Morocco–Saudi Arabia relations

Moroccan–Saudi Arabian relations

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, fear of growing Iranian and Shiite influence[1] and their relationship is mostly described as excellent.[2]

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.

Western Sahara status

Saudi Arabia has recently 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, on the other side, also helps funding several projects in the region with support from Moroccan authorities.[4]

Yemeni Civil War

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.[5][6]

Qatar 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.[7] 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 while getting other countries to, but it doesn’t affect their relations as much.

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. ↑ "Saudi warplanes bomb Houthi positions in Yemen". Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  6. ↑ "Morocco sends ground troops to fight in Yemen". Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  7. ↑ "King of Morocco Offers to Mediate Qatar-Saudi Diplomatic Spat". Albawaba News. June 12, 2017.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.