In the Joint Declaration, adopted at the end of the work of the 3rd Meeting of the High Joint Morocco-Belgium Partnership Commission, co-chaired by the Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, and the Belgian Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, the two parties also expressed their desire to strengthen trade and investments, to cooperate on climate, energy transition through the development of renewable energies and green molecules, as well as on water management and infrastructure. and transportation.
The two Heads of Government also welcomed the regular political dialogue, as evidenced by the visit to Morocco of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade and Federal Cultural Institutions, Hadja Lahbib, on October 20 2022, at the end of which a Joint Declaration was adopted between the two countries.
On the legislative level, the two parties underlined the importance of parliamentary cooperation which plays an essential role in strengthening bilateral relations, while encouraging the legislative institutions of the two countries to intensify their partnership, in particular through the creation of a Joint parliamentary forum constituting a space for dialogue and exchange.
MM. Akhannouch and De Croo underlined their desire to further develop the economic partnership, in particular by encouraging Belgian and Moroccan companies to explore the opportunities offered by both sides in terms of investment, in particular through the new “Moroccan Charter of “investment”, the “Morocco Offer” concerning green hydrogen and structuring projects planned in view of the organization of the 2030 World Cup as well as the opportunities offered by Belgium in particular as a partner in terms of energy transition, circular economy and other areas of common interest.
In this sense, they reaffirmed their desire to further strengthen cooperation in the field of energy transition.
The two Heads of Government also welcomed the scheduling of a Business Forum on April 16 in Casablanca, which will allow economic operators from the two countries to explore the numerous opportunities offered by Morocco and Belgium in matters of trade and investment.
They also welcomed the success of the long-standing development cooperation between the two Kingdoms covering numerous areas, and the signing, in February 2024, of the Specific Convention for the 2023-2028 cooperation program, aimed in particular at encouraging development. economic inclusion of women and young people in a decent work environment, knowing that part of the program concerns projects aimed at contributing to the reconstruction phase of the Al Haouz region.
MM. Akhannouch and De Croo also welcomed the progress recorded in the context of judicial cooperation, through the permanent exchange of expertise, official visits and joint commissions, welcoming the conclusions of the last Joint Commission on the matter. civil and criminal, held in December 2023, in particular the concrete implementation of the Convention between the Kingdom of Belgium and the Kingdom of Morocco on assistance to detained persons and the transfer of convicted persons, and its Additional Protocol.
In this Joint Declaration, the two parties demonstrated their desire to promote innovative judicial cooperation, aligned with the highest international standards, for the effective management of cross-border judicial matters.
The two Heads of Government underlined the common interest of the two countries in continuing and strengthening close bilateral cooperation to combat threats to national and international security.
In terms of security cooperation, they affirmed their desire to develop it further, in particular through the establishment of a regular cooperation structure. They also welcomed the implementation of the Cooperation Convention in the fight against organized crime and terrorism, which entered into force in 2022, and the 2022-2024 action plan in the field of police cooperation.
The two Heads of Government welcomed the progress made within the framework of migration cooperation, in particular the holding of the 1st meeting of the Moroccan-Belgian Joint Migration Group and the joint implementation of effective measures.
Taking into account the institutional framework of each party, they underlined their desire to further strengthen cultural cooperation between the two countries, which constitutes an important lever for mutual understanding and for rapprochement between the Moroccan and Belgian communities.
The two parties thus discussed the possibilities of further developing the partnership in the cultural field, such as the exchange of expertise in the protection, conservation and enhancement of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, cooperation between museums and institutes specializing in arts and heritage professions and the organization of cultural and artistic activities in both countries.
Emphasis was also placed on the importance of developing cooperation between the two countries in the field of sport, particularly women’s sport. In this regard, Morocco congratulated Belgium for its candidacy, jointly with Germany and the Netherlands, for the organization of the Women’s Football World Cup in 2027.
Time.news Interview: Morocco-Belgium Partnership
Editor (Emma Cartwright): Good morning, and welcome to this special edition of our Time.news interview series. Today, we’re diving into the recently strengthened cooperation between Morocco and Belgium. Joining me is Dr. Adil Benjelloun, an expert in international relations and Middle Eastern studies. Thank you for being with us, Dr. Benjelloun.
Dr. Adil Benjelloun: Thank you for having me, Emma. It’s a pleasure to discuss this important development.
Editor: Let’s start with the fundamentals. The recent Joint Declaration between Morocco and Belgium came out of the 3rd Meeting of the High Joint Partnership Commission. Could you summarize what the key objectives of this partnership are?
Dr. Benjelloun: Certainly! The joint declaration emphasizes enhancing trade and investment relations, focusing on sustainable goals such as energy transition and climate resilience. Both countries are aiming to cooperate extensively on renewable energy, infrastructure, and water management which are critical elements considering the urgent climate challenges we face.
Editor: That’s fascinating. The declaration also mentions a desire to develop a “Joint parliamentary forum.” Why is this parliamentary cooperation essential for strengthening bilateral relations?
Dr. Benjelloun: Parliamentary cooperation can enhance dialogue and promote shared values between Morocco and Belgium. It serves as a platform for discussing legislative opportunities and addressing any bilateral issues that arise. By increasing collaboration on this level, both countries can formulate policies that reflect their mutual interests while fostering deeper engagement at the people-to-people level.
Editor: Now, let’s talk about the economic initiatives highlighted in the declaration. The two nations plan to encourage investments especially in areas involving the Moroccan Charter of Investment and green hydrogen projects. What makes these areas particularly appealing?
Dr. Benjelloun: The Moroccan Charter of Investment offers an attractive framework for foreign investors by providing incentives and security for investments. As for green hydrogen, it’s a burgeoning sector aligned with global energy transition goals; Morocco’s extensive renewable energy potential, especially wind and solar, can make it a leader in this field. Belgium, with its advanced technological capabilities, can play a crucial role in this collaboration, ensuring both countries benefit economically while addressing climate change.
Editor: You mentioned the upcoming Business Forum scheduled in Casablanca. How significant is this event for both countries?
Dr. Benjelloun: The Business Forum scheduled for April 16 is a crucial step in facilitating networking between Moroccan and Belgian businesses. It allows stakeholders to directly engage, share insights, and identify concrete opportunities. Events like this are vital for catalyzing investment flows and ensuring the commitments made in the Joint Declaration are translated into actionable outcomes on the ground.
Editor: Alongside this economic discourse, we see an emphasis on security cooperation as well. What threats do you think both nations are specifically aiming to address through this partnership?
Dr. Benjelloun: Both Morocco and Belgium share concerns about national and international security threats, which include terrorism, drug trafficking, and cyber threats. By enhancing cooperation on security matters, including intelligence sharing and joint training exercises, they can not only better combat these threats but also foster a safer environment for trade and economic development.
Editor: there’s a noteworthy focus on community development, particularly concerning women’s and youth inclusion in the economic sector. Why is this focus essential for the future of both nations?
Dr. Benjelloun: Economic inclusion of women and youth is pivotal. Empowering these groups not only leads to sustainable economic growth but also creates a more equitable society. By investing in initiatives that support these demographics, both Morocco and Belgium underscore their commitment to social justice and can harness the full potential of their populations, which is vital in today’s dynamic global economy.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Benjelloun, for your insights on this evolving partnership between Morocco and Belgium. It’s clear that both nations are taking meaningful steps towards a collaborative future.
Dr. Benjelloun: Thank you, Emma. It was a pleasure to discuss these developments with you.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay tuned for more discussions in our Time.news series, where we continue to explore important global partnerships and initiatives.