Morocco looks set to get closer to Gulf states

Significance

The kingdom was previously seen as withdrawn from and largely peripheral to the wider Middle East. However, two issues -- the Israel-Morocco normalisation agreement in late 2020 and the consequent revival of the Western Sahara issue, with US recognition of Morocco’s claims over the territory -- have brought Rabat further into the spotlight.

Impacts

• Morocco will expand its diplomatic and economic partnerships to East Africa.
• Rabat may try again to position itself as a constructive international actor through offering mediation services.
• EU states will need to balance their commitment to the UN process in Western Sahara with maintaining strong tries to Rabat.