Morocco Denounces US Economic Embargo on Cuba

Morocco joined 186 nations in opposing the enduring economic embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba, despite Havana's long-standing support for the Polisario Front.

This stand was made during a vote on a United Nations resolution against the American blockade on the Caribbean island.

The move was noteworthy as Morocco, this time, opposed the stance of its strategic ally against Cuba, whose Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez Parilla, described the 60-year embargo as a “violation of international trade rules."

Although the embargo continues, with the US emphasizing its support for the Cuban people's aspirations for a future where human rights and basic freedoms are prioritized, the global call for ending the embargo has grown louder.

In the past, the diplomatic ties between Morocco and Cuba were strained due to Havana's backing of the Polisario Front, supported by Algeria, in its separatist thesis.

However, in 2017, a significant thaw occurred when Morocco announced the restoration of diplomatic relations with Cuba at the ambassadorial level, ending a 37-year estrangement.

This shift was further cemented last year when Hicham Alaoui presented his credentials as the new ambassador of the Kingdom to Cuban President Diaz-Canel Bermudez.

The latter expressed his country's desire to “enhance economic relations with Morocco,” heralding a new phase in their bilateral ties.