Rabat and Cairo are embarking on a diplomatic rapprochement marked by a shared desire to turn the page on past tensions and strengthen a more balanced strategic partnership.
Despite differences on certain regional issues, the two countries have been issuing numerous signals of calm since the beginning of the year.
The latest is the delivery of a message from President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to King Mohammed VI, delivered to Rabat by the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Badr Abdel Aaty.
This move is part of the momentum for easing tensions initiated last March in response to a simmering trade crisis between the two countries. Egypt notably agreed to the establishment of a “Fast Track” mechanism designed to facilitate access for Moroccan products to its market.
On the Moroccan side, this gesture was hailed as a positive step forward, while calls were made for a fairer trade framework. Some Egyptian practices had previously been perceived in Rabat as unfavourable, fueling a feeling of asymmetry in trade.
Politically, Cairo’s cautious stance on the Western Sahara issue remains a source of reservation.
Although the country officially maintains neutrality, Egypt’s stance is viewed by some Moroccan observers as insufficiently committed to the kingdom’s territorial integrity.
The new phase of Moroccan-Egyptian relations nevertheless appears to be moving toward a more honest dialogue, where mutual interests dictate more structured and resolutely forward-looking cooperation.
SL/te/Sf/fss/as/APA