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Foreign relations of Morocco

Morocco is a member of the United Nations and belongs to the African Union, Arab League, Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Non-Aligned Movement and the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD). Morocco's relationships vary greatly between African, Arab, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Western states. Morocco has had strong ties with the West in order to gain economic and political benefits.[1] France and Spain remain the primary trade partners, as well as the primary creditors and foreign investors in Morocco. From the total foreign investments in Morocco, the European Union invests approximately 73.5%, whereas the Arab world invests only 19.3%. As of 2009, many countries from the Persian Gulf and Maghreb regions are also becoming more involved in large-scale development projects in Morocco.[2]

Foreign relations have had a significant impact on economic and social development in Morocco. Certain evidence of foreign influence is through the many development projects, loans, investments, and free trade agreements that Morocco has with other countries. Some free trade agreements include the Euro-Mediterranean free trade area agreement with the European Union; the Greater Arab Free Trade Area with Egypt, Jordan, and Tunisia; as well as the US-Morocco Free Trade Agreement with the United States.[3] An example of recent foreign influence is through loan agreements. Morocco signed three loan agreements with the French Development Agency (AFD) in 2009, totalling up to 155 million euros. These were for the purpose of reforming the education system, rural roads and rehabilitation, as well as infrastructure projects.[4]

Factors influencing foreign relations edit

Role of political organization edit

Policies associated with foreign relations are determined by King Mohamed VI, as well as his advisors, despite the fact that Morocco has a constitutional monarchy.[1] Morocco has had a history of monarchical rule. For example, the previous king, Hassan II of Morocco, suspended parliament in 1965 and ruled directly for two years. This was in response to the discovery of a plot on the king's life, of which a political party, UNFP, was accused of orchestrating. Foreign relations with Western countries became strained as a result of this. Portraying Morocco as a democratic state became important if Morocco wished to receive loans and investments from foreign powers.

Role of colonialism edit

Morocco's current relations with some countries are related to its colonial history. Morocco was secretly partitioned by Spain and France and in 1912 the Moroccan territory was made into French and Spanish protectorates. After achieving independence in 1956, Morocco still has a strong relationship with its former colonizers. Spain and France are currently the largest exporting and importing partners to Morocco. French is still popularly spoken and remains the second language in Morocco whilst Spanish is also widespread, particularly in the northern regions. France now is home to more than a million Moroccans legally residing in the country. This is the largest Moroccan population in a foreign country, followed next by Spain. These former colonizers remain influential in economic matters, such as development projects, investments, trade, and loans.[5]

Role of free market edit

Relations with foreign powers, especially with the West, have also been strengthened as Morocco has liberalized its economy and implemented major economic reforms. In 1993 there was major privatization and markets were opened up to foreign powers.[6] Morocco now is focusing more on promoting foreign direct investments. In 2007, Morocco adopted the Hassan II Fund for Development, which are measures that simplify procedures to make the process easier and more financially beneficial for foreign investors. This was done with financial incentives, as well as tax exemptions. These policies make it beneficial for other countries to have relations with Morocco so that they can take advantage of their goods. Morocco's exports are mainly agriculture, and it is one of the largest exporters of phosphate in the world. In addition, Morocco has rich fishing waters, a tourist industry, and a small manufacturing sector.

Role of foreign policy support edit

Morocco also gains financial support from countries that it assists. For example, Morocco has had a long history of supporting the United States and it has received financial support as a result. Moroccan troops were involved in Bosnia as well as in Somalia, during the operation Desert Storm. Morocco also was among the first Arab and Islamic states to denounce the September 11 attacks and declare solidarity with the American people in the war against terror.[7] It has contributed to UN peacekeeping efforts on the continent. In 1998, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, William Cohen, said that Morocco and the U.S. have "mutual concerns over transnational terrorism" as well as interests in "the effort to control the spread of weapons of mass destruction".[8] In recognition of its support for the War on Terror, in June 2004 U.S. President George W. Bush designated Morocco as a major non-NATO ally. Another case of mutual foreign policy interests is with Saudi Arabia. Ties between these countries were strengthened when Morocco sent troops to help Saudi Arabia during the 1992 Gulf War. This was perceived as a "gesture to support Western and Arab allies". Morocco's relationship to countries in the Middle East and its contribution to the Palestinian cause have created stronger relations between these countries.[9]

Role of immigration edit

Another factor determining relations is how much immigration the country receives from Morocco. The beginning of major migration to Europe began during the colonial era (1912 to 1956). During World War I and II, France had an urgent need for manpower, which led to the recruitment of tens of thousands of Moroccan men to work in factories, mines, and in the army.[10] Another increase in immigration from Morocco to France was during the Algerian war of independence. France stopped recruiting workers from Algeria and instead accepted more Moroccan factory and mine labourers. Immigration increased even further from 1962 to 1972 when economic growth in Europe occurred, which led to a greater demand for low-skilled labour. At this time, Morocco signed major labour recruitment agreements with European countries, such as France, West Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. This led to a more diverse spread of emigration, which until this time was focused primarily on the country of France.

