Rabat – The British permanent under-secretary of state for foreign affairs, Sir Simon McDonald, made an official three-day visit to Morocco to hold bilateral discussions.
During his visit to Morocco January 22-24, Mcdonald expressed an optimistic view of the two countries’ already “strong” relationship and future as partners, writing several posts on his Twitter account about his visits to Rabat, Casablanca, and Ouarzazate.
In Rabat, Mcdonald met Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita, with whom he discussed bilateral talks on politics, business, education, culture, investment opportunities, and security issues.
So far, over 200 Moroccan companies export their products to Great Britain, and nearly 100 British companies are present in Morocco, such as GlaxoSmithKline, Shell, British Airways, and Unilever.
Read Also: UK’s Penspen to Plan First Phase of Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline FEED
Mcdonald discussed the “burgeoning economic relationship” between Morocco and the UK, despite the impending exit of the UK from the European Union.
In a tweet on Wednesday, he highlighted Morocco’s important role as a trading partner for his country, stating that the country provides British “consumers with 60% of their sardines, 30% of their tomatoes & c.25% of their soft fruit.”
#Morocco provides ?? consumers with 60% of their sardines, 30% of their tomatoes & c.25% of their soft fruit: chance today in Casablanca to discuss burgeoning economic relationship with scope to grow @UKinMorocco https://t.co/ijjP1y02tH
— Sir Simon McDonald (@SMcDonaldFCO) 24 janvier 2019
On Wednesday, Mcdonald commented on Rabat’s Grand Theater located in the Bouregreg Valley, which is still under construction. He described it as Africa’s “Sydney Opera House-equivalent” that “already dominates Bouregreg riverbank skyline.”
Africa gets its Sydney Opera House-equivalent: Grand Theatre de Rabat already dominates Bouregreg riverbank skyline. Zaha Hadid’s masterpiece is due to be completed this year @UKinMorocco pic.twitter.com/MQOGL1cUr3
— Sir Simon McDonald (@SMcDonaldFCO) 24 janvier 2019
In addition to trade and economy, Morocco and the UK are partners in the security field, tackling a range of security challenges together.
In terms of tourism, Morocco is a favorite tourist destination for British people. Nearly 700,000 British tourists visit the North African country each year, according to Maghreb Arab Press (MAP).
