Azerbaijan Says Support Morocco's Sovereignty Over Western Sahara is Matter of Principle, Not Diplomatic Favor
During a visit by Moroccan journalists to Baku, Azerbaijani Presidential Advisor and Head of Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, Hikmet Hajiyev, reaffirmed his country's steadfast support for Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara.
Hajiyev also described the two countries as bound by mutual respect, shared values, and historical parallels.
A partnership rooted in principle
Speaking to the visiting Moroccan media delegation, which Morocco World News (MWN) was part of, Hajiyev described Morocco as a 'brotherly country' and commended the strength of bilateral ties. 'We have excellent relations across all sectors. The only issue is the geographic distance,' he said.
For Azerbaijan, he added, Islamic solidarity and cooperation with Arab countries remain core pillars of foreign policy. 'We share many similarities with Morocco,' he noted, describing the North African country as a key partner in both the Arab and Islamic worlds.
Hajiyev recalled the early roots of the diplomatic relationship, pointing to a historic meeting between Azerbaijan's former leader, Heydar Aliyev, and Morocco's King Hassan II during a summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Casablanca.
'That visit laid the foundation of our ties, not only with Morocco but also with the Arab and Muslim world,' he said.
A shared struggle for recognized sovereignty
In response to a direct question about Azerbaijan's stance on Western Sahara, Hajiyev offered a firm response: 'We have always supported Morocco's sovereignty and territorial integrity.'
He drew a connection between Morocco's position in the Western Sahara and Azerbaijan's own experience with Armenia.
'When we gained independence, Armenia occupied 20% of our territory, including Karabakh,' he said. 'We trusted international law, waited for thirty years, and upheld the UN resolutions. But in the end, we had to act to restore our sovereignty.'
After retaking full control of Karabakh in 2023, Azerbaijan, Hajiyev explained, gained clarity on what it means to have sovereignty denied. 'Because we suffered the consequences of occupation, we place enormous value on the territorial integrity of other states. Our position on Morocco's territorial integrity is not diplomatic courtesy, it is a question of principle.'
Building on cultural affinity
The Moroccan delegation's visit to the National Museum of Literature in Baku included a special exhibition on Azerbaijani journalism, which provided a window into the country's intellectual history. But for Hajiyev, the cultural bond goes far beyond exhibitions.
He described a visit by a Moroccan royal who was surprised by the resemblance between traditional Moroccan and Azerbaijani designs. 'He noticed that our ornaments and patterns mirror Moroccan motifs,' Hajiyev said. 'It showed that our cultures have long been in quiet conversation, even without knowing it.'
He also pointed to Morocco's hosting of ISESCO, the Islamic world's educational and cultural institution, as a symbol of its standing. 'Morocco is one of the cultural centers of the Muslim world, and we give that special importance,' he said.
Azerbaijan, he added, plans to promote further exchanges in heritage, language, and the arts. 'We must make the cultures of both countries better known to each other,' he said. 'Your cuisine, your clothing, your traditions are already familiar here. We want to take this further.'
Religious tolerance, intercultural dialogue
Hajiyev emphasized the value of tolerance that the two countries share.'In Morocco, Christians, Jews, and Muslims live together in peace. We see the same reality in Azerbaijan,' he said.
This, he argued, gives both countries the credibility to speak globally on matters of coexistence. 'There's not only a need for dialogue between civilizations. There's a need for dialogue within them. The divisions in the Muslim world today are growing,' he said. 'Together, we can help change that.'
Economic and tourism potential
While acknowledging the solid foundation of political cooperation, Hajiyev described economic ties between the two countries as underdeveloped. 'There's great potential for growth in trade, investment, and tourism,' he said. 'Morocco is known internationally as a tourism hub. Azerbaijanis are increasingly drawn to it.'
He noted a rising interest in Azerbaijan among Moroccan citizens, reflected in online conversations and social media engagement. 'But awareness is still low,' he admitted. 'That's why visits like yours are essential. You help inform people about what's possible.'
Hajiyev recounted his visit to Morocco over a decade ago. 'Friends tell me the country has changed a lot since then. I look forward to seeing that with my own eyes,' he said.
Regional stability amid global turbulence
Despite the current international turmoil, from the wars in Ukraine and Gaza to tensions between Iran and Israel, Hajiyev said Azerbaijan remains a zone of stability.
'The conflict with Armenia is over. We control our territory, and we live in peace thanks to the wisdom of our leaders,' he said. 'We understand instability. It's all around us. But we also believe in sovereignty, in diplomacy, and cooperation.'