Morocco's perceived identity plays a role in its relations with other countries. Numerous countries have strong relations with Morocco because of its history of being a Western ally. For example, Morocco has the longest friendship treaties with the United States. This is important for US interests because Morocco is a stable, democratizing, and liberalizing MENA & Muslim nation. Geopolitical benefits are evident because ties to Morocco means that an ally is established in Africa, in the Maghreb region. Morocco's identity as a Muslim state has also strengthened ties with the Persian Gulf countries as a result of 9/11 and the "War on Terror". This has resulted in Arab countries, including members of the GCC (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates), choosing to invest more in Morocco.[11] Many countries in the Maghreb region also invest in Morocco because of perceived similarities in identity.

Maghreb and Africa edit

Positions on the status of Western Sahara:
  Diplomatic relations with or recognition of the Sahrawi Republic
  Support for Morocco territorial claim (including support for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty)
  Support for self-determination of the Sahrawi people; SADR relations or recognition suspended or frozen (if no other position expressed)
  Recognition of the SADR withdrawn or frozen without expressing support for Morocco's claim
  None or conflicting positions expressed

Morocco is very active in Maghreb and African affairs. The Arab Maghreb Union is made up of Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, and Tunisia.[12] Although it was long not a member of the African Union (formerly the Organisation of African Unity) since November 12, 1984—following the admission of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic as the government of Western Sahara—Morocco remained involved in developing the regional economy, as the city of Casablanca contains North Africa's busiest port and serves as the country's economic center. Morocco rejoined the African Union on 30 January 2017, following a change in AU leadership.[13][14] There are significant ties with West African and Sahel countries and Morocco maintains good relationships with Senegal, Gabon and Burkina Faso.[15][16]

Positions on Western Sahara conflict edit

The following lists contain the following states and entities:

Some states are listed in both lists, for example when a state is supportive of the "right of self-determination" including the option of autonomy under Morocco sovereignty. Some states change their opinion frequently, or give separate announcements of support for both Morocco and the Polisario Front/SADR.

Some of the states announcing support of the "right of self-determination" in addition already recognize the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. Not all of the states that have canceled relations with or withdrawn recognition of SADR have announced support for the Moroccan claim.

Diplomatic relations edit

List of countries which Morocco maintains diplomatic relations with:

