Morocco–Qatar relations

Last updated
Morocco – Qatar relations
Morocco-Qatar Locator.svg
Flag of Qatar.svg
Qatar 		Flag of Morocco.svg
Morocco

The Kingdom of Morocco and the State of Qatar formed diplomatic relations in 1972. [1] There is substantial economic cooperation between the two countries, with Qatar being one of the largest foreign investors in Morocco. [2] A $2 billion joint venture between Qatar's sovereign wealth fund and Morocco was established in 2011. [3]

Contents

Politically, Qatar supports Moroccan claims on Western Sahara, [4] although political relations have historically been sporadic due to Qatar's cordial relations with Algeria and perceived biases perpetuated by its global news corporation, Al Jazeera. [5] During the 2017 Qatari diplomatic crisis, Morocco offered to mediate the dispute, and even sent humanitarian aid to Qatar, which had been banned from using the land, air and sea routes belonging to several of its neighboring countries. [6]

Both countries are members of the Arab League, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Group of 77 and Non-Aligned Movement.

Diplomatic visits

King Mohammed VI of Morocco, who assumed power in 1999, made his first official visit to Qatar in June 2002. [7]

Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani made his first visit to Morocco in October 2002. [1] In July 2005, he traveled to Morocco for an official two-day visit. [8]

Diplomatic cooperation

Western Sahara

Qatar has confirmed its support for Morocco over Western Sahara, however their support is sporadic and unstable due to perceived bias news from Al Jazeera and its interview with a number of Sahrawi dissidents opposing Moroccan Government. [9] However, with the Qatar crisis occurred in 2017, Al Jazeera has shifted into a more pro-Moroccan stance, in line with the Qatari Government. [10]

Political

After Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani successfully deposed his father Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani in 1995, he was not immediately accepted by Hassan II. Qatar had uncertain relations with Morocco in the years proceeding Hamad's succession, mainly due to Qatar's existing relations with Algeria and Al Jazeera's unfavorable coverage of Morocco. [5]

In June 2000, Morocco withdrew its ambassador to Doha in response to Qatar casting a vote for Germany rather than Morocco in the host selection for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The two countries agreed to resume normal diplomatic relations in October 2000. [11] Nonetheless, relations continued to experience highs and lows. Qatar's purchase of British-made weapons for Algeria was not received well by Rabat, and Moroccan media criticized Qatar-based Al Jazeera for producing programs that were dubbed "anti-Moroccan". [12]

In August 2023, Qatar expressed interest in helping to mediate between Morocco and Algeria. According to a statement by the Oatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, mending the relationship between the two countries "represents a major concern of the State of Qatar". [13] [14]

2017 Qatari diplomatic crisis

On 5 June 2017, a number of states led by Saudi Arabia cut ties with Qatar. Morocco stated that it would remain neutral in the crisis, and on 11 June, extended an offer for mediation of the dispute. [15] On 13 June, Morocco stated that it would send food aid to Qatar amidst its isolation from the sea, air and land routes belonging to the blockading countries. The Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed that the food aid was sent in line with the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan. [6]

Although the Moroccan government has maintained a neutral stance, Morocco's leading party, the Justice and Development Party, proclaimed its support for Qatar in the dispute. [16]

Displeased with Morocco's neutrality, certain media outlets in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, two of the blockading countries, have brought up the issue of Western Saharan independence in an attempt to influence Morocco to support the boycott of Qatar. [2]

Foreign aid

In December 2013, Qatar pledged $1.25 billion to Morocco in foreign aid. The aid is part of a five-year package deal arranged by four members of the GCC to supply $5 billion worth of aid to Morocco, in an attempt to bolster its political security. [17]

Economic

A joint venture fund was set up between Morocco and Qatar's sovereign wealth fund in November 2011. It was reportedly valued at $2 billion, with both partners contributing equal funding. [3]

Morocco and Qatar's trade volume was valued at $70 million in 2015. [18]

In 2016, Qatar ranked fifth in direct foreign investment in Morocco. [2]

Media

In 1981, Qatar and Morocco signed a media agreement which entailed co-operation and exchange of news and data between the two countries' media organizations. [19]

Morocco was selected as host of Al Jazeera's North African news show, Al-Hasad al-Magharibi, in 2006. It was deemed an appropriate venue for the show's base of operations due to Morocco's lenient media laws relative to its neighbors. At the beginning of 2008, Moroccan authorities rescinded the network's permission to broadcast the show in the country under the pretense of technicalities. They then withdrew the accreditation of journalist Hassan Rachidi in June 2008 when he reported on a report released by a Moroccan-based human rights organization. This was followed by the revocation of two more journalists' accreditation in 2009, and in October 2010, the authorities officially revoked the accreditation of all of Al Jazeera's Morocco-based journalists. On 29 October, Morocco announced it would be shutting down all of Al Jazeera's operations in the country. The main reason cited by authorities was the perceived favoritism towards Western Saharan independence. [20] Bilateral relations between the two countries did not suffer from the incident. [2]