This belief, he concluded, drives Azerbaijan's position on Western Sahara, and why it stands as a beacon of support for Rabat's territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces. 'We know what it means to have your land taken. That's why we defend Morocco's right to its territory, clearly, without hesitation, and condition.' Tags: azerbaijanbilateral tiesMoroccoWestern sahara
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
![Sahara : When Algeria sides with a Zionist to undermine Morocco [Editorial]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Far.yabiladi.com%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2Fyabiladi.e18af44351b6c8ed5c192cff180af42220250708155843.webp&w=3840&q=100)
![Sahara : When Algeria sides with a Zionist to undermine Morocco [Editorial]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic-mobile-files.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com%2Fyabiladi.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Ya Biladi
an hour ago
- Ya Biladi
Sahara : When Algeria sides with a Zionist to undermine Morocco [Editorial]
مدة القراءة: 2' In recent days, Algerian state media (notably APS) have eagerly amplified John Bolton's call for a revival of a self-determination referendum in Western Sahara. The former neoconservative hawk, known for his hardline opposition to the United Nations, unwavering support for Israel, and aggressive stance toward the Arab world, is now being portrayed - through Algeria's official voice - as an unlikely ally on one of its core foreign policy issues. The irony is glaring, and this alignment raises more questions than it answers. John Bolton is a symbol of political Zionism in Washington, a champion of moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, a vocal supporter of U.S.-led wars in the Middle East, and a staunch advocate for Israeli interests. He embodies everything the Algerian regime claims to oppose: Western imperialism, aggression against Arab nations, and most of all, Israeli policies toward Palestinians. Yet Algiers, which touts its support for Palestine as a cornerstone of its diplomacy, has chosen to celebrate the very man who stands in ideological opposition to those values. Palestine Sacrificed on the Altar of the Polisario This isn't just an ideological contradiction, it reflects a clear hierarchy of priorities. By aligning itself with Bolton's position, Algeria shows that it is willing to sideline its historic commitments whenever the chance to undermine Morocco presents itself. The Palestinian cause, often waved at Pan-African, Arab, or Non-Aligned summits, becomes secondary to Algeria's fixation on the Sahara. It's a logic reminiscent of temporary alliances in conflict zones, where sworn enemies unite against a shared foe. But here, it's not a desperate wartime pact, it's a calculated diplomatic move. Algeria, which presents itself as a champion of anti-imperialist solidarity, is symbolically aligning with an ideologue whose worldview is the very antithesis of its stated doctrine. And it's not even doing so in the name of national security, but to prop up a separatist movement that has been steadily losing international traction. Worse still, Bolton is calling on Algeria to make financial concessions to benefit Trump and American corporations. Realpolitik or Rank Inconsistency? Some analysts, like those quoted by El Independiente, frame this as realpolitik, a pragmatic strategy where ideology takes a back seat to national interest. Fair enough. But that framing doesn't erase the glaring contradiction of a regime that claims to be a fortress of Palestinian solidarity while publicly legitimizing one of the most outspoken proponents of American Zionism. Algeria, which regularly condemns Morocco's normalization with Israel, now finds itself echoing figures who helped craft that very normalization across the Arab world. This strange convergence feels less like a calculated strategy and more like a revealing slip. The Algerian regime appears increasingly willing to set aside all its red lines, including its foundational anti-Zionism and anti-colonialism, for the sake of opposing Morocco. And perhaps that's the real takeaway from this episode: in certain diplomatic battles, the masks eventually fall. Algeria's support for the Polisario seems, now more than ever, less about the principle of self-determination and more about a deeply entrenched hostility toward Morocco.
Ya Biladi
an hour ago
- Ya Biladi
Polisario turns to UK NGO to counter British media reports on Iran and terrorism links
In the United Kingdom, the task of countering terrorism accusations against the Polisario Front has been taken up by Adala UK, a British legal NGO led by Sidi Ahmed Fadel. A Sahrawi activist, Fadel is a regular participant in meetings of the UN Fourth Committee and sessions of the UN Human Rights Council. Disputing the content of a recent article published by The Telegraph, the association strongly condemned what it described as a «mischaracterisation of the Polisario Front as a terrorist organisation». «We express our deep concern and strong objection to the article recently published by The Telegraph, which calls for the proscription of the Polisario Front as a terrorist organisation and attempts to link the movement with acts of terrorism and instability», the NGO stated in a letter addressed to the newspaper's editor-in-chief. UK Government Pressed on the Issue In its response, Adala UK pointed the finger at Rabat, claiming the article in question «fails to address the serious and ongoing human rights abuses committed by Moroccan authorities in occupied Western Sahara». It's worth noting that the Polisario has previously attempted to distance itself from controversial statements and reports. In May, the group sought to downplay calls, published in some Spanish media and allegedly made by one of its self-styled «ministers», urging attacks on tourists and investors in the Sahara. Similarly, the Polisario dismissed a La Vanguardia article published in June that reported the presence of Sahrawis from the Tindouf camps among the leadership of terrorist groups operating in the Sahel. In its July 1st article, The Telegraph claimed that «Iran has just reached another stage in its terrifying war against the West. Britain needs to proscribe the Polisario Front as a terrorist organisation». This call was echoed by several political figures, including former UK Defence Secretary Liam Fox and Irish Senator Gerard Craughwell. The issue was formally raised in a written question by Conservative MP Charlie Dewhirst to the British Home Secretary. On May 14, Dan Jarvis, the UK's Minister of State for Security, issued a cautious response: «Whilst the Government keeps the list of proscribed organisations under constant review, we do not routinely comment on intelligence and security matters, including whether or not an organisation is under consideration for proscription».
