Morocco’s Foreign Minister met with Syria’s FM in Mecca, indicating improved diplomatic relations and reaffirming support for Syria’s unity. This meeting highlights a significant shift from Morocco’s prior stance, marking a commitment to regional peace and stability, while also addressing the ongoing situation in Western Sahara.
On Thursday, in Mecca, Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita engaged in a pivotal meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad Hassan Al-Chibani, signaling a potential improvement in diplomatic relations. Bourita emphasized Morocco’s steadfast commitment to Syria’s unity and national sovereignty, stating, “The Kingdom of Morocco follows closely the important developments in Syria,” underscoring support for Syria’s aspirations for stability and development.
The discussions were held alongside the seventh joint ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Morocco, which took place on March 6, under the chairmanship of Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al Yahya. This meeting focused on enhancing strategic partnerships between the GCC and Morocco.
This diplomatic engagement follows a message from King Mohammed VI to Syria’s transitional President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, wherein the King conveyed Morocco’s “steadfast commitment to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.” He also reaffirmed Morocco’s support for the Syrian populace in achieving their objectives for freedom, peace, and stability.
Morocco’s recent diplomatic outreach marks a significant shift from its earlier stance when it closed its embassy in Damascus in 2012 due to disagreements with the Assad regime amidst the civil war. Discussions are now underway regarding the potential reopening of the Moroccan embassy in Damascus, following the recent political changes in Syria.
Historically, ties between the two nations have been contentious, especially as Syria had previously supported Algeria and the separatist Polisario Front during the Sand War. Moreover, recent information disclosed that Iran utilized Syrian territory to train members of the Polisario Front during Assad’s regime.
The GCC meeting also addressed the Western Sahara conflict, with Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi reaffirming support for Morocco’s sovereignty as per UN Security Council Resolution 2756 from October 2024. Furthermore, the transitional government in Syria has articulated plans for a four to five-year transition period to establish a functional electoral system and undertake necessary political reforms.
Although the new administration’s position on regional matters, including Western Sahara, has yet to be clearly defined, its opposition to the Iranian axis could indicate a substantial change from the previous regime’s policies. This diplomatic maneuver has garnered widespread endorsement across the Arab world, with countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, and Yemen supporting Syria’s transition process.
The meeting between Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Syria’s Assaad Al-Chibani highlights a potential shift towards improved diplomatic relations and demonstrates Morocco’s ongoing commitment to Syria’s unity and aspirations for development. This engagement also signals Morocco’s departure from past policies and a willingness to support the transitional government in Syria. The evolving landscape of regional alliances suggests that these developments could lead to a more collaborative approach in addressing mutual concerns, particularly regarding Western Sahara.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
