Morocco–Burundi: An Exemplary Cooperation Strengthened Under the Banner of a Win-Win Partnership
Ahead of the highly anticipated first session of the Joint Cooperation Commission between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Burundi, a high-level meeting was held on Monday, May 12, in Rabat between Mr. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, and his Burundian counterpart, Mr. Albert Shingiro, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation.
This event marks a new milestone in the strengthening of the historical and fraternal ties between Rabat and Bujumbura. It also reflects the shared determination of both countries to elevate their bilateral cooperation to a level of excellence across key sectors.
Bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Burundi have gained strong momentum, particularly since Bujumbura’s decision on October 25, 2010, to withdraw its recognition of the so-called “SADR.” Since then, Burundi has consistently supported Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over all its territories, including the Moroccan Sahara. This support was notably reaffirmed with the opening of a consulate general in Laâyoune on February 28, 2020.
On the diplomatic front, the Republic of Burundi opened its embassy in Rabat in 2015, while the Kingdom of Morocco inaugurated its own in Bujumbura in 2021. These diplomatic missions underscore a mutual will to build a lasting and strategic partnership.
Bilateral cooperation has significantly strengthened through the sharing of expertise and know-how, as outlined in the 2021–2024 roadmap. A preparatory committee composed of experts from both countries met in Rabat on April 23 and 24, 2024, to prepare for the first session of the Joint Cooperation Commission, in accordance with the founding agreement signed on October 19, 2022, during Minister Albert Shingiro’s working visit to Morocco.
Moreover, Morocco took an active part in the roundtable held in Bujumbura on December 5 and 6, 2024, which aimed to support the Burundian government in the implementation of its national development strategy: “Vision: Burundi, an emerging country by 2040, and a developed country by 2060.”
Through this exemplary rapprochement, Morocco and Burundi affirm that inter-African relations based on solidarity, sovereignty, and shared development form the foundation of a promising future for the entire continent. Morocco, in line with the royal vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, once again asserts its role as a driver of African integration, while Burundi demonstrates its diplomatic foresight and its commitment to a sincere, sustainable, and ambitious partnership.
