Moroccan King to Take Part in Abidjan Summit

King Mohammed VI of Morocco reviews a guard of honour at the National palace during his state visit to Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, November 19, 2016
King Mohammed VI of Morocco reviews a guard of honour at the National palace during his state visit to Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, November 19, 2016
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Moroccan King to Take Part in Abidjan Summit

King Mohammed VI of Morocco reviews a guard of honour at the National palace during his state visit to Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, November 19, 2016
King Mohammed VI of Morocco reviews a guard of honour at the National palace during his state visit to Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, November 19, 2016

Moroccan Ministry of the Royal Household, Protocol and Chancellery announced on Sunday the participation of King Mohammed VI in the African Union-European Union Summit in Ivory Coast.

Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Nasser Bourita told Asharq Al-Awsat that Morocco's "empty seat policy" has come to en end, and those who thought "Morocco's seat in Abidjan summit will remain empty is going to be disappointed."

The 5th African Union-European Union Summit is scheduled to take place Abidjan November 29-30, where the leaders will discuss the future of EU-Africa relations, and focus on investing in youth.

The King's participation in the summit indicates that Morocco intends to continue its policy in participating in summits and conferences to "defend its historic rights and unity in face of its separatist enemies" known as the Sahrawi Democratic Republic unilaterally declared by Polisario Front in 1976, backed by Algeria and Libya.

Rabbat announced that the King's participation in the summit is not a recognition of the Sahrawi Democratic Republic.

Earlier, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini announced that the African Union is responsible for the participation of Sahrawi Democratic Republic. She reiterated EU doesn't recognize the Sahrawi Republic.

African diplomatic sources in Abidjan stated that the King Mohammed's participation is an important event, just as his participation in the previous summit in Addis Ababa.

The sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that after absence for over three decades, Morocco returned to the African Union.

Sources of the EU-African summit believe the King's personal participation pulled the rug from underneath Polisario that wanted to diplomatically take advantage of Morocco's objection to its participation in the summit and its withdrawal from the participation. Polisario hoped that through this, it can guarantee to achieve its goals with the support of Algeria.

Rabbat's participation in the Abidjan summit maintained the spirits that prevailed over the Addis Ababa summit especially with the majority of African countries welcoming the return of Morocco to its African family.

An African diplomat working in the African Union's headquarters in Addis Ababa indicated that Morocco's participation is an "additive value" to the Union and helps in uniting the continent.

King Mohammed VI arrived Sunday in Ivory Coast for a two-day friendship and work visit. The King was welcomed upon arrival at the airport by Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara and the two heads of state.

King Mohammed and President Ouattara are expected to hold a meeting Monday at the presidential palace in Abidjan and will both inaugurate joint projects including a hunting village and vocational training center.

King Mohammed had previously visited Abidjan for four times between 2013 and 2016.



Germany’s Merz Announces Gaza Aid Airlift, Mulls Upping Ante on Israel

 28 July 2025, Berlin: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks at a press conference at the Federal Chancellery, after the Security Cabinet meeting on the conflicts in the Middle East. (dpa)
28 July 2025, Berlin: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks at a press conference at the Federal Chancellery, after the Security Cabinet meeting on the conflicts in the Middle East. (dpa)
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Germany’s Merz Announces Gaza Aid Airlift, Mulls Upping Ante on Israel

 28 July 2025, Berlin: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks at a press conference at the Federal Chancellery, after the Security Cabinet meeting on the conflicts in the Middle East. (dpa)
28 July 2025, Berlin: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks at a press conference at the Federal Chancellery, after the Security Cabinet meeting on the conflicts in the Middle East. (dpa)

Germany will immediately launch an airlift to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza as it considers stepping up pressure on Israel over the "catastrophic" situation in the enclave, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday.

As the death toll from almost two years of war in Gaza nears 60,000, a growing number of people are dying from starvation and malnutrition, Gaza health authorities say, with images of starving children shocking the world and fueling international criticism of Israel over sharply worsening conditions.

Germany, together with the United States, has long remained one of Israel's staunchest allies and largest arms suppliers.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday many people were starving in the enclave, contradicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who denied there was starvation there.

The German security cabinet convened for more than two hours on Monday to discuss the situation, Merz told a news conference in Berlin. While it welcomed Israel's announcement of a halt in military operations for 10 hours a day in parts of Gaza as an "important first step", it agreed more must follow.

Asked if the council discussed sanctions like suspending the EU pact governing relations with Israel, a move Germany has in the past rejected, Merz said the council had discussed what options were available.

"We are keeping such steps on the table," he said.

Before making any decisions, however, he would try to speak with Netanyahu later on Monday and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul would travel to the region on Thursday, possibly together with his British and French counterparts. The German government would then reassess the situation over the weekend.

In the meantime, Berlin would do what it could to help alleviate the humanitarian situation, launching an airlift in cooperation with Jordan to deliver aid into Gaza.

"Defense Minister Boris Pistorius will closely coordinate with France and the UK, who are also willing to provide such an airlift for food and medical supplies," he said.

"We know that this can only provide very limited help for the people in Gaza, but it is nonetheless a contribution we are eager to make."

Germany would also prepare for a Gaza reconstruction conference in coordination with regional partners, Britain and France, he said. "No further expulsions from the Gaza Strip must occur."

German officials say their approach to Israel is governed by a special responsibility, known as the Staatsraison, arising from the legacy of the Nazi Holocaust.

They have long believed they can achieve more through diplomatic back channels than public statements. But Merz has come under growing pressure in recent weeks, including from within his own coalition, to take a firmer stance on Israel, and faced broad criticism for failing to join a statement last week by dozens of Western nations condemning the "inhumane killing" of Palestinians.