Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, met with Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad Hassan Al-Chibani in Mecca, indicating a thaw in diplomatic relations. Bourita affirmed Morocco’s support for Syria’s unity and national sovereignty. The meeting occurred alongside the GCC’s discussions on strategic partnerships and the Western Sahara issue. These developments mark a potential shift in the region’s diplomatic landscape.
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. Bourita reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to Syria’s unity and national sovereignty, articulating that the Kingdom closely monitors the significant developments occurring within Syria, as well as supporting the aspirations of its people for stability and development.
This meeting took place during the seventh joint ministerial gathering of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Morocco, which occurred on March 6 in Mecca. The event, presided over by Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al Yahya, focused on enhancing strategic partnerships between Morocco and the GCC.
This diplomatic engagement follows a congratulatory letter from King Mohammed VI to Syria’s transitional president Ahmad Al-Sharaa earlier in February. The King emphasized Morocco’s unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability while clearly stating Morocco’s long-standing support for the Syrian people’s quest for freedom and peace.
Morocco’s recent outreach signifies a shift from its prior stance, having closed its embassy in Damascus in 2012 due to significant disagreements with the Assad regime amidst the Syrian civil war. Following the recent changes in the Syrian government, discussions on reopening the Moroccan embassy in Damascus have commenced.
These developments suggest a departure from a history of strained relations, marked notably by Syria’s past support for Algeria during the Sand War and its backing of the separatist Polisario Front, including Iran’s use of Syrian territory for training its members.
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 affirming Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory. The GCC reiterated its strong support towards Morocco’s claim.
Syria’s transitional government, now led by Al-Sharaa, is expected to undertake a four to five-year transition to set up the necessary electoral framework and enact political reforms. However, the new administration’s position on regional diplomacy, including matters related to Western Sahara, remains to be articulated, albeit an opposition towards the Iranian axis may indicate a new direction from its predecessor.
This diplomatic shift has received widespread endorsement from various Arab nations, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, and Yemen, all of which have expressed support for Syria’s transition process.
In conclusion, the meeting between Morocco and Syria suggests a warming of diplomatic relations that could reshape regional dynamics. With Morocco reaffirming its support for Syria’s unity, and the GCC backing Morocco’s claims over Western Sahara, there are significant avenues for enhanced cooperation moving forward. The potential reopening of embassies and a transition in Syria heralds opportunities to redefine both bilateral ties and broader regional alliances.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
