Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita met Syrian FM Assaad Al-Chibani in Mecca, signaling improved relations. Bourita reaffirmed support for Syria’s unity, coinciding with Morocco’s potential embassy reopening in Damascus post-Assad’s fall. The GCC reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, while Syria’s transitional government plans political reforms.
On Thursday, Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, engaged in a significant meeting with his Syrian counterpart, Assaad Hassan Al-Chibani, in Mecca, potentially signaling a thaw in relations between the two nations. The discussions culminated in Bourita emphasizing Morocco’s unwavering support for Syria’s unity and national sovereignty, expressing that the Kingdom closely monitors developments within Syria.
The dialogue occurred during the seventh joint ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Morocco in Mecca, where the strategic partnerships between these entities were discussed. Chaired by Kuwait’s Foreign Minister, Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al Yahya, the meeting fostered collaboration and shared interests.
This diplomatic outreach follows a recent congratulatory message from King Mohammed VI to Syria’s transitional president, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, emphasizing Morocco’s commitment towards peace and stability within the region while supporting the Syrian people’s aspirations. This marks a notable shift from Morocco’s previous stance, having closed its Damascus embassy in 2012 due to disagreements with the Assad regime.
With the Assad government’s recent fall, discussions concerning the potential reopening of Morocco’s embassy in Damascus have commenced. These developments reflect a departure from historically strained ties, given Syria’s previous alliances which opposed Morocco’s interests.
In addition, the GCC meeting addressed pertinent issues such as the Western Sahara, with Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi voicing support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory as per UN Security Council Resolution 2756. The transitional government in Syria plans a four to five-year period to establish electoral frameworks and political reforms, hinting at a possible shift in its approach to regional matters.
The regional response to this diplomatic movement has been overwhelmingly supportive, with several Arab nations, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, endorsing Syria’s transitional process.
In conclusion, the recent meeting between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad Hassan Al-Chibani signifies a pivotal moment in Arabic diplomacy, suggesting enhanced relations and Morocco’s renewed commitment to Syria’s unity. This shift, along with the GCC’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, showcases a transformation within regional alliances amidst a changing geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
