Iraq And Morocco Re-strengthen Their Historical Ties

Rabat, February 10 (TNA) The Republic of Iraq reiterated, on Saturday, its constant position in support of the Kingdom of Morocco's territorial integrity, praising the international momentum in favor of the autonomy plan for the resolution of the dispute over the Moroccan Sahara. This stance was expressed by Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, during a joint press briefing following his talks in Rabat with Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita.

The Iraqi foreign minister commended Morocco's efforts to reach a realistic political solution based on consensus, in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. At the invitation of Bourita, Fuad Hussein is undertaking an official visit to the Kingdom from February 5 to 9, marking the first bilateral visit since assuming office as Iraq's foreign minister.

Moreover, during Nasser Bourita, Fuad Hussein commended the Sovereign's consistent efforts in defending the city of Al-Quds Asharif and preserving its cultural identity and its status as a symbol of tolerance and coexistence between religions. He also welcomed His Majesty the King's support for the resistance of the Al-Quds population, through humanitarian and social projects carried out by the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency, the executive arm of the Al-Quds Committee. 

Discussions also focused on ways of raising bilateral relations to the level of the aspirations of both brotherly countries. In this regard, both parties expressed their satisfaction with the positive momentum in bilateral relations, which are poised for further strengthening.

This renewed momentum was highlighted by the reopening of the Moroccan Embassy in Iraq on January 28, 2023, after 18 years, marking Morocco's firm will, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, to strengthen ties between the two countries in all areas.

The two ministers agreed to hold the first round of political consultations as soon as possible, with a view to convening the Morocco-Iraq joint commission. On this occasion, they signed a memorandum of understanding on mutual exemption from visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports, involving the foreign ministries of both Morocco and Iraq.

Morocco's Bourita emphasized that economy will take center stage at the next Joint Commission meeting, aiming to inject new momentum into bilateral ties and capitalize on all available opportunities for entrepreneurs from both countries. "Iraq can serve as a platform for the Moroccan private sector in the entire region, just as Morocco can act as a gateway for the Iraqi private sector to West and Central Africa," he said. In this respect, he noted that a Moroccan-Iraqi economic forum bringing together business people from both countries will be held soon to explore opportunities for economic cooperation.

They also reiterated their consistent support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, particularly the establishment of an independent State, based on the June 1967 borders, with East Al-Quds as its capital.

Regarding Syria, the discussions highlighted a convergence of views on the country's territorial integrity and national sovereignty, as well as on the unity of the Syrian people encompassing all its components and groups.The two ministers expressed their wish for peace, stability, and prosperity to prevail in this brotherly country, within the framework of national unity that includes all Syrians without exclusion.

Furthermore, they underscored their determination to continue coordinating their positions within regional and international organizations, including the United Nations, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.