Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs convened today meetings with several Arab counterparts during his participation in a meeting of foreign ministers of the Arab League in Saudi Arabia, as the regional bloc braces for a realignment of its agendas.
Among the prominent figures Bourita met were the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and the Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Bahrain as well as the Libyan and Yemeni Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The coastal city of Jeddah has been witnessing the arrival of senior officials from various Arab nations in preparation for the highly anticipated Arab League summit. This year’s summit, coinciding with Saudi Arabia’s year-long presidency of the Arab League, is expected to bring about significant changes and renewals in inter-Arab dynamics.
Saudi Arabia 2.0
Saudi Arabia has recently intensified its engagement on the international stage, realigning many aspects of its foreign policy agenda. Riyadh’s commitment to reintegrate Syria into the Arab community, reconcile with Iran, and foster peace in Yemen reflects its concerted efforts towards bolstering regional security and stability.
As the summit approaches, foreign ministers from participating Arab countries have concluded their final preparatory meetings under the chairmanship of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. The preparatory meetings leading up to the summit saw foreign ministers from participating Arab countries refining the agenda and finalizing the “Arab action plan for 2023.” This comprehensive plan will outline regional priorities and strategies to address them over the course of the year. Notably, discussions also revolved around countering Iran’s interference in Arab affairs and addressing similar concerns related to Turkey.
The return of Syria to the Arab League has emerged as a significant development in recent diplomatic negotiations. Saudi Arabia’s successful efforts to bring Syria back into the Arab fold have shifted the spotlight onto Morocco, which had previously opposed Syria’s readmission but eventually accepted it.
Morocco’s state agency MAP reported that Bourita’s ‘intense’ meetings with his counterparts “aimed to review bilateral relations but also provided an opportunity to discuss regional and international developments of mutual interest.”
No strings attached
Experts say that Morocco’s decision to accept Syria in the regional bloc does not impose any obligations on Morocco regarding its bilateral relations with Syria. Future diplomatic engagements between the two countries would depend on bilateral arrangements, including Syria’s position on the Western Sahara issue and the broader ramifications of the Moroccan-Iranian diplomatic crisis.
Professor Khalid Yaimout says that Morocco has nothing to lose following Syria’s readmission. As the Syrian regime reenters the Arab League, there are expectations for a review of its foreign policy positions, particularly with regard to the Syrian crisis. The professor emphasized that Syria’s relations with Arab countries would now need to navigate channels involving Iran and Russia. Noting Morocco’s existing ties with Russia, Yaimout suggested that Morocco’s diplomatic stance remains intact and aligned with its long-standing vision of a cooperative and robust Arab system.
The recent diplomatic consultations led by Saudi Arabia included a term sheet for Syria’s readmission, emphasizing adherence to the Arab League’s statute, which prohibits interference in the internal affairs of states and support for armed groups or separatist movements.
While challenges related to the Polisario issue and Hezbollah’s involvement persist, it is expected that the Syrian regime’s interests lie in cultivating friendly relations with neighboring Arab countries rather than destabilizing Morocco or Saudi Arabia.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.