Moroccan Diplomacy: Why Is It So Successful? Syria, Libya, Kenya, El Salvador, Ecuador, Ghana. Question: Why have these countries rallied behind Morocco’s position on its territorial integrity? We have closely followed all these developments that have occurred in such a short time. The engines of Morocco’s diplomatic aircraft no longer shut down—barely has it landed than it takes off again for another destination. It’s a symbol of rare dynamism.
The first answer is this: It is the result of Morocco’s international policy, built on three fundamental principles: respect for peoples, consistency, and solidarity.
Respect for peoples: This is evident in Morocco’s conduct with countries that recognize the Polisario separatists—yet Morocco continues to engage with them economically, culturally, and even in sports. Moroccan diplomacy believes that, regardless of political disagreements between states, the people themselves will always want to maintain connections.
Consistency: A perfect illustration is seen in Morocco’s stance on Syria and Libya. From the outset, Morocco clearly and unapologetically supported the revolutions against their bloody regimes. It has remained firm and unwavering. The same policy applies to the Sahel countries. In the event of a military coup, Morocco refrains from making judgments—it deals with new leaders who are committed to advancing the interests of their populations.
Solidarity: Examples are countless. Morocco has always made its resources available to other countries in times of need. Its field hospitals are among the fastest and most frequently deployed across the globe. It consistently seeks to address humanitarian needs wherever they arise.
These principles have given Morocco’s international policy strong credibility—further reinforced by the credibility of King Mohammed VI himself, in the eyes of his global peers. As the architect of this diplomacy, the Sovereign is its driving force. It operates under his signature. And that signature is one of the most trusted among political leaders, institutions, organizations, international donors, and investors. Personal charisma certainly plays a role—but so do tangible achievements on the ground.
Yet no policy is guaranteed to succeed. Its success depends on the people chosen to implement it. In this regard—both domestically and internationally—those appointed have demonstrated their competence, thus validating the Sovereign’s choices. After appointing them, he supports them and helps turn them into public figures. This is why Nasser Bourita, Abdellatif Hammouchi, Yassine Mansouri, and Fouzi Lekjaa have become well-known personalities, widely followed on social media. The affairs of the state have become the affairs of all Moroccans.
All of this explains why Moroccan diplomacy works. And, equally, why it doesn’t work for its opponents—whether foreign or domestic. The reason for their failure is simple: they embody the opposite of the three principles we’ve outlined above. Algeria loses ground to Morocco every day. Islamists discredit themselves with each Moroccan success.
This is a real war—let’s not forget—and it’s constant. But it’s a war waged in the style of King Mohammed VI: without steel, without fire, without blood.
An example? Here’s one. Seven years ago, a former Algerian foreign minister accused Royal Air Maroc of transporting "something other than passengers"—hinting at illicit goods, drugs… "Everyone knows it," he claimed, with the confidence of someone who thinks he knows everything.
Well, here we are in 2025, and RAM has just signed a partnership agreement with the Confederation of African Football. The airline’s logo will now appear at all CAF matches—including those played in Algeria. All referees will wear it too. That was Morocco’s response. It may take time—but it always comes. And that, everyone knows.
