Rabat, May 14 (SANA) Syria and Morocco announced steps to restore full diplomatic engagement and expand bilateral cooperation during talks between Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat on Thursday.
Speaking during a joint press conference, Bourita said the reopening of the Syrian embassy in Morocco would mark “the return of relations to normal after more than 10 years of suspension.”
He said Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, had consistently supported “the aspirations of the Syrian people for freedom and dignity,” as well as Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Bourita added that recent political, security, economic and legal developments in Syria were helping place the country on a path toward stability after years of crisis.
“We renew our support for all measures taken under the leadership of President Ahmad al-Sharaa to ensure the success of the political transition in Syria, despite the complex regional circumstances,” he said.
Minister al-Shaibani described Syrian-Moroccan ties as “historic,” praising Morocco’s humanitarian, political and moral support for the Syrian people over the past 14 years.
He thanked Morocco for quickly restoring political contacts following the ousting of the former regime, saying the first communication between the two sides took place 20 days after the liberation.
Al-Shaibani announced that Syria would reopen its embassy in Morocco, adding that Damascus also expects the Moroccan foreign minister to visit Syria to reopen Morocco’s embassy there.
The Syrian minister said the two countries had agreed on a comprehensive framework for cooperation covering political coordination, trade, education and economic relations.
He added that the two sides also agreed to establish a joint business council and expand cooperation by drawing on Morocco’s experience in several sectors.
“Syrian-Moroccan relations are moving in an upward direction, and we will continue working to strengthen and advance them,” al-Shaibani said.
Relations between Syria and Morocco had been largely frozen for more than a decade due to the war launched by the deposed regime against the Syrian people. Recent diplomatic contacts reflect broader regional efforts to restore engagement with Damascus and support political and economic recovery initiatives.
M.F / ABD
