Syria Recognizes Moroccan Sovereignty Over Sahara as Embassies Reopen and Joint Commission Launched

The decision follows the collapse of the Al‑Assad government in late 2024, which opened a window for renewed Arab‑state engagement. Morocco’s foreign minister, Nasser Bourita, said the two countries will activate all legal and institutional mechanisms to solidify the new phase. He added that a consultation committee between diplomatic services will align positions on shared issues.

Syria formally recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara. On May 14, Syria inaugurated its embassy in Rabat, reopening a mission that had been closed since July 2012. Rabat and Damascus agreed to create a joint commission led by their foreign ministers to boost bilateral cooperation.

The embassy reopening restores a direct channel for consular and trade exchanges that had been absent for over a decade. Observers will watch whether the joint commission produces concrete agreements on economic reconstruction and regional security, and whether Morocco follows through on its planned visit to Damascus to open its own embassy. The next step to watch is Morocco’s planned inauguration of its embassy in Damascus, which could signal the full normalization of ties.