Morocco and the Gulf States Work to Strengthen Strategic Partnership

Rabat Encourages Businesspeople and Investors from Both Sides to Forge Strong Relationships Through the Establishment of an Institutional Framework

7th March 2025

5 minutes read

Morocco and the Gulf States Work to Strengthen Strategic Partnership

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita has announced his country’s determination to strengthen its strategic partnership with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, emphasizing that Moroccan-Gulf relations serve as a successful model of Arab cooperation. These relations are built on historical ties and strategic interests, and as this collaboration continues, it has the potential to play a crucial role in promoting stability and development in the Arab region, making it one of the most promising Arab partnerships for future growth.

Speaking at the seventh joint meeting between Morocco and the GCC on Thursday in Mecca, Bourita reaffirmed “Morocco’s strong commitment and unwavering determination to further strengthen the course of this fruitful strategic partnership.” He expressed Morocco’s aspiration to redouble efforts, alongside its Gulf Cooperation Council partners, to “give it the desired momentum and qualitative addition that we all seek,” according to a statement from the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued on Friday.

Moroccan-Gulf relations have witnessed remarkable development over decades, emerging as one of the most prominent examples of Arab solidarity and joint cooperation in various fields. Official ties have increasingly become more structured, particularly due to the political alignment of the ruling systems, which share numerous values and orientations.

The Moroccan minister added, “The benefits we all seek to achieve through our strategic partnership call for enhancing and developing its institutional framework in a manner that serves the interests of all parties.” He expressed satisfaction with the significant progress made in this fruitful partnership, encompassing its strategic, political, developmental, economic, humanitarian, and cultural dimensions.

Bourita noted that “this positive assessment of our strategic partnership has led us to renew the joint action plan for another period, extending until 2030.”

He emphasized the importance of focusing on economic benefits to ensure they are more deeply rooted, encouraging businesspeople and investors from both sides to establish strong connections through the creation of an institutional framework. He also highlighted the need to explore lucrative investment opportunities that drive development and create employment opportunities.

Economic cooperation remains a key pillar of Morocco-GCC relations, with Gulf sovereign wealth funds investing in various Moroccan sectors, including tourism, real estate, infrastructure, and renewable energy. Among the most notable investments are those from the UAE and Saudi Arabia in Morocco’s renewable energy projects, as well as Qatari and Kuwaiti investments in real estate and hospitality.

Gulf financial support for Morocco has also been evident through development aid, such as the $5 billion Gulf grant provided to Morocco in 2012.

Bourita emphasized that as Morocco prepares to host major continental and global sporting events, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the country offers promising investment opportunities and a platform for Gulf companies to participate in numerous projects set to launch in preparation for these events. He highlighted that Morocco serves as a gateway for Gulf states to access the African continent, particularly through initiatives launched by King Mohammed VI, including enabling Sahel countries to reach the Atlantic and the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project, which he described as a valuable opportunity to strengthen ties between their countries.

Regarding the strategic partnership, the minister underscored its strong foundation of synergy and solidarity. This was echoed by King Mohammed VI in his speech at the 2016 Morocco-GCC Summit, where he stated, “Morocco has always considered the security and stability of the Gulf Arab states as part of its own security,” adding, “What harms you, harms us, and what affects us, affects you.”

On Thursday, Mecca hosted ministerial meetings between the GCC and the foreign ministers of Egypt, Syria, and Morocco to discuss cooperation and regional developments, including the situation in Gaza.

The Gulf Cooperation Council consists of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.

Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, described the seventh joint ministerial meeting between the GCC and Morocco as a crucial step towards further strengthening the foundations of the strategic partnership into a comprehensive and multi-dimensional framework, reflecting the depth and strength of their historical relations.

Since the GCC’s establishment in 1981, Moroccan-Gulf relations have seen significant progress, with the Gulf states prioritizing closer cooperation with Morocco due to its balanced policies and active role in regional and international affairs. In 2011, the GCC invited Morocco to join as a partner member, underscoring the strategic importance the Gulf states place on their relationship with Morocco.

The political positions of both sides have also been largely aligned, with Morocco supporting Gulf issues, while the Gulf states have backed Morocco’s territorial integrity, particularly concerning the Moroccan Sahara issue.

During its 45th session in December 2024, the GCC Supreme Council reaffirmed the importance of the strategic partnership between the GCC and Morocco, emphasizing the implementation of the joint action plan and its firm stance in supporting Morocco’s sovereignty over the Moroccan Sahara. It also commended UN Security Council Resolution 2756, issued on October 31, 2024, regarding the Moroccan Sahara.

Al-Budaiwi praised the reforms led by King Mohammed VI across political, economic, and social domains, which have solidified Morocco’s credibility as a key strategic partner and a pillar of stability in the region. He also lauded Morocco’s initiatives, particularly the royal initiative to grant Sahel countries access to the Atlantic and the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project.

He added, “We extend our best wishes to Morocco in its bid for a UN Security Council seat for the 2028-2029 term.”

Security cooperation between Morocco and the Gulf states has also been strengthened in response to regional challenges. Moroccan armed forces have participated in the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen, and both sides have exchanged security expertise to combat terrorism and extremism, demonstrating the high level of mutual trust in this critical area.

Moving forward, both parties aim to further develop these relations by enhancing economic integration and expanding collaboration in technology and industry.

Observers affirm that Moroccan-Gulf relations represent a model of strategic partnership among Arab nations, characterized by strong historical ties and expanding economic and political cooperation. Over the past decades, these relations have witnessed remarkable progress, making them one of the most significant examples of Arab solidarity and joint collaboration in various sectors.