Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita engaged with Syrian counterpart Assaad Hassan Al-Chibani in Mecca, signaling a thaw in relations. Bourita reiterated support for Syrian unity and stability amid ongoing diplomatic efforts. This outreach follows past tensions and suggests a shift in Morocco’s foreign policy toward Syria, gaining regional endorsement.
Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, recently met with Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad Hassan Al-Chibani in Mecca. This meeting marks a noteworthy shift in the diplomatic relations between the two countries, hinting at a possible reconciliation.
During this engagement, Minister Bourita reaffirmed Morocco’s support for Syria’s national unity and sovereignty. He mentioned, “The Kingdom of Morocco follows closely the important developments in Syria,” highlighting Morocco’s commitment to assisting the Syrian populace in achieving stability and progress.
The discussions occurred at the seventh joint ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Morocco in Mecca on March 6, presided over by Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al Yahya. The primary focus of this gathering was the strategic partnerships between the GCC and Morocco.
This diplomatic overture aligns with King Mohammed VI’s recent message congratulating Syria’s transitional president Ahmad Al-Sharaa in February. In this message, the King expressed Morocco’s unwavering dedication to regional peace and confirmed support for the Syrian people’s quest for freedom and stability.
Morocco’s renewed diplomatic engagement represents a departure from its previous stance, having closed its Damascus embassy in 2012 due to conflicts with the Assad administration. Following significant political changes, discussions regarding the potential reopening of the embassy have commenced.
The normalization of relations indicates a departure from a history marked by tension, particularly during the Assad regime, which had supported Algeria against Morocco and the separatist Polisario Front. Notably, revelations have emerged regarding Iran’s utilization of Syrian territory for training the Polisario Front under Assad’s rule.
The GCC meeting also explored the topic of Western Sahara, with Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi referencing pertinent UN Security Council Resolution 2756 from October 2024, reaffirming the Council’s support for Morocco’s claim over the territory.
Syria’s transitional government, under Al-Sharaa, has proposed a four to five-year transition to develop electoral infrastructure and enact political reforms. The administration’s foreign policy positions, particularly concerning Western Sahara, remain to be established; however, a shift away from the previous regime’s alignment with Iran appears likely.
The diplomatic developments have garnered regional support, with numerous Arab nations—including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, and Yemen—endorsing Syria’s transition process.
The recent meeting between Moroccan and Syrian foreign ministers signifies a potential thaw in relations, marked by Morocco’s reaffirmation of support for Syria’s unity and stability. With discussions on reopening the Moroccan embassy in Damascus underway and wide regional endorsement for Syria’s transitional government, these developments outline an evolving diplomatic landscape in the region. Morocco’s commitment to fostering peace and supporting the aspirations of the Syrian people is increasingly apparent, reflecting a broader trend toward regional cooperation.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
