Rabat – Morocco has voiced its support for the efforts Saudi Arabia had made in recent years in order to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims during the Hajj season.
Morocco was quick to formally defend Riyadh in a war of words between the Saudi government and Iran.
Iran has been critical of the administration and supervision of the Hajj by the Saudis.
Rabat “welcomes the measure taken by Saudi Arabia, on instructions from the Custodian of the Two Holy Places of Islam, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, to ensure security, peace and comfort of pilgrims and enable them to accomplish this religious duty in the best conditions,” said Thursday the Foreign Ministry in a statement.
The “Supreme Leader” of Iran, Ali Khamenei, is on record as calling the Saudi royal family “cursed and evil.” He further said the family does not deserve to “manage the holy places” of Islam.
This is the second time in four months that the Moroccan government released a statement in support of Saudi Arabia in its ongoing conflict with Iran.
In May, Morocco’s Foreign Minister Salaheddine Mezouar reacted with the same voice when Iran opted to boycott the pilgrimage this year.
Both Morocco and Saudi Arabia are Sunni nations; Iran is a predominantly Shia country.
