Morocco and the Czech Republic on Thursday reaffirmed their strong shared commitment to elevating their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, building on what both sides described as an “unprecedented” momentum.
This ambition was expressed during talks held in Rabat between Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, and Petr Macinka, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, who is on an official visit to the kingdom.
The two ministers noted that bilateral relations have reached a high level of maturity, acquiring strategic importance across several sectors. They underscored their shared commitment to establishing a structured strategic partnership, grounded in decades of diplomatic ties and converging interests.
Both officials reiterated their determination to maintain regular and in-depth political dialogue, covering major international issues as well as key areas of cooperation, including security, economy, defense, energy, migration, culture, and tourism. They also agreed to sustain the momentum of high-level visits and economic missions.
Bourita and Macinka further welcomed the progress achieved since the 2023 Prague Joint Declaration, which significantly expanded the scope of bilateral cooperation and reflected a strong convergence of views between the two countries.
In the same vein, both sides agreed to further develop cooperation in high value-added strategic sectors such as healthcare and pharmaceuticals, science and innovation, water management, infrastructure, the automotive industry, smart cities, aerospace, cybersecurity, innovative transport, digitalisation, and railways. They also intend to explore industrial co-development opportunities in areas including defense, mining, agri-food industries, renewable energy, and agriculture.
The two ministers emphasised the importance of holding the first session of the Joint Economic Cooperation Commission in Prague this year, viewing it as a key mechanism to translate these ambitions into concrete outcomes.
On the security front, both parties welcomed the strengthening of military cooperation, noting that the military agreement signed in October 2024, once ratified, will open new prospects in defense industries, training, joint exercises, and technical cooperation.
The Czech Republic also praised Morocco’s designation as co-host of the FIFA World Cup 2030 alongside Spain and Portugal, highlighting the event’s potential to boost the kingdom’s development while offering opportunities for Czech companies.
In addition, Prague commended Morocco’s role in Africa, particularly initiatives led by Mohammed VI to promote peace, stability, and socio-economic development across the continent. It notably highlighted the Royal Initiative aimed at facilitating Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the Atlantic African States Process.
At the international level, the Czech Republic also praised Morocco’s constructive role in the Middle East and commended King Mohammed VI’s personal commitment as Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee.
AK/Sf/lb/as/APA