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Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat
World
Rabat - Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia, Morocco Stress Importance of Joint Arab Action, Countering Terrorism

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. (SPA)

Morocco reiterated its absolute solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its constant support for all measures taken by the country to protect its security and stability and ensure the safety of its territories, citizens, and residents.

Rabat hosted the 13th session of the Joint Moroccan-Saudi Commission on June 15 and 16, under the co-chairmanship of Moroccan Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, and Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.

The Commission condemned the launch of Iranian-made ballistic missiles and drones by the Houthi militias in Yemen against vital and civilian facilities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Morocco welcomed the Saudi initiatives to bring peace to Yemen.

The Commission stressed the importance of joint Arab action allowing Arab countries to maintain their unity, sovereignty, security, and stability while refraining from interfering in the internal affairs of states and threatening their territorial integrity.

It hoped the crises in Syria, Yemen, and Libya will be resolved through political solutions that preserve their territorial and national unity, guarantee their security and stability, and meet the aspirations of their peoples for development and freedom according to United Nations resolutions.

Saudi Arabia reiterated its firm and continuous support for the territorial integrity of Morocco and reiterated its support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara.

It backs Morocco's efforts to reach compromise-based realistic political solution within the framework of relevant Security Council resolutions and under the supervision of the UN Secretary-General.

It stressed its support for a solution that is consistent with the international law and the resolutions of the Security Council and the UN General Assembly.

The Joint Commission called for more efforts to support stability, promote sustainable development, and the fight against extremism, terrorism, and separatist movements in the Sahel region.

Saudi Arabia praised Morocco's three-dimensional approach toward the Sahel region, which focuses on security, development, and training of human resources.

The Commission renewed its condemnation of extremism and terrorism in all forms and manifestations, stressing the importance of combining regional and international efforts to confront and eradicate terrorism and eliminate its causes.

It reviewed the efforts made by the two countries and the pioneering initiatives they have developed to counter terrorism and extremism, stressing the need to continue coordination at the international multilateral level, including the UN, the Global Forum on Countering extremism, and the International Coalition against ISIS.

The Saudi delegation welcomed the continuous efforts made by King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the al-Quds Committee, to defend Jerusalem and its residents, preserve its civilizational identity and protect its status as a symbol of tolerance and coexistence between the different monotheistic religions.

The Commission reiterated its constant solidarity with the Palestinian people to establish an independent state based on the1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the relevant international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

In this regard, the Commission called for efforts to break the deadlock in the peace process and ensure the resumption of negotiations within a clear timetable, resulting in an agreement addressing all the issues under the Arab Peace Initiative, international resolutions, and two-state solution.

Prince Faisal's meetings

During his visit to Morocco, Prince Faisal discussed with Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch several regional and international issues and developments of common interest.

They addressed ways to boost bilateral cooperation and opportunities to develop ties in various fields.

Prince Faisal met with Speaker Rachid Talbi Alami. They reviewed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them. They reiterated the importance of cooperation in the political and multilateral fields to achieve the interests of their countries.

Ahead of the Joint Commission meeting, the Saudi FM reviewed with his Moroccan counterpart all aspects of cooperation.

They voiced their satisfaction with the high level of cooperation between Riyadh and Rabat and praised the momentum and development it is undergoing on the political, economic, cultural, and social levels under the patronage King Mohammed VI and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

Prince Faisal and Bourita discussed several regional and international issues of common interest.

Bourita said Morocco and Saudi Arabia share a distinguished relationship, saying it is "unparalleled in Morocco's foreign relations."

Speaking at a joint press conference, the Moroccan FM said the discussions with his Saudi counterpart are an opportunity to address bilateral and regional issues.

Bourita stated that he also addressed with his Saudi counterpart coordinating positions on various issues based on the bilateral interests, whether relating to North Africa and the Middle East or international issues.

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