Fez – Morocco and Japan moved to deepen their long-standing partnership as Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita held virtual talks on Friday with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu in a meeting marked by mutual trust and friendship.
The high-level talks came as the two countries celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Japan, reaffirming the strength of ties built over decades of cooperation and mutual respect.
Both ministers highlighted the close relations between King Mohammed VI and Emperor Naruhito, describing the Rabat-Tokyo partnership as an important pillar for stability and economic growth in a rapidly changing global environment.
To mark the anniversary, the two sides signed a joint communiqué aimed at implementing the “Memorandum of Cooperation for an Enhanced Partnership” signed in Tokyo in 2024.
The agreement sets a practical roadmap for strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding coordination between the two foreign ministries.
The ministers also agreed to institutionalize strategic dialogue through regular political consultations and pledged to increase high-level exchanges in order to maintain continuous coordination between both countries.
Morocco and Japan further committed to strengthening cooperation through the Morocco-Japan Joint Committee, with a focus on expanding collaboration across several sectors.
Officials said the new phase of relations would support broader and more diversified cooperation covering economic, political, cultural and development fields.
Cultural exchanges and people-to-people relations were also highlighted as key priorities, with both countries seeking to bring their societies closer through stronger cultural cooperation and exchange programs.
On development cooperation, the ministers discussed opportunities for triangular partnerships involving Morocco, Japan and African partner countries, particularly in projects linked to development and regional cooperation.
In a symbolic gesture linked to the anniversary and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, the two ministers exchanged national football team jerseys carrying the number 70.
During the talks, Toshimitsu also congratulated Morocco on co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, saying the global event could open new investment opportunities in the kingdom for Japanese companies.