In a broadcasting of the 2011 Pan Arab Games by Qatar-based Al Kass Sports Channels, the map displayed on the screen depicting Morocco's territories did not include the disputed Western Sahara due to an alleged technical error. [21] Despite Qatar's previous affirmations recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, [4] a group of Moroccan hackers launched an operation called 'Moroccan Vengeance', in which they would target websites belonging to the Qatari government. Qatar's 2022 World Cup Facebook page and the official page of the Pan-Arab Games were among the hacked websites. [21]

Diplomatic missions

The Moroccan embassy is located in Doha. [22] [23]

The Qatari embassy is located in Rabat. [24] [25]

Related Research Articles

Foreign relations of Qatar is conducted through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Arab states were among the first to recognize Qatar, and the country gained admittance to the United Nations and the Arab League after achieving independence in 1971. The country was an early member of OPEC and a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Diplomatic missions to Qatar are based in its capital, Doha.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani</span> Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Hamad bin Abdullah bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani is a member of the ruling Al Thani Qatari royal family. He was the ruling Emir of Qatar from 1995 until 2013 when he abdicated the throne, handing power to his fourth son Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani who was born to his second spouse, Moza bint Nassir. The Qatari government refers to him as the Father Emir.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani</span> Emir of Qatar since 2013

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is Emir of Qatar, reigning since 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Qatar–United States relations</span> Bilateral relations

Qatar and the United States are strategic allies. Qatar has been designated a major non-NATO ally by the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani</span> Prime minister of Qatar (2007–2013)

Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber bin Mohammed bin Thani Al Thani, who was also known informally by his initials HBJ, is a Qatari politician. He was the Prime Minister of Qatar from 3 April 2007 to 26 June 2013, and foreign minister from 11 January 1992 to 26 June 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Greece–Qatar relations</span> Bilateral relations

Greece–Qatar relations are the bilateral relations between Greece and Qatar. Relations were established in 1973.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Qatar–United Arab Emirates relations</span> Bilateral relations

Qatar and the United Arab Emirates share a naval border and are part of the Arabic-speaking Persian Gulf region. They are both members of the GCC.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the ministry responsible for handling Qatar's external relations as well as its diplomatic efforts, including the maintenance of its diplomatic missions across the globe. The current minister is Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Egypt–Qatar relations</span> Bilateral relations

Egypt–Qatar relations are the bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the Arab Republic of Egypt. They first began in 1972.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">France–Qatar relations</span> Bilateral relations

France–Qatar relations are the bilateral relations between France and the Qatar. The first embassy to be established was the Qatari embassy in France in 1972, and the first bilateral agreement was signed in 1974. Qatar has marked various concurrences with France, covering all areas such as cultural, political, economical, academic, scientific and military agreements. The nations are tied in a key discourse protocol, where conversation over various issues of significance to the two capitals are occurring consistently.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iran–Qatar relations</span> Bilateral relations

Iran–Qatar relations refer to the bilateral relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Qatar. Iran has an embassy in Doha while Qatar has an embassy in Tehran. Qatar and Iran have close ties.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kuwait–Qatar relations</span> Bilateral relations

Qatar has an embassy in Kuwait City, and Kuwait has an embassy in Doha. Both countries are part of the Middle East region and share close cultural and historical ties.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Qatar–Saudi Arabia relations</span> Bilateral relations

Saudi Arabia–Qatar relations refers to the current and historical relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar. Prior to 2017, the two countries maintained cordial ties. Qatar was mainly subservient to Saudi Arabia in matters relating to foreign policy. Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani's assumption of power saw Qatar reclaim its sovereignty in foreign affairs, often diverging from Saudi Arabia on many geopolitical issues. In 1996, the Qatari government launched Al Jazeera in a bid to consolidate soft power. One of the most watched news stations in the Arab world, Al Jazeera proved to be a wedge in the two's bilateral relations as it routinely criticized Saudi Arabia's ruler. The network also provided a platform for Islamist groups which are considered a threat to Saudi Arabia's monarchy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Japan–Qatar relations</span> Bilateral relations

