King Mohammed VI announces reopening of Morocco’s embassy in Damascus, marking diplomatic shift toward Syria

King Mohammed VI announced on Saturday the reopening of Morocco’s embassy in Damascus, more than a decade after it was closed in 2012 following the flare up of the Syrian civil war.

This significant diplomatic announcement was made in the King’s speech to the 34th Arab League Summit that opened proceeding in Baghdad this Saturday.

The Monarch described the move as a reaffirmation of Morocco’s support for the promising course of action in the country and steadfast backing for Syria’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty, as well as a gesture of solidarity with the aspirations of the Syrian people for freedom, security, and stability.

“The Kingdom of Morocco reaffirms its unwavering, historical position set out in the letter I sent to my brother, HE President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, namely that we stand by and support the proud Syrian people as they seek to fulfil their aspirations for freedom, security, and stability and to preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty,” the King said in his message that was read out by Foreign Minister nasser Bourita.

“This initiative reflects Morocco’s commitment to supporting the Syrian political process and to opening new horizons for strengthening historic bilateral ties between Rabat and Damascus,” the King stated. He emphasized that the renewed diplomatic engagement would serve the mutual interests of both nations and reinforce Arab solidarity at a time of regional upheaval.
Morocco’s decision comes amid broader calls across the Arab world for reintegrating Syria into regional diplomacy and rebuilding fractured relations after years of conflict and isolation.

In his message, the Monarch touched on what he called “the painful and unfortunate circumstances some Arab sister nations are experiencing,” pointing out that “Morocco has not spared – nor will it spare – any effort to heal rifts and contribute to finding solutions to the crises plaguing our Arab region, making dialogue and peaceful initiatives prevail over the logic of force and military solutions.”

In this regard, he referred, in particular, to the crisis affecting Libya, recalling that since the beginning of the crisis, the Kingdom has been resolutely and effectively engaged in regional and international efforts aimed at reconciling political rivals and facilitating their efforts to find a solution to the crisis.

Morocco is also following with deep concern the dangerous developments unfolding in some Arab countries, such as Yemen, the Sudan, and Lebanon, said the King, who reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment and support for all initiatives and efforts aimed at promoting a political process that is conducive to stability and peace in these Arab countries, and that can help overcome differences and conflicts through peaceful and diplomatic means, while safeguarding the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Arab sisterly nations.

King Mohammed VI reiterated Morocco’s readiness to engage in any dynamic that promotes joint Arab action and contributes to fulfilling Arab peoples’ aspirations for greater security, stability, progress, and prosperity.