Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita met with Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad Hassan Al-Chibani in Mecca, indicating a thaw in relations. Bourita reiterated Morocco’s commitment to Syria’s unity and development. This meeting followed a GCC ministerial meeting discussing strategic partnerships. The recent diplomatic outreach marks a shift from Morocco’s previous stance after closing its embassy in 2012. The GCC reinforced support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, with regional support for Syria’s transition.
On Thursday, Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita met with Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad Hassan Al-Chibani in Mecca, indicating a potential improvement in diplomatic relations between the two nations. During the meeting, Bourita reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to Syria’s unity and national sovereignty, stating, “The Kingdom of Morocco follows closely the important developments in Syria,” emphasizing the country’s support for the Syrian people’s quest for stability and development.
This dialogue occurred during the seventh joint ministerial meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Morocco on March 6, chaired by Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al Yahya, which explored strategic partnerships between the GCC and Morocco. This engagement follows King Mohammed VI’s early February congratulations to Syria’s transitional president Ahmad Al-Sharaa, underscoring Morocco’s dedication to regional peace and support for the Syrian aspirations for freedom and stability.
This outreach signifies a noteworthy shift in Morocco’s foreign policy, as the nation had previously closed its embassy in Damascus in 2012 amidst disputes with the Assad regime during the Syrian civil war. In light of recent developments, including the fall of the Assad government in December, discussions have initiated regarding reopening the Moroccan embassy in Syria, reflecting a move away from the previous years of diplomatic estrangement.
Historical tensions between Morocco and Syria were rooted in Syria’s support for Algeria during the Sand War and the separatist Polisario Front, with evidence revealing Iran’s use of Syrian territory to train Polisario members during Assad’s administration. The recent GCC meeting also addressed the Western Sahara issue, with Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi referencing UN Security Council Resolution 2756 from October 2024, demonstrating the GCC’s robust endorsement of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.
Moreover, Syria’s transitional government, under Al-Sharaa, has indicated plans for a four to five-year transition period to implement essential political reforms, although its position on regional matters, including Western Sahara, is yet to be clarified. However, its opposition to the Iranian axis signals a possible realignment from former policies. This diplomatic initiative has received broad regional support from several Arab nations, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, and Yemen, as they rally behind Syria’s transitional process.
In conclusion, the meeting between Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Syria’s Foreign Minister Assaad Hassan Al-Chibani in Mecca marks a significant shift in relations between the two countries. Morocco’s firm support for Syria’s unity and the ongoing GCC discussions reflect a regional consensus towards collaborative partnerships. As Syria’s transitional government navigates its political future, the renewed diplomatic engagement from Morocco signifies a potential thaw and a pathway towards stability and cooperation in the region.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
