Rabat – Having arrived in Morocco on Tuesday with Trump’s senior adviser Jared Kushner, US special envoy for international negotiations Jason Greenblatt expressed gratitude to King Mohammed VI for hosting the iftar (breaking fast ceremony) at the Sale Royal Palace on Tuesday.
The official tweeted his thanks to the Moroccan monarch, emphasizing that he was “honored” to share iftar with the King, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita, and Kushner.
“Thank you to his majesty for a special evening and for sharing your wisdom,” said Greenblatt. The US senior official also recalled the diplomatic ties between the US and Morocco during his brief note on the evening.
“Morocco is an important friend & ally of the United States.”
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Morocco and the US share strong political, economic, and military ties. Morocco also enjoys wide support among many members of Congress.
The North African country is among the few counties to sign a Free Trade Agreement with the US.
The US and Morocco also partner in counterterrorism to combat the global scourge of terrorism and extremism.
Maghreb Arab Press (MAP) reported that King Mohammed VI held talks with Jared Kushner on strengthening the “long-standing, solid, and multidimensional strategic partnership between Morocco and the United States, as well as on developments in the region of North Africa and the Middle East.”
The Kushner visit
Greenblatt arrived in Morocco with Trump’s son in law, Kushner, who is tasked with promoting the US Middle East Plan during his tour.
Honored to share an Iftar this evening with His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, FM Nasser Bourita & Jared Kushner. Thank you to His Majesty for a special evening and for sharing your wisdom. Morocco is an important friend & ally of the United States
— Jason D. Greenblatt (@jdgreenblatt45) May 28, 2019
Kushner is also expected to visit Jordan and Israel ahead of the US-sponsored economic symposium, which will take place on June 25-26 in Manama, Bahrain.
The conference aims to encourage investment in Palestine as promised by the US administration.
During the symposium, Kushner is expected to unveil his much-awaited “Deal of the Century,” which aims to end the Israel-Palestine Conflict.
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The deal focuses on an economic and human development approach.
The Bahrain economic conference will serve as a platform where the US will showcase the advantages of the’ Deal of the Century’. The conference will house workshops to convene finance ministers and regional business leaders in a forum discuss the economic future of the region.
Kushner said in an interview with CNN earlier this month that the deal’s focus would be the finding of a “realistic and viable” political future for the region.
While several countries already supported the symposium and confirmed their attendance, the Palestinian Authority announced its decision to boycott the business event in Manama.
Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a spokesperson for Palestine’s Mahmoud Abbas, said that there will be no peace discussion if the political aspect of the conflict is not given the spotlight it deserves. “Any plan without political horizons will not lead to peace.”
Rudeineh’s statement was supported by Nabil Shaath, an adviser to Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas who said last week that Palestine will “not take part in such a conference.”
“We will not sell our country based on an economic project,” he said.
The officials also called on Arab states to boycott the event.
Morocco’s support
Palestine has condemned the US approach to the conflict, emphasizing that Trump’s administration serves Israeli interests first.
The tension between Morocco and the US intensified when the US announced its decision to move their embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a decision which met with worldwide criticism.
The decision received a backlash from Arab leaders, including King Mohammed VI. The King shows Morocco’s support to the Palestinian cause at every possible event, denouncing any moves against the status of Jerusalem.
In December 2017, King Mohammed VI was among the first leaders who addressed a letter to Trump to warn him against the Jerusalem embassy.
The King also signed Al Quds call with Pope Francis during his visit to Morocco in March. The Jerusalem call aims to emphasize the multi-religious and trans-cultural character of Jerusalem.
The latest move to defend the Palestinian cause was during a meeting held between King Mohammed VI and King Abdullah II of Jordan, who visited Morocco in March.
The monarchs also discussed the latest development in the region, including Trump’s decision to sign a proclamation recognizing Israel’s control over the occupied Golan Heights.
The two Kings condemned Israel’s move towards the region. Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in 1967. Annexing the territory in 1981, Israel has since maintained control over the region.
