Morocco and Syria have agreed to restore full diplomatic relations and reopen embassies after more than a decade of suspended ties, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said Thursday.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Rabat with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, Bourita said Morocco has “always been clear” in supporting the Syrian people’s aspirations for freedom and dignity, while also backing Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He said the Syrian foreign minister’s visit comes in a “very particular national and regional Arab context” and marks the reopening of Syria’s embassy in Rabat, describing it as a step toward normalizing relations after more than 10 years of rupture.
Bourita congratulated Syria’s leadership and people on progress in what he described as a political transition process aimed at fostering unity, stability and development. He said recent political, legal, economic and security steps taken under Syrian leadership represent an effort to stabilize the country after years of conflict.
The Moroccan foreign minister added that Syria is gradually recovering its regional and international standing as a partner for stability and development in the Arab, Islamic and Mediterranean spheres, citing what he described as positive signals from regional actors, the European Union and international economic organizations.
He also said Morocco’s king, Mohammed VI, had issued clear instructions supporting renewed ties with Syria, including the reopening of Morocco’s embassy in Damascus in June of last year to accompany what he called Syria’s “new phase of revival.”
On bilateral cooperation, Bourita said both countries agreed to update outdated legal frameworks and establish new mechanisms, including a joint committee of foreign ministers, a political consultation mechanism, and a consular committee to address issues affecting citizens of both countries.
He also announced that Morocco will grant 100 scholarships to Syrian students in academic and vocational training programs.
Bourita added that Morocco is ready, under royal guidance, to share its development experience with Syria in areas including public administration reform, transitional justice, food security, agriculture, water policy, fisheries and tourism.
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