Japan–Qatar relations are the bilateral relations between Japan and Qatar. Diplomatic relations were established in 1972. The two countries share strong economic ties, with Japan being Qatar's foremost trading partner, and Qatar ranking as Japan's sixth most significant import partner in 2016. Japan has an embassy in Doha. Qatar also has an embassy in Tokyo. In 2023, Japan declared Qatar one of its visa-exempt countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kazakhstan–Qatar relations</span> Bilateral relations

Kazakhstan–Qatar relations are the bilateral relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the State of Qatar. Diplomatic relations were established in 1993. Kazakhstan has an embassy in Doha. Qatar has an embassy in Astana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Italy–Qatar relations</span> Bilateral relations

Italy–Qatar relations are the bilateral relations between Italy and Qatar. Italy has an embassy in Doha and Qatar has an embassy in Rome.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brazil–Qatar relations</span> Bilateral relations

Brazil–Qatar relations are the bilateral relations between Brazil and Qatar. Diplomatic relations were formed in 1974.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">China–Qatar relations</span> Bilateral relations

China – Qatar relations are the bilateral relations between the People's Republic of China and the State of Qatar. China has an embassy in Doha, while Qatar has an embassy in Beijing. With diplomatic relations first formed in 1988, Qatar is a strategic ally of China, and the two countries maintain a strong relationship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Qatar–Spain relations</span> Bilateral relations

The State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Spain formed diplomatic relations in December 1972. Qatar maintains an embassy in Madrid, while Spain has an embassy in Doha.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jordan–Qatar relations</span> Bilateral relations

Jordan – Qatar relations are the bilateral relations between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the State of Qatar. Diplomatic relations were established in 1972. Jordan has an embassy in Doha. Qatar also has an embassy in Amman.

References

  1. 1 2 "Qatar - Morocco Relations". Qatar Embassy in Rabat - Kingdom of Morocco. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Intissar Fakir (10 July 2017). "Caught in the Middle". Carnegie Middle East Center. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
  3. 1 2 "Qatar inks $2 bln investment JV with Morocco". Reuters. 24 November 2011. Archived from the original on 10 September 2017. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  4. 1 2 "Arabs' Mistake: Morocco and Qatar relations". Morocco World News. 21 December 2011. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
  5. 1 2 Aomar Boum; Thomas K. Park (2016). Historical Dictionary of Morocco. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 214. ISBN   978-1-4422-6297-3.
  6. 1 2 "Morocco says will send food to Qatar after Gulf states cut ties". Reuters. 13 June 2017. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  7. ↑ "King Mohammed VI arrives in Doha". Kuwait News Agency. 5 June 2002. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  8. ↑ "Amir of Qatar heads for Morocco Thursday". Bahrain News Agency. 6 July 2005. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  9. ↑ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine : "The Stream - Decades of dispute in Western Sahara". YouTube .
  10. ↑ "Making sense of the recent tension in Western Sahara".
  11. ↑ "Morocco, Qatar Agree to Normalize Relations". Al Bawaba. 22 October 2000. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
  12. ↑ Bruce Maddy-Weitzman (2003). Middle East Contemporary Survey. Vol. 24. The Moshe Dayan Center. pp. 488–489. ISBN   978-965-224-054-5.
  13. ↑ "Qatar 'open to mediate' between Algeria and Morocco". Middle East Monitor. 16 August 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  14. ↑ "Qatar Offers to Mediate Between Morocco and Algeria". Morocco World News. 16 August 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  15. ↑ "Morocco offers to mediate Qatar-GCC crisis". Al Jazeera. 11 June 2017. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  16. ↑ Youssef Cherif (7 September 2017). "Everyone is taking sides in the Qatar crisis. Here's why these four North African states aren't". The Washington Post. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  17. ↑ "Qatar signs aid deal worth $1.25 billion for Morocco". Reuters. 28 December 2013. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  18. ↑ Sameh Saeid (8 May 2017). "Qatar-Morocco ties hold more potential, can grow beyond $70 mn trade: Towar". Qatar Tribune. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  19. ↑ "Media Agreement between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Morocco". Qatar Legal Portal. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  20. ↑ "Morocco: Restore Accreditation to Al Jazeera". Human Rights Watch. 11 April 2011. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
  21. 1 2 Rachid Bougha (11 December 2011). "Moroccan hackers attack media websites in Qatar". Morocco World News. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
  22. ↑ "Moroccan Embassy in Doha, Qatar". embassypages.com. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  23. ↑ "Annuaire". Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates. Retrieved 2022-01-31.
  24. ↑ "Qatari Embassy in Rabat, Morocco". embassypages.com. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  25. ↑ "Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar". www.mofa.gov.qa. Retrieved 2022-01-31.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.