Rabat – Morocco and Kazakhstan have signed a visa-free agreement, aiming to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations.
The deal, which was signed by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Kazakh counterpart, Murat Nurtleu, marks a significant step forward in relations that have steadily developed since the countries established diplomatic ties in 1992.
The agreement, finalized during the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York (UNGA 2024), will allow citizens of both countries to travel without a visa for up to 30 days within a 180-day period.
Officials hope this move will spur tourism, business ventures, and cultural exchanges, creating new opportunities for cooperation.
“This agreement is a milestone in our relationship with Morocco,” Kazakhstan’s embassy in Morocco said in a statement. “It reflects the mutual desire to enhance collaboration across various sectors, from trade and investment to education and culture.”
Under the terms of the deal, citizens of both countries holding ordinary passports will be able to enter, exit, transit, and temporarily stay in the other nation for up to 30 days without the need for a visa.
The visa exemption does not extend to those seeking long-term stays, employment, or educational opportunities, of which will still require appropriate visas.
According to the statement, this visa-free agreement is a strategic step to further strengthen a bilateral relationship that has gained momentum in recent years.
Kazakhstan first opened its embassy in Rabat in 2021, and trade between the two nations has experienced notable growth. In the first 11 months of 2021, trade turnover between Morocco and Kazakhstan surged by nearly 60%, reaching $103.4 million.
Beyond economic ties, the two nations have explored increased cooperation in education, politics, and cultural diplomacy.
A recent meeting between Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Morocco, Saulekul Saylaukyzy, and Rachid Al Talbi Alami, the Speaker of Morocco’s House of Representatives, highlighted efforts to deepen inter-parliamentary relations and collaboration across sectors.
The visa-free agreement is also expected to boost tourism, making it easier for Moroccans and Kazakhs to explore each other’s rich cultural heritage.
For business leaders and investors, the agreement paves the way for expanded economic opportunities, as both nations look to increase bilateral trade and investment flows.