#CountryDate[20]
1  Austria28 February 1783[21]
2  United States18 March 1905[22]
3   Switzerland3 December 1921[23]
4  Portugal16 May 1956[24]
5  France2 March 1956[25]
6  Turkey17 April 1956[26]
7  Syria2 June 1956[27]
8  Japan19 June 1956[28]
9  Spain26 June 1956[29]
10  United Kingdom28 June 1956[30]
11  Belgium30 July 1956[31]
12  Italy1 October 1956[32]
13  Jordan1956[33]
14  Lebanon1956[34]
15  Netherlands1956[35]
16  Saudi Arabia1956[36]
17  Tunisia1956[37]
18  Serbia2 March 1957[38]
19  Germany26 March 1957[39]
20  Egypt4 May 1957[40]
21  Pakistan19 August 1957[41]
22  Denmark29 November 1957[42][43]
23  India1957[44]
24  Luxembourg11 April 1958[45]
25  Russia29 August 1958[46]
26  Norway30 August 1958[47]
27  Libya17 September 1958[48]
28  China1 November 1958[49]
29  Sweden1958[50]
30  Sudan21 March 1959[51]
31  Poland7 July 1959[52]
32  Czech Republic8 July 1959[53]
33  Finland17 July 1959[54]
34  Hungary23 October 1959[55]
35  Brazil27 November 1959[56]
36  Guinea1959[57]
37  Liberia5 April 1960[58]
38  Indonesia19 April 1960[59]
39  Senegal15 November 1960[60]
40  Dominican Republic15 December 1960[61]
41  Ghana1960[62]
42  Greece1960[63]
43  Nigeria1960[64]
44  Mali10 January 1961[65]
45  Vietnam27 March 1961[66]
46  Argentina31 May 1961[67]
47  Bulgaria1 September 1961[68]
48  Chile6 October 1961[69]
49  Albania11 February 1962[70]
50  Cuba16 April 1962[71]
51  Canada17 May 1962[72]
52  South Korea6 July 1962[73]
53  Ivory Coast26 August 1962[74]
—  Algeria (suspended)1 October 1962[75]
54  Mexico31 October 1962[76]
55  Uruguay20 December 1962[77]
56  Ethiopia5 August 1963[78]
57  Niger1 October 1963[79]
58  Kuwait26 October 1963[80]
59  Sierra Leone14 November 1963[81]
60  Malaysia1963[82]
61  Paraguay23 May 1964[83]
62  Peru18 June 1964[84]
63  Bolivia26 June 1964[85]
64  Venezuela18 May 1965[86]
65  Cameroon13 August 1965[87]
66  Tanzania8 October 1965[88]
67  Burkina Faso21 October 1965[89]
68  Kenya1965[90]
69  Uganda1965[91]
70  Ecuador22 April 1966[92]
71  Gambia29 June 1966[93]
72  Benin5 November 1966[94]
73  Romania20 February 1968[95]
74  Democratic Republic of the Congo27 September 1968[96]
75  Afghanistan5 March 1969[97]
76  Mauritania6 June 1970[98]
77  Mongolia14 July 1970[99]
78  Guatemala16 March 1971[100]
79  Gabon12 July 1972[101]
80  Qatar4 September 1972[102]
81  United Arab Emirates1972[103]
82  Zambia1972[104]
83  Bahrain5 March 1973[105]
84  Oman10 March 1973[106]
85  Bangladesh13 July 1973[107]
86  Malta18 December 1974[108]
87    Nepal18 February 1975[109]
88  Ireland19 March 1975[110]
89  Philippines10 April 1975[111]
—  Holy See15 January 1976[112]
90  Mauritius8 June 1976[113]
91  Australia13 July 1976[114]
92  Central African Republic1976[115]
93  Djibouti14 March 1978[116]
94  Myanmar13 July 1978[117]
95  Bahamas20 December 1978[118]
96  Comoros1978[119]
97  Equatorial Guinea1978[120]
98  São Tomé and Príncipe1978[121]
99  Colombia1 January 1979[122]
100  Somalia24 January 1979[123]
101  Panama27 July 1979[124]
102  Republic of the Congo1979[125]
103  Cyprus1979[126]
104  Honduras1 March 1985[127]
105  Angola24 June 1985
106  Haiti20 August 1985[128]
107  Iceland24 September 1985[129]
108  Thailand4 October 1985
109  Cape Verde1985[130]
110  Guinea-Bissau27 February 1986[131]
111  Costa Rica25 September 1986[132]
—  Sovereign Military Order of Malta1986[133]
112  Maldives4 February 1988
113  Saint Lucia9 March 1988
114  Brunei28 May 1988[134]
115  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines10 August 1988
116  Trinidad and Tobago4 November 1998[135]
117  Seychelles17 December 1988[136]
—  State of Palestine31 January 1989[137]
118  North Korea13 February 1989
119  Namibia23 March 1990[138]
120  Sri Lanka27 November 1990[139]
121  Lesotho1990[140]
122  Burundi13 September 1991[141]
123  Lithuania7 May 1992
124  Belarus8 May 1992
125  Kazakhstan26 May 1992
126  Slovenia29 May 1992[142]
127  Estonia22 June 1992
128  Ukraine22 June 1992
129  Kyrgyzstan25 June 1992
130  Armenia26 June 1992
131  Croatia26 June 1992[143]
132  Georgia30 July 1992[144]
133  Azerbaijan28 August 1992
134  Turkmenistan25 September 1992
135  Latvia5 October 1992
136  Moldova8 October 1992
137  Slovakia1 January 1993[145]
138  Bosnia and Herzegovina24 February 1993
139  Uzbekistan11 October 1993[146]
140  Madagascar15 April 1994[147][148]
141  South Africa10 May 1994[149]
142  Eritrea30 May 1994[150]
143  Tajikistan15 December 1994[151]
144  New Zealand1994[152]
145  Tonga16 January 1995[153]
146  EswatiniJune 1996[154]
147  Cambodia23 October 1996
148  Andorra3 December 1996[155]
149  Singapore20 January 1997[156]
150  Laos30 January 1997
151  Trinidad and Tobago4 November 1998
152  Nicaragua21 July 2000[157]
153  Vanuatu14 December 2000[158]
154  Malawi31 January 2001[159]
155  Kiribati21 March 2001[160]
156  Belize3 May 2001
157  North Macedonia18 September 2002
158  Liechtenstein14 August 2003[161]
159  Suriname28 July 2004[162]
160  San Marino14 October 2004[163]
161  Botswana27 June 2005
162  Rwanda21 June 2007[164]
163  Antigua and Barbuda3 July 2007[165]
164  Togo10 July 2007[166]
165  Saint Kitts and Nevis2 October 2007
166  Zimbabwe27 December 2007[167]
167  Jamaica29 January 2008
168  Monaco12 February 2008[168]
169  Montenegro8 September 2009[169]
170  Palau8 May 2009
171  Fiji15 June 2010
172  Dominica23 June 2010
173  Nauru9 September 2010
174  Marshall Islands13 September 2010
175  Federated States of Micronesia13 October 2010
176  Samoa28 January 2011
177  Solomon Islands4 February 2011
178  Tuvalu23 May 2011
179  Grenada27 May 2011
180  Bhutan21 November 2011
181  Guyana14 December 2012
182  Barbados17 April 2013
183  South Sudan2 February 2017[170]
184  El Salvador22 August 2017[171]
185  Papua New Guinea28 September 2018[172]
186  Israel22 December 2020[173]
187  ChadUnknown
—  Iran (suspended)Unknown
188  IraqUnknown
189  MozambiqueUnknown
190  YemenUnknown

