(MENAFN- Morocco World News) Rabat- King Mohammed VI has sent a message to Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to thank him for his support for Morocco's bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Morocco's Ambassador to Algeria Abdelkhalek Lahcen said in an interview with Algerian television channel El Bilad that the King's letter mentioned 'Algeria's noble initiative' which 'mirrors his excellency president Abdelaziz Bouteflika's principles of magnanimity, honesty and loyalty.'

On June 13, Morocco lost its 2026 World Cup bid to the united trio, Canada, Mexico, and the US, which received 134 votes compared to Morocco's 65 votes.

When asked about the possibility of a united bid between Maghreb countries for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Lahcen said that Morocco will welcome all initiatives made by neighboring countries.

Although relations between the two countries are tense, Lahcen added that 'His majesty insisted that he will work with [Bouteflika] to further strengthen the relations between the two countries in all fields and promote more cooperation and unification between them.'

Along with France, Algeria was among the first countries that vowed support for Morocco's 2026 FIFA World Cup bid.

All but in Africa voted for Morocco. The eleven were: South Africa, Guinea, Liberia, Benin, Sierra Leone, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Cape Verde, and Zimbabwe.

Countries that voted against Morocco also included several Arab countries: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.

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