Rabat – Morocco and Cuba have restored their diplomatic relations after 37 years, announced the Moroccan news agency.

It said that the two countries’ permanent representatives at the United Nations signed an agreement in New York to resume the ties that were severed in 1976 after Havana recognized the Polisario Front’s “Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic”.

The agreement stated:”The government of the Kingdom of Morocco and the government of the Cuban republic, who share a mutual desire to develop ties of friendship and cooperation in political, economic and social fields, have resumed their diplomatic ties on the level of ambassadors.”

The agreement, written in Spanish, English and Arabic, became effective immediately after it was signed by the two sides.

A Moroccan Foreign Ministry statement said that the kingdom restored its ties with Cuba based on the orders of King Mohammed VI

“The decision is part of royal directives to achieve open diplomacy with partners and in new geographic fields,” it added.

The monarch also ordered opening a Moroccan embassy in Havana.

King Mohammed had paid a visit to Cuba last week.

The Moroccan news agency noted that the restoration of ties with the Caribbean country came shortly after Morocco rejoined the African Union.

“Moroccan diplomacy has entered a new significant phase under the leadership of King Mohammed. It will steer away from outdated and petty calculations and ideologies,” said the news agency.