Bilateral relations edit

Africa edit

CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
 Algeria1 October 1962See Algeria–Morocco relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1962.[174] Severed diplomatic relations 27 February 1976, restored 16 May 1988, cuts diplomatic relations 24 August 2021.[175]

As a result of Algeria's continued support for the Polisario Front in the dispute over Western Sahara, relations between Morocco and Algeria have remained strained over the past several decades. The state of the relationships between the two neighboring countries has hindered bilateral collaboration and has left the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) project almost inactive.[176] Morocco had been aligned with the United States during the Cold War, whereas Algeria kept a distance from the West, favouring the Soviet Union and later a non-aligned position.[citation needed]

 EgyptSee Egypt–Morocco relations

Morocco and Egypt are both signers of the Agadir Agreement for the Establishment of a Free Trade Zone between the Arabic Mediterranean Nations, signed in Rabat, Morocco on February 25, 2004.[177] The agreement aimed at establishing a free trade area between Jordan, Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco and it was seen as a possible first step in the establishment of the Euro-Mediterranean free trade area as envisaged in the Barcelona Process.[178] They are also founding members of GAFTA, a pact made by the Arab League to achieve a complete Arab economic bloc that can compete internationally.

In 1999 Egypt renewed backing to Morocco's territorial integrity.[179] "Egypt has always backed Morocco's efforts to perfect its territorial integrity," Egyptian deputy minister of foreign affairs, Jamal-Eddine Bayoumi told Moroccan daily Al-Mounaataf, referring to Morocco's claims to the territory. Bayoumi also stressed the need for Morocco and Egypt to consolidate trade relations among Arab states.

 Mauritania6 June 1970See Mauritania–Morocco relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 June 1970[98]

Prior to the December 1984 coup that brought Taya to power, the Mauritanian-Moroccan cooperation agency stated that relations between the two countries were on the mend in spite of alleged Moroccan complicity in a 1981 coup attempt and Mauritania's subsequent turn toward Algeria. Representatives from both sides initiated a series of low-level contacts that led to a resumption of diplomatic ties in April 1985. For Mauritania, the détente with Morocco promised to end the threat of Moroccan incursions, and it also removed the threat of Moroccan support for opposition groups formed during the Haidalla presidency. Through the agreement with Mauritania, Morocco sought to tighten its control over the Western Sahara by denying the Polisario one more avenue for infiltrating guerrillas into the disputed territory.[180]

Relations between Morocco and Mauritania continued to improve through 1986, reflecting President Taya's pragmatic, if unstated, view that only a Moroccan victory over the Polisario would end the guerrilla war in the Western Sahara. Taya made his first visit to Morocco in October 1985 (prior to visits to Algeria and Tunisia) in the wake of Moroccan claims that Polisario guerrillas were again traversing Mauritanian territory. The completion of a sixth berm just north of Mauritania's crucial rail link along the border with the Western Sahara, between Nouadhibou and the iron ore mines, complicated relations between Mauritania and Morocco. Polisario guerrillas in mid-1987 had to traverse Mauritanian territory to enter the Western Sahara, a situation that invited Morocco's accusations of Mauritanian complicity. Moreover, any engagements near the sixth berm would threaten to spill over into Mauritania and jeopardize the rail link.[180]

 South Africa10 May 1994Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 May 1994[181]
  • Morocco has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy in Rabat.
 Sudan21 March 1959

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 March 1959.[51]

Sudan is one of the states that recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. Both nations have a number of trade agreements. There are no visa restrictions.

 Western Sahara
Recognizing Legal status of Western Sahara as an independent country
Main article: Legal status of Western Sahara

The conflict for this area continues to affect Morocco's relations with Spain, Algeria, and other Maghreb nations. The issue of sovereignty over Western Sahara remains unresolved. The territory—an area of wasteland and desert bordering the Atlantic Ocean between Mauritania and Morocco—is contested by Morocco and the Polisario (an independence movement based in the region of Tindouf, Algeria). Morocco's claim to sovereignty over the Sahara is based largely on an historical argument of traditional loyalty of the Sahrawi tribal leaders to the Moroccan sultan as spiritual leader and ruler. The Polisario Front claims to represent the aspirations of the Western Saharan inhabitants for independence. Algeria claims none of the territory for itself but maintains that Sahrawis should determine the territory's future status.

