Morocco–Saudi Arabia relations

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Moroccan–Saudi Arabian relations
Map indicating locations of Morocco and Saudi Arabia

Morocco
Saudi Arabia

Moroccan–Saudi Arabian relations refers to the current and historical relations between Morocco and Saudi Arabia. Morocco has an embassy in Riyadh and Saudi Arabia has an embassy in Rabat.

Both two nations have long and traditional friendly relations based on many historical commons. Both Morocco and Saudi Arabia are two monarch states ruled by the respective families of the Alaouites and the Al-Sauds, adhere to Sunni Islam,[1] and their relationship is described as traditionally strong.[2] The two countries then experienced hiatus in relations for a year, before the February 2019 Warsaw Conference once again stabilized the relations.

Recent relations[]

Iran[]

Morocco and Saudi Arabia have together taken steps to curb Iranian influence in the Arab world, although Morocco has a moderate approach to Iran[3] while Saudi Arabia is more cautious and hostile of Iran.

In 2019, both Morocco and Saudi Arabia sent delegations to participate in the February 2019 Warsaw Conference. The conference saw both two nations once again stabilized the relationship to normal, with both denounced Iran together.

Western Sahara status[]

Saudi Arabia has typically supported Morocco over the dispute of Western Sahara and doesn't recognize the legitimacy of Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, through the Arab League. Saudi Arabia also helps fund several projects in the region with support from Moroccan authorities.[4]

In February 2019, Morocco ending its involvement in the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen, with foreign minister Nasser Bourita citing "developments on the ground" in Yemen, "especially in regards to the humanitarian situation". Saudi state television network Al Arabiya later aired a documentary challenging the Moroccan claim to the Western Sahara. Morocco responded by recalling its ambassador to Saudi Arabia.[5][6]

Yemeni Civil War[]

Main article: Yemeni Civil War (2015–present)

During the current Yemeni Civil War, Morocco participated as part of the anti-Houthi coalition led by Saudi Arabia, with 6 planes and 1,500 troops,[7][8] and ended its participation in February 2019.[5]

Qatar crisis[]

Main article: 2017 Qatar diplomatic crisis

Morocco has taken neutral stance in the conflict, hoping for a better resolution that would benefit Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the former having participated together with Morocco in the anti-Houthi campaign. Morocco even offered to act as a mediator to slow the tensions between the two Gulf Arab states.[9] Morocco also has had some tensions with Saudi Arabia during the 2026 FIFA World Cup bids when Saudi Arabia voted for the Canada–Mexico–United States bid at the expense of Morocco's bid.[5]

References[]

  1. ^ "Morocco severs relations with Iran". Al Jazeera. 8 March 2009.
  2. ^ "Morocco, Saudi Arabia keen to cement traditional ties". Xinhua News Agency. 2017-12-25.
  3. ^ "Why did Iran, Morocco resume relations?". Al-Monitor. January 25, 2015.
  4. ^ "Saudi Arabia to Invest in Western Sahara, Supports Morocco's Sovereignty". Morocco World News. March 9, 2016.
  5. ^ a b c "Morocco recalls envoy to Saudi Arabia as diplomatic tensions rise". Reuters. 8 February 2019.
  6. ^ "Morocco suspends participation in Saudi-led war in Yemen". News24. 8 February 2019. Retrieved 10 May 2019.
  7. ^ "Saudi warplanes bomb Houthi positions in Yemen". Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  8. ^ "Morocco sends ground troops to fight in Yemen". Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  9. ^ "King of Morocco Offers to Mediate Qatar-Saudi Diplomatic Spat". Albawaba News. June 12, 2017.

External links[]

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