Morocco, Burundi launch first joint cooperation commission in Rabat

Morocco and Burundi held the inaugural session of their Joint Cooperation Commission on Wednesday in Rabat, signaling a deepening of bilateral ties with a focus on trade, investment, and education.

The high-level talks, co-chaired by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Burundian Foreign Minister Albert Shingiro, culminated in the signing of 13 agreements spanning sectors such as health, agriculture, tourism, energy, and education. The two nations also adopted a roadmap for cooperation extending through 2027.

Bourita described the commission as a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, emphasizing that the partnership is transitioning from diplomatic goodwill to more robust and structured collaboration.

“We are standing today on a solid foundation,” Bourita said. “With this first joint commission, we are doubling the legal framework between our countries and opening the door to new areas of cooperation.”

Despite strong political ties, Bourita acknowledged that economic relations remain underdeveloped. He referenced the 2023 Burundi Economic Promotion Week in Morocco as a catalyst for greater engagement and called for sustained efforts to expand trade and investment.

The Moroccan minister also praised existing educational exchanges, noting that hundreds of Burundian students are currently enrolled in Moroccan universities, many in critical disciplines for Burundi’s development.

Shingiro, in turn, hailed Morocco as a strategic ally. He thanked Rabat for its support during the December 2024 development roundtable in Bujumbura, describing it as a “strong sign” of solidarity.

“Morocco has always stood by our side,” Shingiro said. He urged Moroccan investors to explore opportunities in Burundi’s natural resources and mining sectors, assuring them of government support and favorable conditions.

The ministers underlined that their partnership extends beyond economic interests, rooted in shared values and a joint commitment to peace, security, and prosperity across Africa.

“Our two countries always work together, in Africa and internationally, for peace, stability, and security,” Bourita said.

Both sides hailed the commission as the beginning of a new chapter, one focused on accelerating cooperation and translating agreements into tangible benefits for both nations.