International
Morocco to Reopen Embassy in Syria, Signaling Thaw in Relations Amid Western Sahara Push
Rabat, July 1, 2025 – In a significant diplomatic shift, Morocco is preparing to reopen its embassy in Damascus after more than a decade of closure, marking a potential warming of ties with Syria following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. The move comes as Rabat seeks to bolster international recognition of its sovereignty over Western Sahara, with Syria emerging as a key target for diplomatic engagement.
A Step Toward Normalization
Morocco closed its embassy in Syria in 2012, following the outbreak of the Syrian civil war and the Arab League’s suspension of Damascus over its violent crackdown on protests. However, with Assad’s regime ousted and a new government in place, several Arab states have gradually restored relations with Syria. Morocco now appears to be following suit.
A Syrian delegation recently visited Rabat to inspect the Syrian embassy, which has been shuttered since Morocco expelled Syrian diplomats in 2012. Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa has reportedly expressed interest in visiting Morocco, though Rabat has yet to formally respond to the proposal.
Western Sahara: A Key Motivator
Analysts suggest that Morocco’s push for Syrian recognition of its claim over Western Sahara is a driving factor behind the diplomatic outreach. Rabat has been aggressively courting nations to back its autonomy plan for the disputed territory, which is also claimed by the Algeria-backed Polisario Front.
“Syria’s stance on Western Sahara could be crucial for Morocco,” said Samira El-Masri, a North Africa geopolitical analyst. “If Damascus officially endorses Morocco’s sovereignty, it could encourage other holdout nations to follow suit.”
Syria had previously supported the Polisario Front during Assad’s rule, aligning with Algeria and Iran. However, the new Syrian government, seeking international rehabilitation, may be open to shifting its position in exchange for economic and diplomatic support from Morocco.
Regional Implications
Morocco’s move could further strain its already tense relations with Algeria, a staunch supporter of the Polisario Front and a longtime rival. Algeria, which restored ties with Syria in 2023, may view Rabat’s overtures to Damascus as an attempt to outmaneuver it diplomatically.
The reopening of Morocco’s embassy in Syria would also align with broader regional trends, as Gulf states like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have already reintegrated Syria into the Arab fold. However, Western nations remain cautious, with the U.S. and EU maintaining sanctions on Syria over human rights concerns.
Next Steps
While no official timeline has been announced for the embassy’s reopening, diplomatic sources indicate that both sides are moving swiftly. A state visit by President Al-Sharaa to Morocco could solidify the new chapter in bilateral relations—provided Rabat extends the invitation.
As Morocco continues its diplomatic offensive on Western Sahara, its re-engagement with Syria may prove to be a strategic win—or a new flashpoint in North Africa’s ongoing geopolitical rivalries.