Makkah Meeting: GCC and Morocco – Strengthening the Strategic Partnership Towards Greater Integration

ALDAR/

His Excellency Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that the seventh joint ministerial meeting between the GCC and the Kingdom of Morocco represents a pivotal step in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two sides. This comes within a multidimensional integrative vision that reflects the depth of the historical and fraternal ties binding them.

The meeting was held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, under the chairmanship of His Excellency Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Yahya, Kuwait’s Foreign Minister, and the current chair of the GCC Ministerial Council. It was attended by the foreign ministers of GCC member states, along with Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad.

His Excellency the Secretary-General began his speech by extending his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for hosting the meeting and providing all necessary facilities for its success. He also praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts in supporting joint Gulf cooperation and strengthening relations with fraternal nations, extending his thanks to Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan for the excellent organization and warm reception.

His Excellency emphasized that this meeting reaffirms both sides’ commitment to developing their strategic partnership, which received the backing of the GCC Supreme Council during its last session in December 2024. He also reiterated the GCC’s firm stance in support of Morocco’s territorial integrity, welcoming UN Security Council Resolution 2756 on the Moroccan Sahara, issued in October 2024.

Bilateral Relations and Future Prospects

On the bilateral level, His Excellency expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome he received during his visit to Rabat last year, which helped advance Gulf-Moroccan relations and establish a roadmap for enhancing cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.

He congratulated Morocco on securing the right to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, calling on Gulf companies to seize the investment opportunities that this global event will present. He also commended the reforms led by King Mohammed VI, which have positioned Morocco as a reliable partner and a pillar of stability in the region. Additionally, he praised the royal initiatives aimed at fostering regional integration, including the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project.

His Excellency further expressed his anticipation for the success of the upcoming Gulf-Moroccan Investment Forum, set to take place later this year. This forum aims to expand trade and investment cooperation between the two sides, and he hoped it would strengthen economic ties between the GCC and Morocco.

Strategic Dialogue and Regional Stability

In conclusion, the Secretary-General stressed the importance of the strategic dialogue between the GCC and Morocco, reaffirming the commitment to developing bilateral relations across various fields in a way that serves common interests and enhances security and stability in the region.