From 1904 until 1975, Spain occupied the entire territory, which is divided into a northern portion, the Saguia el-Hamra, and a southern two-thirds, known as Río de Oro. In 1973, the Polisario Front (Popular Front for the Liberation of the Saguia el Hamra and Rio de Oro) formed to combat the Spanish occupation of the territory. In November 1975, King Hassan mobilized 350,000 unarmed Moroccan citizens in what came to be known as the "Green March" into Western Sahara. The march was designed to both demonstrate and strengthen Moroccan claims to the territory. On November 14 of the same year, Spain, Morocco, and Mauritania announced a tripartite agreement for an interim administration under which Spain agreed to share administrative authority with Morocco and Mauritania, leaving aside the question of sovereignty. With the establishment of a Moroccan and Mauritanian presence throughout the territory, however, Spain's role in the administration of the Western Sahara ceased altogether.

After a period of hostilities, Mauritania withdrew from the territory in 1979 and signed a peace treaty with the Polisario relinquishing all claims to the territory. Moroccan troops took control of the region vacated by Mauritania and later proclaimed the territory reintegrated into Morocco. Morocco subsequently built the Moroccan Wall, a network of fortified berms around the largest portion of Western Sahara and has since asserted administrative control over that territory. Polisario remains in control over the easternmost part of the territory.

At the Organization of African Unity (OAU) summit in June 1981, King Hassan announced his willingness to hold a referendum in the Western Sahara. Subsequent meetings of an OAU Implementation Committee proposed a cease-fire, a United Nations peacekeeping force, and an interim administration to assist with an OAU-UN-supervised referendum on the issue of independence or annexation. In 1984, the OAU seated a delegation of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), the shadow government of the Polisario; Morocco, consequently, withdrew from the OAU.

In 1988, Moroccan and Polisario representatives agreed on a UN peace plan. A UN-brokered cease-fire and settlement plan went into effect on September 6, 1991. Implementation of the settlement plan, which calls for a popular referendum among the Sahrawi natives of the territory to determine its final status (integration into Morocco or independence), has been repeatedly postponed because of differences between the parties. In 2003 the UN launched the Baker Plan, allowing Moroccan settlers the vote and instituting a five-year Sahrawi autonomous rule under Moroccan sovereignty before the referendum. This plan won the unanimous approval of the Security Council through SC Resolution 1495, and was unexpectedly accepted by the Polisario. Morocco however refused the plan, stating that it is no longer willing to accept a referendum that includes the possibility of independence, but that it is willing to discuss an autonomy-based solution. This deadlocked the process, and the future of UN involvement is uncertain. Sahrawi demonstrations and riots that broke out in the Moroccan-held parts of Western Sahara further strained relations between the parties.

The United States has consistently supported the cease-fire and the UN's efforts at finding a peaceful settlement. As generally supportive of the Moroccan government administrative control of Western Sahara, the United States support Morocco's autonomy proposal and recognizing Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara.[182] In the UN Security Council, France has proved the strongest backer of the Moroccan view, China and UK hasn't clear statement, only support for a mutually acceptable solution under the leadership of the Security Council.[183]

Americas edit

CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
 Argentina31 May 1961See Argentina–Morocco relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 May 1961.[67]

Argentina has an embassy in Rabat. Morocco has an embassy in Buenos Aires.

 Brazil1962Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1962[184]
  • Brazil has an embassy in Rabat.
  • Morocco has an embassy in Brasília.
 Canada17 May 1962See Canada–Morocco relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 May 1962[185]

Embassy of Morocco in Ottawa
 Chile6 October 1961Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 October 1961[188]
  • Chile has an embassy in Rabat.
  • Morocco has an embassy in Santiago.
 Colombia1 January 1979Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 January 1979[122]
  • Colombia has an embassy in Rabat.
  • Morocco has an embassy in Bogotá.
 Cuba21 April 2017
  • Historically, bilateral relations between Cuba and Morocco were strained after the establishment of relations on December 10, 1959. Morocco severed relations with Cuba on October 31, 1963, after Cuba showed its support for Algeria during the Sands War. Morocco then restored diplomatic relations with Cuba on January 13, 1964, only to cut ties once again in 1980, following Cuba's recognition of the SADR.
  • Cuba and Morocco re-established diplomatic relations on April 21, 2017.
 Mexico31 October 1962Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 October 1962[189]

See Mexico–Morocco relations

  • Mexico has an embassy in Rabat and a trade office in Casablanca.[190]
  • Morocco has an embassy in Mexico City.[191]
 Peru18 June 1964
Main article: Morocco–Peru relations
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 June 1964[84]
  • Morocco has an embassy in Lima.
  • Peru has an embassy in Rabat.
 United States11 June 1956Both countries established diplomatic relations on March 8, 1905. However, upon U.S. entry into the First World War, the U.S. Government issued a statement recognizing the protectorate over Morocco on October 20, 1917, whereupon the U.S. Minister at Tangier was downgraded to the status of Diplomatic Agent. Diplomatic relations reestablished on June 11, 1956.[192]

See Morocco–United States relations

The last page of 1786 treaty of friendship.

