Rabat — China and Morocco have taken a significant step forward in strengthening their bilateral relations with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing strategic diplomatic dialogue and cooperation.
The agreement was signed in Beijing on Friday by Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Nasser Bourita, and his Chinese counterpart, H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, during a high-level diplomatic meeting between the two nations.
A Framework for Strategic Dialogue
The newly signed MoU establishes a mechanism for strategic dialogue between the foreign ministries of the two countries, institutionalizing a platform for regular consultations and high-level engagement. The agreement builds upon the 2016 Joint Statement on Strategic Partnership signed between His Majesty King Mohammed VI and Chinese President Xi Jinping, further reinforcing long-standing ties between Rabat and Beijing.
The dialogue mechanism is expected to enhance coordination on regional and global issues, deepen political trust, and facilitate broader collaboration across economic, cultural, and development sectors.
Support for African Development and South–South Cooperation
During the meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi commended the initiatives launched under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, particularly those contributing to Africa’s sustainable development. He recognized Morocco’s role as a key actor in promoting South–South cooperation, noting the country’s citizen-centered development strategies as a model for inclusive growth.
Minister Wang emphasized China’s continued support for Morocco’s development model and welcomed the Kingdom’s increasing engagement on the African continent.
Morocco Aligns with Global Chinese Initiatives
For his part, Minister Bourita expressed Morocco’s firm support for President Xi Jinping’s major global initiatives, including the:
- Global Development Initiative (GDI)
- Global Security Initiative (GSI)
- Global Civilization Initiative (GCI)
- Global Governance Initiative, launched at the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin
In a further sign of alignment, Minister Bourita announced Morocco’s decision to join the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), a China-led initiative aimed at promoting peaceful conflict resolution through dialogue. IOMed is headquartered in Hong Kong.
Expanding Economic and Industrial Ties
Both sides reiterated their commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation across key economic sectors. Minister Bourita and Minister Wang highlighted the growing momentum in industrial, energy, and logistics collaboration, aligning with Morocco’s broader ambitions to become a regional hub for investment and trade.
Earlier this year, Morocco’s Minister of Industry, Mr. Ryad Mezzour, stated that the partnership with China spans “all critical sectors,” with a particular focus on infrastructure and sustainable industrial development.
According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, China-Morocco trade reached new heights in the first half of 2025, with Chinese exports to Morocco increasing by 20.4% year-on-year, totaling $52.9 billion. China remains Morocco’s third-largest trading partner.
Strategic Cooperation in Practice
As part of tangible cooperation under the strategic partnership, Morocco recently received 723 high-end Yutong buses from China. This delivery is part of Morocco’s nationwide preparations for hosting the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) this December. The modern fleet will enhance public transport infrastructure ahead of the continental event, underlining the practical benefits of Morocco–China cooperation.
A Gateway to Africa
China continues to view Morocco as a strategic gateway to the African continent, a role Rabat is actively embracing through its deepening political and economic ties with Beijing.
During a meeting with Crown Prince Moulay Hassan earlier this year, President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s strong support for Morocco, praising the “sound development of bilateral relations” and the “fruitful, practical cooperation” taking place across multiple fields.
BY: The Times Union
