Lisbon, Rabat Determined to Bolster Strategic Partnership – Portuguese FM
Lisbon - Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel praised on Tuesday in Lisbon the outstanding the relations between Morocco and Portugal, expressing the latter's firm will to bolster these ties in all areas, in the service of the shared interests of both nations.
During a joint press briefing with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, Rangel highlighted his government’s commitment to reinvigorating and deepening its relationship with the Kingdom.
He further emphasized the strategic nature of the longstanding bilateral ties, describing them as a top priority in Portuguese foreign policy, given their deep historical roots and significant geopolitical, economic, and social dimensions.
In this context, Rangel noted that both parties agreed to prioritize social and economic issues, notably the intensification of academic exchanges, as well as enhanced cooperation in agriculture and the blue economy, particularly regarding oceans. He also mentioned coordination within the framework of the African agenda, given the close ties both countries maintain with several African states.
The Minister also recalled that Morocco and Portugal are candidates for a seat on the United Nations Security Council (Morocco for the 2029–2030 term, Portugal for 2027–2028), paving the way for mutual support and close coordination around a shared vision within the international community.
Additionally, he underscored the benefits of the geographical proximity which goes beyond bilateral relations to enhance cooperation between Africa and Europe, as well as between countries on both sides of the Atlantic. He recalled the strategic positions of Morocco and Portugal as gateways to the Atlantic, making cooperation in this area a shared priority.
Moreover, Rangel affirmed that Portugal considers itself “an important ally” of Morocco within the European Union, highlighting the broad prospects for bilateral cooperation at that level.
As part of the international momentum driven by the enlightened leadership of HM King Mohammed VI in support of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara and the Autonomy Initiative, Portugal expressed on Tuesday its “full support” for the Autonomy Initiative, which it considers “the most serious, credible and constructive basis for the settlement of this dispute.”
This position was expressed in the Joint Statement signed by Morocco and Portugal’s Foreign Ministers following their talks on in Lisbon. In this respect, Portugal recognized the importance of this issue for Morocco, as well as the serious and credible efforts undertaken by the Kingdom within the framework of the United Nations to achieve a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution.
Editorial team/le7tv
