Algiers, Algeria: Algeria said Thursday it was cutting diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates following years of tension, with Algiers accusing Abu Dhabi of interfering in national and regional affairs.

“Algeria has decided to cut diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, following the exhaustion of all means to preserve bilateral relations,” Algeria’s state television announced.

The UAE hoped Algeria’s decision to cut diplomatic ties would be temporary, its foreign ministry said in a statement later in the day, adding that Abu Dhabi remained committed to preserve ties between the two countries’ peoples and shared interests.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirms ​the ‌UAE’s appreciation ⁠for ​the brotherly ⁠Algerian people and its pride in the bonds that unite the two peoples, particularly through the Algerian community residing in the UAE and Algerian visitors,” the ministry said.