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Tangier — Morocco and Turkiye are joining forces to strengthen cooperation on road safety and maritime corridors.
The two countries signed two cooperation agreements on Friday in Istanbul to foster bilateral ties in the transport sector.
Morocco’s Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh and Turkiye’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu signed the memoranda of understanding (MOU) during an international transport forum.
Road safety technology partnership
The first agreement between the two countries covers technological cooperation in road safety, with Morocco aiming to benefit from Turkiye’s experience in securing freight transport by trucks.
“Morocco is interested in the Turkish experience in securing the transport of goods via trucks,” Kayouh told Morocco’s official news agency MAP.
Maritime fleet development
The second memorandum supports Morocco’s study to strengthen its national maritime fleet, based on Turkiye’s significant experience in maritime navigation and shipbuilding.
“Turkiye has accumulated important experience in maritime navigation and shipbuilding,” the minister explained.
International transport forum
Morocco is participating in this three-day international event, from June 27-29, with a delegation led by Kayouh, including several directors and officials from the transport and road safety sector.
Initiated by the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and the World Bank support, the event brings together high-level political decision-makers, ministers, representatives from international organizations and global financial institutions, industry and private sector leaders, and expert specialists.
Focus on global transport networks
The forum serves as a platform for strategic discussions on developing and improving international transport corridors. Beyond enhancing physical connectivity, the discussions cover key areas including sustainable development, green economy transition, and expanded use of renewable energy sources.
Participants also explore digitization and artificial intelligence potential, innovative practices, effective financing solutions, and intensified regional cooperation on a global scale.
Morocco’s transport and maritime situation
The signing of the MOUs comes at a time when the North African country’s maritime transport fleet is experiencing a dramatic decline to only 17 vessels, down from approximately 70 ships in the 1960s and 1970s.
Morocco’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics has already initiated a study to reinvigorate the country’s maritime capabilities, aiming to foster its logistical sovereignty and ease citizens’ maritime transportation.
To enhance the country’s transport sector, the ministry has recently launched a comprehensive reform plan, focused on improving public safety, upgrading infrastructure, and enhancing service quality across various transport modes.
The reform includes the renewal of the intercity bus fleet, professional training for drivers, and support for the rural and tourism transport sectors, as well as the car rental industry.