Morocco World
6 hours ago
- Morocco World
Marriage Before Education? Benkirane's Backward Advice Sparks Outrage
At a political rally in Agadir on July 5, Abdelilah Benkirane, Secretary General of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), decided to offer young Moroccan women some advice: forget school, forget work. Just get married. 'Girls, stop saying 'we'll study, work, and then get married,'' he said from the stage. 'You can do all that after marriage. But if you miss the chance to marry, your education won't matter. You'll end up like a lonely seagull.' The comment would be laughable if it weren't coming from a former Prime Minister, and if it didn't prove, once again, how far some politicians are willing to go to drag Moroccan women back into submission. The message is beyond clear and implies that ambition is cute when it comes to women, but marriage is your expiry date. Miss it, and you're doomed. Seagull status: women's new normal? Comparing a woman who prioritizes her education to a ' lonely seagull' is absurd, low, and dehumanizing. A seagull, isolated and aimless in Benkirane's metaphor, suggests failure, loss, and irrelevance. But what does that say about the thousands of Moroccan women who choose every day to study, work, and live on their own terms? It is a metaphor drenched in condescension, as if a woman without a husband is a creature to pity and not a human being. Benkirane's idea is more than just bad rhetoric; it's a deliberate insult to the countless women who carry this country forward in classrooms, hospitals, farms, houses, offices, and beyond. The speech went viral within hours, and not because it struck wisdom. Civil society groups, feminist organizations, and ordinary citizens reacted with outrage. 'When triviality controls the thought of a politician, the topics raised become worthless, and with it the essence of real issues is lost,' one Instagram user commented. Another commenter said, 'Let's hope you apply this to your daughter as well.' Yet many other comments, mostly by men, agreed with Benkirane's twisted rhetoric. One of many similar comments outrageously suggested: 'This is true religion. Women should, at the end of the day, marry, have a family, and serve their husbands.' Benkirane's remarks sparked a fierce polarization that laid bare Morocco's cultural fault lines. The diverse reactions show how much these issues continue to fracture public discourse, with some defending outdated norms as cultural or religious imperatives, while others demand a break from the past and insist on respecting individual autonomy and equality. The association Kif Mama Kif Baba also condemned what it called a 'retrograde sermon,' pointing out that 97% of girls married before 18 drop out of school permanently. 'While the state pours billions into keeping girls in school,' the association said, 'you tell them to walk out and wait for a ring?' They went further: defending the right to stay single, to build a life on one's terms, and to refuse the tired narrative that a woman's worth depends on her marital status. 'Marriage can wait,' they wrote, 'but missed education does not return. Every woman has the right to decide how she lives, not just who she marries.' Marriage as the final exam As if the daily weight of societal pressure, legal loopholes, and economic inequality weren't enough, Benkirane has found a way to add more fuel to the fire that has long consumed the dreams and lives of ambitious Moroccan women. In a country where too many girls still face child marriage, school dropouts, family pressure, and limited job prospects, he casually implies that a woman's value hinges on how quickly she finds a husband. Moroccan women already battle a system that polices their choices, questions their independence, and sidelines their voices. Now, they must also endure being told that their ambitions are pointless without a trophy husband. Benkirane's comment depicts how out of touch parts of Morocco's political class remain with the country's realities. His words reinforce the very structures that keep women confined, judged, and treated as if their freedom were a problem to solve, not a right to defend. Girls and women today know what they want. And it's definitely not a lecture from a politician who sees their future as a household chore with a diploma on the side. Tags: Benkiranegender disparityMoroccounderage marriagewomenwomen rights
