Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit on August 24 called on Algeria and Morocco to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation following Algeria's announcement of severing its diplomatic ties with Morocco.

Aboul-Gheit expressed his hope that the two countries would restore the minimum level of relations in a way that preserves their stability, interests and the stability of the region, according to a statement by the AL.

The AL chief also stressed that Algeria and Morocco are major countries in the system of joint Arab action, expressing his regret over the current situation.

Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra announced on Tuesday that his country is severing diplomatic relations with Morocco.

Lamamra read a letter on behalf of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune during a press conference held in Algiers, saying "Algeria has decided as of today (Tuesday) to break off its diplomatic relations with Morocco."

He added that this decision is motivated by the fact that Algeria rejects the logic of the "fait accompli" and the unilateral policies that Morocco has been taking.