Morocco Roundup: Bilateral ties, domestic flights, soccer dispute

Soccer dispute

Algeria and Morocco are in a soccer dispute over a map of disputed Western Sahara territory on a team jersey. The case has gone to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The dispute has affected games between the two teams and the full appeal is now against the Confederation of African Football, the Moroccan soccer federation, and Berkane. According to Africanews, the Moroccan team has been wearing the disputed jersey the entire season. The two sides are currently exchanging written submissions and it is unclear if a decision will be reached before the scheduled final games.

Increase in domestic flights

Air Arabia Maroc has increased domestic flights between Agadir and Rabat, adding three flights to bring the total to seven per week. Morocco World News reports that this decision is expected to have a positive impact on domestic and international tourism in the region. The increase in flights is in line with the overall growth in air traffic at Moroccan airports, with a 14% increase in passenger numbers and an 11% increase in the number of flights during the first three months of 2024.

Morocco, Yemen bilateral relations

Morocco and Yemen pledged to solidify their relations and strengthen cooperation across various sectors during a meeting in Gambia. They emphasised support for Yemen’s unity, stability, and sovereignty, as well as Morocco’s backing for a unified and stable Yemen. Morocco World News reports that this diplomatic engagement follows Yemen’s reaffirmation of support for Morocco’s territorial integrity in 2023. The meeting highlighted the historical significance of the relationship between the two countries.

 Nato Military Committee Chair visits Morocco

Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of NATO Military Committee, visited Morocco to strengthen military cooperation and partnerships. He met with Moroccan defense leaders and emphasised the importance of military cooperation in addressing security challenges. Bauer also highlighted the need for NATO to deepen its partnerships in the southern neighbourhood, particularly in areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, and border security. According to Nato, both parties expressed interest in increasing cooperation for peace and stability.

Morocco, Senegal strengthen ties

Morocco and Senegal solidified their strong ties during the Islamic Summit in Banjul, reflecting Morocco's proactive diplomacy in Africa. Senegal is a strong supporter of Morocco's territorial integrity in Western Sahara and has opened consulates in Morocco's southern provinces in a symbolic gesture of support. King Mohammed VI's invitation to the summit highlights the exceptional nature of the Morocco-Senegal relationship. Overall, the meeting underscores the close ties between the two countries, Morocco World News reports.