Morocco and Slovakia have signed a joint declaration in Rabat to strengthen bilateral ties and expand economic cooperation during an official visit by Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanár, accompanied by a high-level economic delegation.
The declaration affirms both countries’ commitment to political dialogue, multilateral cooperation, and adherence to international law and the UN Charter principles in addressing global challenges, including sustainable development, climate change, terrorism, and migration.
The two nations agreed to enhance political dialogue through the reactivation of cooperation mechanisms and signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a bilateral consultation framework between their foreign ministries. Both sides also highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy and pledged to deepen exchanges between their legislative bodies, particularly through the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
Focus on Cultural, Academic, and Scientific Cooperation
On the cultural front, Morocco and Slovakia expressed their intent to boost academic and scientific cooperation. This includes promoting exchanges in education, innovation, and the blue economy, while fostering people-to-people connections between governmental institutions and civil society.
Economic Collaboration and Investment
Both countries emphasized the need to reinvigorate economic collaboration, particularly in high-value sectors such as renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, environmental protection, and green technologies.
They committed to organizing regular economic forums to facilitate dialogue between business leaders, encourage innovation, and identify investment opportunities. The joint effort will also support SMEs, recognizing their crucial role in job creation and economic diversification.
The declaration outlines a coordinated strategy to encourage reciprocal investment, remove bureaucratic hurdles, improve market access, and facilitate trade by streamlining customs procedures and implementing trade agreements effectively.
UN Security Council Candidacies and Global Cooperation
Morocco and Slovakia reiterated their commitment to multilateralism and expressed mutual support for each other’s candidacies for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028–2029 term. They pledged to strengthen cooperation within international organizations on issues of mutual concern.
Slovakia praised the ongoing “Visegrád Group + Morocco” dialogue and vowed to continue supporting Morocco’s interests within the European Union, including advancing trilateral cooperation initiatives with Africa.
Regional Security and Migration
The two countries discussed regional challenges, particularly in the Sahel, and reaffirmed their shared support for peace, security, and human rights. Slovakia welcomed Morocco’s strategic initiatives under King Mohammed VI’s leadership, especially the African Agenda on Migration endorsed by the African Union.
The declaration also addressed joint concerns about internal security and law enforcement, noting opportunities for cooperation in combating organized crime, child sexual exploitation, cybercrime, money laundering, fraud, economic crimes, corruption, document forgery, and terrorism. The countries agreed to explore avenues for enhanced collaboration on crisis management and preparedness.
On migration, both sides stressed their mutual commitment to intensify cooperation in addressing irregular migration, human trafficking, and smuggling. They underscored the need to treat migration as a shared responsibility, requiring effective joint responses.
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