Morocco has close and long standing ties with the United States. Morocco was the first nation to recognize the fledgling United States as an independent nation.[193] In the beginning of the American Revolution, American merchant ships were subject to attack by the Barbary Pirates while sailing the Atlantic Ocean. At this time, American envoys tried to obtain protection from European powers, but to no avail. On December 20, 1777, Morocco's Sultan Mohammed III declared that the American merchant ships would be under the protection of the sultanate and could thus enjoy safe passage.

The Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship stands as the U.S.'s oldest non-broken friendship treaty. Negotiated by Thomas Barclay and signed by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson in 1786, it has been in continuous effect since its ratification by Congress in July 1787.[194] Following the re-organization of the U.S. federal government upon the 1787 Constitution, President George Washington wrote a now venerated letter to the Sultan Sidi Mohamed strengthening the ties between the two countries. The United States legation (consulate) in Tangier is the first property the American government ever owned abroad,[195] and is the first (and only) National Historic Landmark on purely foreign soil.[196] The building now houses the Tangier American Legation Museum.

Asia edit

Morocco's stance is supporting the search for peace in the Middle East, encouraging Israeli–Palestinian negotiations and urging moderation on both sides.

Morocco maintains close relations with Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf states, which have provided Morocco with substantial amounts of financial assistance. Morocco was the first Arab state to condemn Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and sent troops to help defend Saudi Arabia. Morocco also was among the first Arab and Islamic states to denounce the September 11 attacks in the United States and declare solidarity with the American people in the war against terrorism. It has contributed to United Nations peacekeeping efforts on the continent. In recognition of its support for the War on Terrorism, in June 2004 U.S. President George W. Bush designated Morocco as a major non-NATO ally.

CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
 Azerbaijan28 August 1992Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 August 1992[197]

See Azerbaijan-Morocco relations

  • Azerbaijan has an embassy in Rabat since 2005.
  • Morocco has an embassy in Baku.
 China1 November 1958See China–Morocco relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 November 1958[198]

 Indonesia19 April 1960See Indonesia-Morocco relations
  • Indonesia and Morocco shared similarity as Muslim-majority countries.
  • Morocco praised Indonesia as a strong democratic nation, and pointed that both countries facing the same challenges of separatism and terrorism.[199]
  • Diplomatic relations were established in 1960. Indonesia has an embassy in Rabat and a consulate in Casablanca, while Morocco has an embassy in Jakarta.
  • both countries are members of the WTO, NAM and OIC.
 IranSee Iran–Morocco relations
  • Relations between Iran and Morocco have been relatively strained since the Iranian Revolution, particularly regarding the "hard-line" leadership in Iran. Morocco first severed relations in 1980, following the Revolution, however it later re-established diplomatic relations in June 1992.[200][201]
  • On March 6, 2009, Morocco again severed diplomatic relations with Iran after comments made by an Iranian politician that Bahrain was historically part of Iran and as such still had a seat in the Iranian Parliament.[202] Morocco described the comments as an attempt to "alter the religious fundamentals of the kingdom",[200] and accused Tehran of attempting to spread Shia Islam.[203] Morocco is a majority Sunni country and Bahrain, despite having a large Shi'ite population, is ruled by a Sunni elite which has not allowed the Shi'ites into the power structure.[204] Iran, a majority Shia country, reportedly has an interest in empowering the Shi'ites in Bahrain, and has called into question the legitimacy of Bahrain's King, in order to raise its own status in the Persian Gulf, which has strained relations between Morocco and Iran.[204][200][201]
  • Morocco cut diplomatic ties with Iran a third time in May 2018, over what Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita said was Iranian support and arming of the Polisario Front. Relations were previously restored around 2014, although they have been gradually weak.[205]
 Israel10 December 2020See Israel–Morocco relations
 Kuwait26 October 1963Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 October 1963 when Mr. Al-Fatimi ibn Sulaiman presented his credentials as Ambassador of Morocco to Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah.[80]
 Malaysia1963See Malaysia–Morocco relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1963.[82]

Malaysia has an embassy in Rabat,[208] and Morocco has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur.[209]

 Pakistan19 August 1957See Morocco–Pakistan relations

Both countries established diplomatic relatins on 19 August 1957[41]

Pakistan has an embassy in Rabat while Morocco also has its embassy in Islamabad. Both the countries have co-operated significantly since the past and continue to widely expand their relations, in the past Pakistan has said that it does not recognise Western Sahara and that its status is disputed and remains to be decided by United Nations resolutions, but at the same time it gave the Moroccan point of view that it is an internal matter. Pakistan and Morocco enjoy friendly relationship based on deep religious and great human values commonly shared by both countries. These relations have grown to a large extent in recent years and thousands of Pakistanis visit Morocco annually.

