"Morocco has, at first, thought not to react to these irresponsible assertions to which we have been accustomed for decades," said minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, in response to a question by MAP.

 "However, in view of the extreme seriousness of such remarks", the minister stressed that "Morocco expresses its dismay at these allegations emanating from a representative of an institution that is supposed to show discernment and restraint", noting that the Kingdom "wonders about the real motives behind this new escalation and Algeria's permanent desire to fuel a climate of suspicion that runs counter to all the rules of good neighbourliness".

"Morocco rejects these ridiculous and baseless assertions," he said, adding that "the Consul General of the Kingdom in Oran is an executive of the ministry, with a career spanning 28 years, both in the central service and in several posts abroad".

 In this regard, Bourita recalled that "in order to preserve the serenity of bilateral relations, especially in the difficult regional and international context related to Covid-19, I took the initiative to call my Algerian counterpart, to tell him that whatever the truthfulness of the remarks attributed to the Consul, Morocco has decided to recall him immediately".

 As a result, he explained, "the recall of the Consul was decided at the exclusive initiative of Morocco, even though he has always performed his duties in a very proper and professional manner", stating that "at no time has the Kingdom received, from the Algerian authorities, any formal official request for the recall of its Consul General".

"In accordance with the policy advocated by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, Morocco has always opted for calm in its relations with Algeria. In order to avoid escalation, it even refrains from communicating on the multiple provocations and media attacks ordered against the Kingdom," Bourita concluded.