BRUSSELS – Morocco and the European Union (EU) have committed to elevating their longstanding partnership to meet contemporary global challenges, during the 15th session of the Morocco-EU Association Council held here on Thursday.
The high-level meeting, co-chaired by Mr. Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, and Ms. Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, was attended by numerous European foreign ministers and senior officials, signaling the relationship’s paramount importance.
Celebrating a Foundation, Building a Future:
Minister Bourita underscored the symbolic and substantive significance of the meeting, held as the two partners approach the 30th anniversary of their Association Agreement. “Morocco has consistently been at the forefront of the EU’s relations with its southern neighborhood,” Bourita stated, noting the Kingdom’s role as the EU’s leading trade partner in Africa and south of the Mediterranean.
He positioned Morocco as a stable, reliable, and visionary partner in an uncertain global context, attributing this standing to the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. “The Kingdom is a partner that is both demanding in its expectations and loyal in honoring its commitments,” Bourita affirmed.
EU Prioritizes Enhanced Cooperation with Key Partner:
Echoing the commitment to a stronger alliance, EU High Representative Kallas emphasized that after 30 years of association, “it is time to do much more together.” She outlined key areas for enhanced collaboration, including migration, security, and counter-terrorism, praising Morocco’s “unique experience” in combating radicalization.
Kallas confirmed the EU’s adoption of a new common position on the Moroccan Sahara, following the latest UN Security Council resolution, and thanked Morocco for hosting a meeting of the Global Alliance in support of the two-State solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Royal Leadership on Regional Initiatives Lauded:
The joint communiqué issued after the Council explicitly supported the work of the Al-Quds Committee, chaired by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, in pursuing lasting Middle East peace. Furthermore, the EU welcomed Morocco’s “constructive and visionary role” in regional cooperation, with discussions focusing on the Royal Initiative for the Atlantic African States.
Launched by His Majesty the King in 2022, this strategic initiative aims to transform the African Atlantic zone into a hub of stability, cooperation, and economic integration among 23 nations.
A Comprehensive Agenda for Shared Prosperity and Stability:
The broad ministerial participation in the Council underscored Morocco’s standing as an indispensable Euro-Mediterranean actor. Discussions spanned a wide agenda, from economic integration and green energy partnerships to addressing regional crises in Gaza, Ukraine, and the Sahel.
Both parties expressed a firm resolve to translate political dialogue into concrete outcomes, ensuring the Morocco-EU partnership continues to serve as a model of mutually beneficial cooperation and a pillar of regional stability.
BY: The Times Union