 Philippines27 December 1975See Morocco-Philippines relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 December 1975[210]

  • Morocco has an embassy in Manila.
  • The Philippines has an embassy in Rabat.
 South Korea6 July 1962

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 July 1962[211]

  • Morocco has an embassy in Seoul
  • South Korea has an embassy in Rabat.
 Thailand4 October 1985Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 October 1985[212]
  • Morocco has an embassy in Bangkok.
  • Thailand has an embassy in Rabat.
 Turkey17 April 1956See Morocco–Turkey relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 April 1956[26]

  • Morocco has an embassy in Ankara and a consulate-general in Istanbul.
  • Turkey has an embassy in Rabat.[213]
  • Trade volume between the two countries was US$2.71 billion in 2018 (Moroccan exports/imports: 0.72/1.99 billion USD).[214]
  • 114,155 Moroccan tourists visited Turkey in 2017.[214]
  • Yunus Emre Institute has a local headquarters in Rabat.
 Vietnam27 March 1961Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 March 1961[215]
  • Morocco has an embassy in Hanoi.
  • Vietnam has an embassy in Rabat.

Europe edit

CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
 Albania11 February 1962Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 February 1962[70]
  • Morocco is accredited to Albania at the Moroccan embassy in Italy.[216]
  • Albania is accredited to Morocco at the Albanian embassy in Spain.[217]
 Belgium30 July 1956Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 July 1956 when has been established Embassy of Belgium in Rabat and appointed Mr. P. Lamotte as Ambassador of Belgium to Morocco.[31]
  • Around 530000 Moroccans reside in Belgium.[218]
 Bosnia and Herzegovina24 February 1993Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 February 1993[219]
  • Morocco is accredited to Bosnia at the Moroccan embassy in Croatia.[220]
  • Bosnia is accredited to Morocco at the Bosnian embassy in Spain.[217]
 Bulgaria1 September 1961Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 September 1961[221]
 Croatia26 June 1992Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 June 1992[143]
 Denmark1957Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1957[224]
 European UnionSee Morocco–European Union relations

Morocco maintains close relations with the European Union, especially with its former colonial rulers, France and Spain. In October 2008, Morocco was granted a special partnership status with the EU (labelled as an 'advanced status') in response to the reforms undertaken on political, social and economic levels.[227] With that, Morocco became the first country in the southern Mediterranean region to benefit from the advanced status in its relations with the EU.[228] The status includes the establishment of an EU-Morocco summit and a direct participation of Morocco in a number of EU ministerial councils and working group meetings. Morocco has been afforded the privilege of having its currency unit linked to the Euro.

 France2 March 1956See France–Morocco relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 March 1956[229]

France showed early interests in Morocco and in 1904; the United Kingdom recognized France's sphere of influence in the region. France and Spain secretly partitioned Morocco, despite the evident disagreements this caused with Germany. The Treaty of Fes in 1912 made Morocco a protectorate of France. Struggles and opposition ensued when France exiled the Sultan Mohammed V, replacing him with Mohammed Ben Aarafa. The development of a strong independence movement together with a common trend of decolonization led to Morocco being granted independence in 1956.[230]

When De Gaulle returned to power in 1958, he was able to consolidate most of the initiatives taken under the Fourth Republic, but was only able to make progress by drawing up, once again, a new Constitution and finding a solution to the war in Algeria. It was only after his return that the policy of decolonisation ended and a policy of a new France started to emerge. 1962 marked Algerian independence and the revision of the Fifth Republic allowed the President of France to be directly elected. De Gaulle was able to set out his vision for the Third World, Africa and French influence in the wider world. Relations with Morocco were very cordial during the reign of King Mohammed V, only to take a turn for the worse when the French secret service delivered Ben Barka to some Moroccan agents, who eventually killed him and the affair turned into a serious and personal diplomatic row between King Hassan II and General de Gaulle, which lasted until the exit of the latter from politics in 1969.

