Steadfast Allies: Morocco and Yemen Reaffirm Unshakable Bond

Friday 03 May 2024 - 08:00

In the diplomatic corridors of Banjul, Gambia, Morocco and Yemen reaffirmed their steadfast alliance as Foreign Ministers Nasser Bourita and Shayea Mohsen Al-Zindani met on the sidelines of the 15th Islamic Summit Conference. Amidst discussions on global affairs, the two nations pledged to strengthen their bond, moving beyond mere formality to a deeper sense of enduring solidarity.

Bourita, representing the Moroccan kingdom, offered unwavering support for Yemen's unity, stability, and sovereignty under the Presidential Council's leadership. His statement carried the weight of a nation that has long upheld the principles of self-determination and non-interference, firmly opposing any external meddling in the internal affairs of Yemen.

Yemen, enduring one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, found a compassionate ally in Morocco. Since the Houthi rebels' insurgency in 2014, when they seized control of the capital Sana'a and the presidential palace, Yemen has been on the brink of political collapse, with its people enduring widespread suffering.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that as of September 2023, an alarming 21.6 million Yemenis were in dire need of humanitarian assistance or protection. This stark reality highlighted the urgency of the discussions between Morocco and Yemen, as both sides explored ways to address these critical issues.

During their meeting, Bourita and Al-Zindani focused on enhancing sectoral cooperation, emphasizing the long-standing fraternal ties that have weathered both time and adversity. Al-Zindani, reflecting Yemen's perspective, expressed his desire to strengthen bilateral relations across various sectors, underscoring Morocco's ongoing support for a united and stable Yemen.

This diplomatic engagement followed Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak's reaffirmation of Yemen's support for Morocco's territorial integrity during his visit to Marrakech in December 2023. During that visit, he reiterated Yemen's unwavering stance on Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara region.

As the meeting concluded, Al-Zindani commended the regional leadership of King Mohammed VI and praised the Moroccan government's efforts in fostering bilateral ties. He underscored the historical significance of the relationship between the two nations and their shared commitment to a future rooted in unity and prosperity.