Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad, Nasser Bourita, praised on Tuesday in Rabat the new dynamic that the relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Kingdom of the Netherlands have experienced in recent years.
Speaking at a press conference after his talks with his Dutch counterpart, Tom Berendsen, Mr. Bourita emphasized that the evolution of these relations falls within the framework of the principle outlined by His Majesty King Mohammed VI for the foreign policy of the Kingdom, which is clarity and ambition. This has allowed for the establishment of strong bilateral relations based on mutual respect, transparency, responsibility, and a true partnership that takes into account the priorities of each party.
The Minister also noted that the position expressed by the Netherlands last December regarding the Moroccan Sahara constituted a major turning point in the evolution of bilateral relations, pointing out that this constructive stance aligns with international law and the United Nations resolutions, especially Security Council resolution 2797.
The Netherlands’ position has also been an important lever in fostering bilateral relations and strengthening the partnership between two influential regional players on the international scene, Mr. Bourita continued. Furthermore, he underlined that the choice by his Dutch counterpart to make Morocco his first visit outside the European space demonstrates the depth of bilateral relations and the shared willingness to prioritize the partnership between the two countries.
In this regard, he highlighted that the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as a key player within the European space, a staunch advocate of a strong Euro-Moroccan partnership, and a respected and attentive actor at the United Nations and in multilateral forums, has become a significant partner for the Kingdom of Morocco in terms of political dialogue.
“The coordination between the two countries on regional and international issues is essential,” added Mr. Bourita, specifying that this cooperation is based on fundamental partnership principles in consular and judicial areas, as well as in the fight against crime, extremism, and terrorism.
He also pointed out that Africa is one of the focal points of bilateral relations, stating that both parties will work to encourage Moroccan and Dutch private sectors to promote investment and seize commercial opportunities in the African continent. On the other hand, Mr. Bourita underscored the role of the Netherlands as a vital economic partner of Morocco, noting the promising prospects for the development of this cooperation, both commercially and in terms of investments.
In this context, he affirmed that the upcoming major events, such as Morocco hosting the 2030 World Cup and the strategic partnership between Morocco and the European Union, open new horizons for strengthening the economic partnership between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
