Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita met with Syrian FM Assaad Al-Chibani in Mecca, marking a thaw in diplomatic ties. Bourita reaffirmed Morocco’s support for Syria’s unity and emphasized regional stability. The meeting occurred during the GCC-Morocco ministerial talks that also addressed Western Sahara. Morocco’s diplomatic outreach signifies a shift from previous positions amid growing regional endorsement for Syria’s transition.
In a recent meeting in Mecca, Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad Hassan Al-Chibani discussed the potential warming of diplomatic ties between the two nations. Bourita reaffirmed Morocco’s support for Syria’s unity and national sovereignty, emphasizing Morocco’s commitment to the aspirations of the Syrian people for stability and development.
The meeting coincided with the seventh joint ministerial gathering of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Morocco, focused on fostering strategic partnerships. This diplomatic engagement follows King Mohammed VI’s message to Syria’s transitional president Ahmad Al-Sharaa, where he emphasized Morocco’s commitment to regional peace and stability.
Historically, Morocco’s stance was cautious due to its closure of the Damascus embassy in 2012 amid the civil conflict. However, following significant political changes, discussions about reopening the embassy have begun. This rapprochement reflects a shift from the past tensions, especially since Syria had previously supported Algeria in regional disputes.
Additionally, the GCC meeting highlighted Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, with Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi referencing UN Security Council Resolution 2756. The meeting solidified the GCC’s support for Morocco’s territorial claims while Syria’s new transitional government outlined plans for political reforms and a defined transition period.
The regional support for Syria’s transition has been notable, with several Arab nations, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, endorsing its process. This could indicate a significant shift in regional dynamics, moving away from previous hostilities and aligning with newer diplomatic resolutions.
The meeting between Morocco and Syria signifies a notable shift in their diplomatic relations, emphasizing Morocco’s commitment to Syria’s unity and the aspirations of its people. The context of this engagement in relation to the GCC meeting further illustrates Morocco’s strategic focus on regional partnerships and sovereignty issues, particularly concerning Western Sahara. This evolving dynamic, supported by multiple Arab nations, indicates a wider regional endorsement for Syria’s transition process and a departure from historical tensions.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