During Pompidou's presidency a new entente developed between Morocco and France when new initiatives emerged in the field of co-operation setting up new institutions to deal with future aid and Moroccan economic development. Giscard d'Estaing's presidency provided a more pronounced support for Morocco and relations reached their zenith leading to a type of partnership in the affairs of Africa. The French-Moroccan intervention in Zaire was evidence of this partnership and President Giscard d'Estaing was in favour of Morocco's annexation of the Western Sahara. French military and public aid allocated to Morocco was unparalleled during this period when compared to previous aid received.

Mitterrand's presidency did not affect the special relations between Morocco and France but intensified after a shaky beginning. Although human rights proved difficult to resolve, nevertheless, the President kept the issue going together with Danielle Mitterrand, as President of France-Liberté. Towards the end of his first term in office, a more challenging period for constitutional debate emerged as a result of cohabitation which occurred between 1986 and 1988, adding another dimension to alternance to the end of Mitterrand's second septennat to the arrival of Jacques Chirac.

By now a more stable and continuous policy emerged to encourage investment and cooperation on major projects not only in agriculture and dam projects but also involving both French and Moroccan enterprises in creating a solid and a durable industrial base from aeronautics to automobile industries, to the Euro-Med Port at Tangier and Renault-Nissan Plant and TGV and tram projects in Casablanca and Rabat concluded under the presidency of Sarkozy.

Both France and the USA played an important role in supplying the Moroccan military with all the hardware and equipment needed to redress the balance of power within the region, especially against Algeria's rearmament, to ensure security in the Western Sahara and keep the Al Qaeda branch of the Maghreb outside the Moroccan borders. The Moroccan military has been modernised and trained to be admitted within the USA-NATO forces to carry out regular exercises, as well as involving other NATO members in the fight against any terrorist threat in the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and the Sahara regions.

Franco-Moroccan co-operation also extends to the African continent and both played a complementary role in helping to resolve the problems in the Congo, in Chad and in many other fields as well as in the economy and politics of the region. Morocco has become the preferred destination for African students to attend university, instead of going to France, or to attend military academies, Management and Administration or medical schools. Moroccan banking has a significant hold on some African countries as well as Moroccan expertise in energy production, construction, mining extraction, diamond and gold exploitation as well as a great expertise in agriculture and infrastructure in general. In short, many sectors which used to be the domain of France have been gradually taken over by Moroccan companies and Moroccan know-how.

 Germany26 March 1957See Germany–Morocco relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 March 1957[231]

 Ireland19 March 1975Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 March 1975[233]
  • Ireland has an embassy in Rabat, Morocco[234]
  • Morocco has an embassy in Dublin, Ireland[235]
 Italy1 October 1956Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1956[236]
 NetherlandsSee Morocco–Netherlands relations
 Norway30 August 1958Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 August 1958[237]
 Poland7 July 1959See Morocco–Poland relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 July 1959[238]

  • Morocco has an embassy in Warsaw and an honorary consulate in Poznań.
  • Poland has an embassy in Rabat and an honorary consulate in Marrakesh.
 Portugal16 May 1956See Morocco–Portugal relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 May 1956. Portugal has an embassy in Rabat.

 Romania20 February 1962See Morocco–Romania relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 February 1962[239]

 Russia1 September 1958See Morocco–Russia relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 September 1958[242]

Russia has an embassy in Rabat, and a consular office in Casablanca. Morocco is represented in Russia by its embassy to Moscow. President Vladimir Putin had paid a visit to Morocco in September 2006 in order to boost economic and military ties between Russia and Morocco.

 Serbia1 March 1957Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 March 1957[243]
 Spain26 May 1956See Morocco–Spain relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 May 1956[246]

The Treaty of Fes also allocated the northern part of Morocco as a Spanish protectorate. There were many instances of resistance to protest against Spanish exploitation of Morocco. The independence of this region was gained at the same time that France withdrew control. Unlike France, Spain still maintains control on some regions, such as Ceuta and Melila in northern Morocco. Tensions also increased with conflicts over the fishing water surrounding Morocco, the island of Perejil, and the Western Sahara.

Spain controls five "places of sovereignty" (Plazas de soberanía) on and off the north Africa coast: Ceuta and Melilla, as well as the islets of Peñón de Alhucemas, Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera, and Islas Chafarinas, all contested by Morocco (see Perejil Island crisis for the related incident).

 Sweden1958Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1958[50]
 Ukraine22 June 1992Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 June 1992[247]
 United Kingdom28 June 1956See Morocco–United Kingdom relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 June 1956[248]

Morocco–United Kingdom relations cover a period from the 16th century to the present day.

Oceania edit

Formal Relations BeganNotes
 Australia13 July 1976Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 July 1976[114]

See Australia-Morocco relations

 Fiji15 June 2010Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 June 2010[249]
 New Zealand1994Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1994[152]
 Papua New Guinea28 September 2018Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 September 2018[250]

See also edit

Citations edit

General and cited references edit

External links edit

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