Rescue workers search for survivors in a collapsed house in Moulay Brahim, Al Haouz province, on September 9, 2023, after an earthquake. AFP
"Algeria follows closely with great sorrow and sadness the repercussions of the violent earthquake that affected several regions in the Kingdom of Morocco," the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
"Algeria extends its sincere condolences and sincere sympathy to the families of the victims and to the brotherly Moroccan people, with sincere wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured," the statement added.
A 6.8-magnitude quake struck a mountainous area 72 kilometres southwest of tourist hotspot Marrakech at 11:11pm local time Friday, killing at least 820 people.
The earthquake was also felt in Algeria, but did not cause any damage or casualties, according to Algerian Civil Defence.
Algeria broke off diplomatic relations with neighbouring Morocco in August 2021 amid a persistent dispute between the two countries over Western Sahara.
The Algiers-backed Polisario Front is seeking independence from Rabat's rule and has declared the territory a "war zone."
Algeria sealed the border in 1994, after Morocco accused it of involvement in a jihadist attack on a Marrakech hotel that killed two tourists.
In July, Morocco's King Mohammed VI expressed hope for a return to normality and reopening of borders between the two North African countries.
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