Baghdad — A new chapter in Arab diplomacy began unfolding this week as Syria formally expressed deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco for his historic decision to reopen the Moroccan embassy in Damascus. The gesture, announced during the 34th Arab Summit in Baghdad, marks a turning point in the bilateral relationship between the two nations after over a decade of diplomatic suspension.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, speaking after high-level talks with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita, lauded the decision as a significant step toward reinvigorating the relationship between Rabat and Damascus. “We thank His Majesty the King and the Moroccan government for their dedication to fostering stronger ties,” al-Shaibani said, noting that both nations are eager to explore deeper cooperation, particularly in economic and investment spheres across the Arab world.
The talks came shortly after HM King Mohammed VI’s speech at the summit, where he confirmed the Kingdom of Morocco’s intent to reopen its diplomatic mission in Syria. The Moroccan embassy in Damascus had been closed since 2012, amid the escalation of the Syrian conflict. The King’s declaration was met with warm approval not only from the Syrian delegation but also from broader Arab leadership circles seeking increased cohesion in the region.
In his address, the King emphasized the importance of strengthening historical and fraternal bonds between the Moroccan and Syrian peoples. He highlighted that reestablishing diplomatic presence would pave the way for broader cooperation and foster mutual understanding. “This will contribute to opening up broader prospects for the historical relations between our countries and our peoples,” His Majesty said.
The royal statement was a reiteration of Morocco’s consistent stance on the Syrian issue. HM the King reaffirmed the Kingdom’s long-standing position of supporting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its people’s aspirations for stability, security, and freedom. This position was previously articulated in a message addressed to Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, underscoring Morocco’s commitment to the Syrian cause during times of upheaval.
In a practical step following the announcement, Minister Bourita confirmed that a Moroccan technical delegation would travel to Damascus the following week to prepare the groundwork for the embassy’s reopening. The delegation will assess logistical and security needs and begin setting up the mission to ensure it functions as an active hub of bilateral cooperation and coordination.
Syria, in a reciprocal move, announced that it too would be sending a technical team to Rabat to resume operations at its embassy in Morocco. Al-Shaibani confirmed the decision, calling it a sign of mutual goodwill and respect. “We are equally committed to restoring our diplomatic presence in Rabat and enhancing cooperation in all areas of mutual interest,” he said.
The revival of diplomatic ties between Syria and Morocco is being hailed as a symbolic and strategic victory for pan-Arab solidarity. After years of regional fragmentation due to the Syrian conflict, the move signifies an emerging consensus among Arab nations to reintegrate Syria into the diplomatic fold and support its reconstruction and reintegration.
This rapprochement is expected to have broader implications across the Middle East and North Africa, potentially encouraging other countries to reestablish ties with Damascus and to work collaboratively on regional challenges such as migration, terrorism, trade, and cultural exchange.
As the technical delegations prepare their missions, optimism is growing that this diplomatic thaw will usher in a new era of mutual understanding and collaboration. While the journey toward full normalization may be gradual, the symbolic and political weight of these embassy reopenings cannot be overstated. They stand as a testament to the enduring strength of Arab unity and the shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous region.
