Morocco, Kenya sign five MOUs to deepen bilateral ties and boost African development

Morocco and Kenya signed five memorandums of understanding on Monday in Rabat, marking a significant step toward strengthening diplomatic, economic and political ties between the two nations, as they commemorate 60 years of bilateral relations.

The agreements were signed by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi, who is on an official visit to the kingdom.

The MOUs cover cooperation in housing and urban development, youth affairs, diplomatic training between Morocco’s Academy for Diplomatic Studies and Kenya’s Foreign Service Academy, trade development, and public service capacity building.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Bourita emphasized the importance of Mudavadi’s visit, calling it “historic” and “not ordinary,” as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, established in 1965. He also confirmed that Kenya is opening an embassy in Rabat, which is expected to facilitate the implementation of joint initiatives.

“This visit enriches the legal framework governing our bilateral relations,” Bourita said, noting that despite the long-standing diplomatic ties, only 10 agreements had previously been signed. He stressed the need to expand this framework to encourage stronger economic and people-to-people relations.

Bourita also announced that Morocco and Kenya have agreed to hold a joint commission meeting before the end of the year, calling it “another positive milestone that will open a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.” He described both countries as key players in promoting peace and stability across the African continent.

“Morocco considers Kenya a central and strategic actor in Africa and a promoter of peace,” Bourita said, adding that Kenya’s constructive stance on Morocco’s territorial integrity has helped to further cement ties.

Mudavadi echoed these sentiments, affirming Kenya’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Morocco across various sectors.

“Our countries share a common history and cooperate closely on several international platforms,” he said. “We thank Morocco for supporting Kenya’s hosting of major global events, particularly in the fields of environment and climate change.”

He praised Morocco’s “impressive record in diplomacy” and described the North African country as a “rising economic power on the continent,” noting its leadership in advancing African integration and promoting intra-African trade.

In a joint statement released after the meeting, Kenya reiterated its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan as “the only sustainable solution” to the Sahara dispute and expressed its willingness to work with other like-minded countries to help implement the initiative.