Doha – Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita has described the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon as a “positive development” that requires respect and consolidation to preserve the country’s unity and territorial security, while Israeli attacks continue despite the truce.
Bourita’s statements came during a joint press conference with Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, who was bearing a written message from President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh to King Mohammed VI.
“Relations between the two countries are rooted in sincere brotherhood, permanent solidarity and fruitful cooperation,” Bourita stated.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Rabat with his Djiboutian counterpart on Tuesday, Bourita welcomed international efforts aimed at establishing the ceasefire and ending repeated attacks against Lebanese territory and people. However, he noted that “violations have unfortunately been observed in its implementation by the parties.”
The Moroccan minister expressed hope that the ceasefire could pave the way for implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 concerning south Lebanon. He stated the importance of strengthening Lebanese national institutions to enhance the security and safety of the Lebanese people.
“The Kingdom of Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, supports Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its territory,” Bourita stated, pointing out that Lebanon’s stability remains crucial for guaranteeing its unity and strengthening its people’s security.
Despite the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States and France last week, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) continue to conduct attacks across Lebanon. On Monday, Israeli strikes killed at least nine people in southern Lebanon’s Nabatiyeh governorate, with five deaths reported in Haris and four in Tallousa, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.
The IOF has carried out multiple strikes, including an attack on what they termed a “terrorist” cell in Lebanon’s Bekaa province, and drone strikes on the village of Beit Lif. Al-Nour Radio reported that one of its journalists, Ali Hassan Ashour, was killed in an Israeli strike.
Addressing the broader regional context, Bourita emphasized that finding a solution to the Palestinian question remains “the best means to guarantee security and stability in the Middle East.”
He concluded that strengthening regional security and stability “can only be achieved through resolving the Palestinian issue within the framework of the two-state solution and the creation of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders.”
Djibouti-Morocco ties
Regarding bilateral relations with Djibouti, Bourita said that the country “has always been a source of trust and credibility, able to play a leading role in promoting stability and security in the region.”
He added that Morocco “takes pride in Djibouti’s achievements under President Guelleh’s leadership in economic and social development and political stability.”
He pointed out that Morocco “never forgets Djibouti’s constant stance in favor of its important causes,” reaffirming Rabat’s commitment to continue to support Djibouti.
For his part, Youssouf asserted that “the Republic of Djibouti and the Kingdom of Morocco are bound by solid ties based on mutual respect and pan-Arab and Islamic brotherhood,” noting his country’s interest in benefiting from Morocco’s development experience.
The Djiboutian minister also discussed his bid for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission, succeeding Moussa Mohamed Faki, whose mandate ends next February, expressing his hope for Morocco’s support in this endeavor.
“I am currently in an election campaign in Morocco. If I am elected President of the African Union Commission, my priority will be financial management and governance. My goal will also be to mobilize internal funds,” he said, recalling Morocco’s annual contribution to the AU budget.
Morocco’s contribution amounts to $35 million, he said, adding that he would commit to promoting the development of intra-African trade.
