Gov’t Chief Spotlights in Cairo Morocco-Egypt Resolve to Revitalize Bilateral Ties

In a speech at the opening of the 1st session of the Morocco-Egypt Coordination and Follow-up Committee, Akhannouch noted that holding this meeting “reflects the ambition of both countries’ leaders, His Majesty King Mohammed VI and His brother His Excellency President Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi, to give new impetus into bilateral ties and elevate them to a comprehensive and exemplary strategic partnership, based on effective solidarity, comprehensive economic integration, and political coordination on regional and international issues.”

This meeting, he added, constitutes “a political declaration and a new charter laying the foundations for our strategic partnership with pragmatic guidelines, ensuring real and solid integration in various fields between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Arab Republic of Egypt, thereby strengthening their standing as key regional hubs.”

“Our strong bilateral ties also built on our clear stances regarding strategic issues facing both our countries,” Akhannouch continued, noting that achieving this anticipated model partnership requires a balanced increase in the volume and value of bilateral trade, while taking advantage of opportunities offered by a robust legal framework.

This requires, he stated, the optimum implementation of free trade agreements’ provisions at the regional and continental levels, as well as the removal of all administrative constraints and barriers to ensure the smooth flow of goods between the two countries and to promote two-way investment flows.

This will help capitalize on the expertise and economic potential available to both countries to support efforts achieved for the development and prosperity of the two brotherly peoples, Akhannouch argued, before concluding that the key to the desired economic integration between the two countries, based on the “win-win” principle, lies in expanding cooperation opportunities across multiple sectors.

He noted that these areas include, in particular, the development of direct logistics and maritime connectivity between strategic ports—especially between the Port of Tangier Med and East Port Said, as well as the Suez Canal corridor—turning the two countries into an integrated platform and a common gateway to African, European, and Asian markets.

He added that this involves the creation of a Morocco-Egypt investment platform, bringing together the agencies responsible for investment, with a view to promoting the exchange of information, coordinating promotional efforts, exploring project opportunities, and fostering a better understanding of business environments in both countries.

It further includes exchanging expertise and experiences in developing large-scale solar and wind energy projects, and strengthening regional cooperation in the field of renewable energy, particularly green hydrogen.

This cooperation also encompasses bolstering coordination within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area, with a view to establishing a common position on the African continent as an integrated economic bloc, and establishing bilateral cooperation in the field of minerals, through mutual capacity building in the mining sector and the exchange of expertise and data on mineral exploration.

Akhannouch then spoke of updating the legal framework governing relations between the two countries in order to meet their ambitions and keep pace with rapid global changes, noting that today’s signing of several legal agreements is a significant step and a strong signal of the shared commitment to elevate bilateral relations.

The Head of Government also noted that culture remains an essential pillar of Morocco-Egypt relations, calling for continued cooperation and the exchange of experiences in the fields of culture, the arts, and heritage, particularly regarding safeguarding and promoting tangible and intangible heritage, developing cultural and creative industries, and expanding opportunities to participate in cultural and artistic events and festivals.

On another note, Akhannouch affirmed that the current military escalation in the Middle East “must not overshadow the centrality of the Palestinian issue, which remains key to security and stability in the region.”

He concluded that, as part of Morocco’s support for the brotherly Palestinian people, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, continues to give special care to the Holy City and to pursue his sustained efforts to preserve its legal status, its civilizational role, and its historical symbolism as a land of coexistence among the three monotheistic religions.

The first session of the Morocco-Egypt Coordination and Follow-up Committee was held on Monday, co-chaired by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch and Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.