Morocco, EU Look Forward to Improving Partnership in 2023

Rabat - Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita met the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell on Thursday, as the two affirmed their intentions to up cooperation in 2023.

“This is a visit that paves the way for a year of very dense, very rich cooperation between Morocco and the European Union,” Bourita said during a joint press conference.

Morocco received a large number of EU officials throughout 2022, indicating that Rabat and Brussels have strengthened their agreements in all sectors, especially immigration and economic development.

Bourita described the EU as a “first choice” strategic partner for Morocco, adding that his discussion with Borrell included ways to “enrich” the partnership.

He specified that they looked into ways to reinforce political dialogue, security cooperation, and trilateral cooperation with Africa and the Middle East.

For his part, Borrell stressed the importance of the relations between the EU and Morocco, specifying that with over 5 million Moroccans living in Europe, the North African country is one of their most “dynamic” partners.

The EU Chief diplomat added that he and Bourita discussed geopolitical issues and conflicts, focusing on the effect that Russia’s military action in Ukraine has had on Europe and the world and stressing that Morocco remains an important partner for the EU on those matters.

“We have a lot of subjects to explore,” Borrellconcluded. “Allow me to underline once more that we should focus on common gains to explore a more amicable future.”

The EU has long been one of Morocco’s biggest trade and security partners, thanks in part to the geographic proximity between the two.

Trade between Brussels and Rabat has tripled over the past 10 years, Morocco’s Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch said on Thursday.

Source: moroccoworldnews