confirming that the position Egypt has long adopted , and insisting that the country has not and will never recognize Polisario. Tags: egypt and moroccoMorocco and Egypt uprising
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