On March 29, 2022, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Rabat, Morocco, to discuss regional security amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which, with sanctions, spiked wheat and fuel prices, impacting import-dependent North Africa. “We’re discussing concrete steps… to help reduce the impact,” Blinken told journalists, addressing the “disaster” supply crunch, per. He urged partners to “speak out against Russian aggression,” doubting Russia’s sincerity in Turkey-hosted talks, per. Morocco’s refusal to condemn Russia at the UN frustrated Washington, per.
Meetings with Moroccan and UAE Leaders
Blinken met Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita to address the Western Sahara dispute and security cooperation, including counterterrorism in the Sahel against Islamic State and Al Qaeda, per. Later, he met UAE Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ) at his Moroccan residence, emphasizing the “partnership between our countries really matters,” despite UAE’s divergence from U.S. policies, per. The UAE avoided criticizing Russia, sent diplomats to Moscow, and hosted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, per. Blinken assured support against Iran-backed Houthi attacks on UAE and Saudi Arabia, per.
Western Sahara Dispute
Discussions with Bourita focused on Western Sahara, a phosphate-rich former Spanish colony where Morocco controls 80%, while the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, runs the rest, per. In 2020, Trump recognized Moroccan sovereignty in exchange for Morocco normalizing ties with Israel via the Abraham Accords, per. The Biden administration, less vocal, viewed Morocco’s autonomy plan as “serious, credible, and realistic,” per Blinken, but stopped short of endorsing a U.S. consulate in the region, per. Bourita urged Europe to back Morocco’s plan, citing Spain’s recent support, per.
Broader Diplomatic Goals
Blinken’s visit followed a Negev Summit in Israel with UAE, Morocco, Bahrain, and Egypt, highlighting Arab-Israeli normalization, per. Talks with MBZ also covered reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, abandoned by Trump in 2018, amid rising Houthi attacks, per. “We’re determined to do everything we can to help you defend yourselves,” Blinken told MBZ, per. The visit aimed to align Morocco and UAE with U.S. priorities, though both maintained ties with Russia, per.
Implications and Regional Dynamics
Morocco’s strategic role in regional stability, bolstered by a $460 million U.S. compact, was reaffirmed, per. However, its non-condemnation of Russia and UAE’s independent foreign policy, including ties with China and Syria, complicated U.S. efforts, per. The Western Sahara issue remained divisive, with Algeria recalling its ambassador from Spain over its pro-Morocco shift, per. Blinken’s diplomacy sought to navigate these tensions, with 70% of Moroccans favoring neutrality on Ukraine, per a 2022 Arab Barometer survey, reflecting regional hesitance.
