Rabat – Germany’s new Ambassador to Rabat Robert Dölger took up his duties on Tuesday, under newly improved relations between the two countries.
Dölger was appointed to the position following a meeting between Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock, which sought to put an end to months of diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
The ambassador will be contributing to the construction of a new roadmap of Rabat-Berlin relations, to fulfill previously stated goals of improved bilateral cooperation in all areas and sectors.
Dölger is considered a veteran diplomat in Germany, having joined the foreign ministry in 1991. Due to his tenure as the head of the ministry’s Middle East department and his experience as a diplomat in Africa, he is seen as an expert on the region.
While relations between the two countries were suspended due to what Morocco saw as “antagonism” from Germany’s part regarding the Western Sahara dispute, Berlin’s new government has seemed eager to restore normal relations between the two nations.
In December 2021, Germany’s government expressed support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for the region, citing it as an important contribution in the road to ending the dispute.
Since then, the two countries have reiterated intentions to improve relations and cooperate more, during several meetings between government officials.
In March, Bourita met with German Minister of Economic Cooperation Svenja Schulze. The two discussed more venues for cooperation, including renewable energies, employment, and sustainable development.
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Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also invited King Mohammed VI, to visit Germany, back in January, reiterating again the European country’s support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan.
As Morocco plays a role as an important partner in the African and Arab regions, many see it as in Germany’s best interests to preserve the relations between the two as well as possible.
The new ambassador is expected to build on the positive momentum between the two countries, in an effort to restore relations back to normalcy.
