Morocco Reopens Embassy in Damascus After 13 Years, Signaling New Era of Diplomatic Engagement
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: In a major diplomatic development, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has announced the reopening of the Moroccan embassy in Damascus, marking the end of a nearly 13-year diplomatic freeze with Syria.
The embassy, closed in 2012 due to fundamental disagreements with the Assad regime, will now resume operations, signaling Morocco’s support for Syria’s transitional phase and efforts toward national reconciliation.
“This step will open broader perspectives in the historical relations between our two countries and our two peoples,” the King declared in his address to the 34th Arab Summit held in Baghdad today.
The decision comes in the wake of dramatic political changes in Syria, particularly the December 8, 2024 overthrow of the Assad regime by a rebel coalition led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Since the coalition’s takeover of Damascus, Morocco has reportedly been in early discussions with Syria’s transitional government to reestablish diplomatic ties.
King Mohammed VI emphasized Morocco’s “unwavering historical position” on Syria and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for the Syrian people in their pursuit of “freedom, security, and stability,” while underscoring the need to preserve Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The reopening of the embassy reflects Morocco’s broader regional diplomacy strategy amid the evolving dynamics of the Middle East. It also underlines the Kingdom’s desire to contribute to peace, stability, and post-conflict recovery in Syria, whose infrastructure, economy, and population have been severely affected by the protracted civil war.
The Syrian conflict began in 2011 following widespread pro-democracy protests, later escalating due to internal divisions, regional rivalries, and international intervention. The war resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions.
In February, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita indicated that Morocco was “closely following developments in Syria,” signaling a shift toward re-engagement well before today’s announcement.
With this move, Morocco positions itself as a constructive partner in Syria’s new chapter, aligning with broader regional trends of normalization and diplomatic recalibration.
