Bourita: “Morocco willing to expand the areas of its cooperation with Madagascar”

Hibapress

The Kingdom of Morocco, on the instructions of King Mohammed VI, is willing to expand and diversify the areas of its cooperation with the Republic of Madagascar, with a view to raising bilateral relations to the height of the aspirations and potential of the two countries, said, Friday in Rabat, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Living Abroad, Nasser Bourita.

The two countries are working on a road map to establish a dynamic partnership in priority areas for Morocco and Madagascar and strengthen their bilateral relations, underlined Mr. Bourita during a press briefing following his talks with the Malagasy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rasata Rafaravavitafika, visiting the Kingdom.

This first visit by the head of Malagasy diplomacy to Morocco represents an opportunity to establish an action plan for the weeks and months to come, in order to establish a solid and diversified partnership, he maintained, noting that the two countries are working on a roadmap to strengthen their relations in the future.

In this regard, he indicated that the upcoming opening of a Madagascar Embassy in Rabat will constitute a major turning point in the consolidation of relations between the two countries, and a mechanism for exploring available cooperation opportunities, noting that it was agreed to relaunch the joint commission which will meet soon in Antananarivo, and to encourage sectoral visits between the ministries concerned, whether in the areas of renewable energies, agriculture, fertilizers, transport, tourism and territorial cooperation, as well as strengthening training between the two countries, in the diplomatic field or in terms of professional training.

Referring to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Madagascar, Mr. Bourita affirmed that this is an appropriate opportunity to recall the solidity of bilateral relations and define the means to strengthen them, recalling, in this sense, the historic visit made by His Majesty King Mohammed VI to Madagascar in 2016, which constituted a flagship step in bilateral relations.

After highlighting the special place of Madagascar in the hearts and common memory of Moroccans, given its link with the struggle of the Moroccan Throne and people for independence, the minister indicated that Morocco is following with interest the all the programs and plans launched by President Andry Rajoelina to strengthen the economic and development foundations of his country.

Regarding South-South cooperation, Mr. Bourita highlighted the importance of cooperation and sharing of experiences between African countries, emphasizing the joint coordination between Morocco and Madagascar on the regional and international levels and at the United Nations level, as well as in terms of appointments within international organizations and issues on the agenda of the African Union agenda.