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Rabat – Morocco’s Royal Navy units did not participate in the Red Wave naval exercise held in Saudi Arabia from December 30 to January 4, 2019, in the Red Sea.
The military exercise convened units from Egypt, Jordan, Djibouti, Yemen, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
Morocco’s no-show in the military event might be translated as further evidence that Moroccan-Saudi diplomatic ties are strained
Despite formal congratulatory messages between the leaders of the both countries, diplomatic ties between the two countries are tense since Morocco’s decision to stay neutral on the Gulf crisis between the Saudi-led coalition and Qatar.
Read Also: King Mohammed VI Snubs Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Morocco’s neutrality caused a Saudi official to show anti-Moroccan sentiments during the 2026 World Cup bid.
During the bid, former -chairman of the General Sports Authority of Saudi Arabia Turki Al Sheikh showed unfriendly sentiments towards Morocco.
He complained about Morocco’s neutral position on the Gulf crisis between Qatar and the Saudi-led coalition.
Al-Sheikh tweeted, “Some people went astray. If you want our support, you should seek it in Riyadh. What you are doing is wasting your time. Now ask the pseudo-state to help you,” referring to Qatar.
Saudi Arabia lobbying against Morocco’s bid during the World Cup process resulted in further tension between the two countries.
When Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced his “world tour” in 2018, King Mohammed VI refused to receive him personally, according to a source quoted by Morocco World News.
