Morocco to Approve Germany’s Appointment of New Ambassador

Rabat - Morocco is preparing to approve Germany’s appointment of Thomas Peter Zahneisen as its new ambassador to Rabat, confirming news that the two countries have been engaged in talks to put behind months of frozen relations.

Rabat – Morocco is preparing to approve Germany’s appointment of Thomas Peter Zahneisen as its new ambassador to Rabat, confirming news that the two countries have been engaged in talks to put behind months of frozen relations.

According to Le360, Morocco is expected to give its green light to Ambassador Zahneisen’s appointment by the end of this week.

Zahneisen, who is expected to come to Rabat in the coming days to begin his diplomatic mission, could be part of a list of newly appointed foreign ambassadors who have been scheduled to submit their credentials to King Mohammed VI, the same source noted.

Meanwhile, Morocco’s ambassador to Germany Zhour Alaoui will also soon return to Berlin.

In recent weeks, Morocco and Germany have sent signals of their willingness to put behind these past months of simmering tensions.

Reports suggest the election of a new government in Germany might have accounted for the Western European country’s decision to commit to a renewal of diplomatic ties with Morocco.

Earlier this month, Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier extended an invitation to King Mohammed VI to visit the Western European country.

The German president emphasized Morocco’s improved business climate, describing the country as a “site of investment” that has become important for German companies in Africa.

He also lauded Morocco’s efforts in implementing several political, social, and economic reforms under King Mohammed VI.

In March of last year, Morocco suspended all contact with the German embassy in Rabat over fundamental disagreements on Western Sahara and other issues that Morocco deems vital for its interests.

Of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara region, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier stressed that his country considers Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as a “serious and credible effort by Morocco and as a good basis for reaching an agreement to the regional dispute.”

Morocco and Germany have enjoyed notable economic and trade deals since 1956 and there are around 300 companies with German equity participation operating in Morocco.