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After months of tensions, Morocco, Saudi discuss cooperation

April 11, 2019 at 2:53 pm

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Morocco Nasser Bourita addresses during the Ministerial Conference for an African Agenda on Migration in Rabat, Morocco on January 09, 2018 [Jalal Morchidi / Anadolu Agency]

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita delivered a message to Saudi King Salman Bin Abdelaziz at the latter’s office in Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

Bourita conveyed his greetings and appreciation of the Saudi king, who in turn expressed his greetings and appreciation toward of Moroccan counterpart.

This took place in the presence of Interior Minister Abdulaziz Bin Saud Bin Naif Bin Abdulaziz, Minister of State Musaed Bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Saudi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Bin Abdulaziz Al-Assaf, Minister of State for African Countries Affairs Ahmed Bin Abdulaziz Qattan, and Moroccan Ambassador Mustapha Mansouri, SPA added.

The Moroccan foreign minister had met with the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on Tuesday.

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During the meeting, Bin Salman and Bourita discussed bilateral cooperation and regional affairs.

Bourita’s visit to Saudi Arabia comes after the relation between the two countries was said to have soured after Rabat withdrew its forces from the Saudi-led coalition which is bombing Yemen.

Morocco recalled its Riyadh ambassador to conduct consultations after the Saudi-run Al-Arabiya satellite channel aired a documentary that upset Morocco because it depicted the Polisario group in a positive light. The Polisario Front sees Morocca’s presence in the West Sahara as an occupation.

Relations were already fragile after Saudi voted against Morocco’s bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.