Doha – Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita held talks with Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad bin Sultan Al Muraikhi in Rabat on Thursday, as the two countries continue to strengthen their multifaceted partnership.
The discussions centered on enhancing bilateral relations between Morocco and Qatar, exploring ways to reinforce cooperation across various sectors in line with the directives of King Mohammed VI and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
During the meeting, Bourita expressed Morocco’s gratitude for Qatar’s “constant and unwavering support” for the country’s territorial integrity, particularly Doha’s backing of the Autonomy Plan as “the sole basis for resolving the regional dispute over the Sahara within the framework of Morocco’s sovereignty.”
Both officials voiced satisfaction with the recent momentum in bilateral cooperation, punctuated by numerous ministerial exchanges and high-level visits focusing on priority sectors for the Maghreb country and the Gulf state.
The two sides also addressed regional and international issues, reaffirming their shared position on Arab causes, particularly the Palestinian issue.
They restated their support for “the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to establish an independent state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital,” in accordance with the two-state solution and relevant international resolutions.
This diplomatic engagement builds upon strengthening defense ties between the countries. Just days earlier, Qatar and Morocco signed a new defense cooperation agreement in Doha during talks between Lieutenant General Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Mannai, Qatar’s chief of staff, and Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid, inspector general of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.
The military partnership has seen meaningful development. The Qatari military delegation recently completed a two-week legal advisors training program in Rabat from April 7-18, which included visits to various Moroccan civil and military institutions.
Relations between Morocco and Qatar, established in 1972, continue to expand across multiple domains. The two countries maintain robust economic ties, with Qatar ranking as one of Morocco’s largest foreign investors. In 2011, they established a $2 billion joint venture fund with equal contributions from both partners.
Cultural cooperation has also flourished. Morocco was named as Qatar’s Years of Culture partner for 2024, featuring over 80 events throughout the year, including exhibitions, workshops, and cultural exchanges.
The bilateral relationship was further reinforced last December, when King Mohammed VI and Sheikh Tamim held a phone conversation to discuss ways to enhance cooperation and address regional issues of mutual interest.
